Trump unveils $22.5B modernization plan for Dulles International Airport

President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a sweeping modernization project for Dulles International Airport, the main international gateway near Washington, D.C.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said it was time for the United States to have "the best airports anywhere in the world," adding that the effort would begin in the nation's capital.

Dulles Airport is not located within Washington, D.C. itself but in northern Virginia, about 40 kilometers from the city center. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport sits inside the capital, but it handles a higher share of domestic flights, making Dulles the primary choice for international travelers.

According to Bloomberg, Dulles — one of the capital's main entry points — served about 29 million passengers last year, a 6.4 percent increase from the previous year. Even so, the airport has long drawn complaints about aging infrastructure and passenger inconvenience.

The Trump administration plans to invest $22.5 billion in the overhaul, expanding or renovating more than 5 million square meters of airport space and fully remodeling Concourses C and D. The existing main terminal, which carries architectural significance, will be preserved.

The plan also calls for a new parking facility with capacity for 32,000 vehicles, along with a major expansion of hotels, shops, restaurants and other amenities to improve the overall passenger experience.

Once the modernization is complete, the airport's existing "people mover" — a large shuttle bus used to ferry passengers between the terminal and concourses — will be retired and replaced by a below-ground passenger transit system. Bloomberg reported that the people mover was originally conceived as a mobile lounge but in practice functioned like an oversized shuttle bus, drawing persistent criticism and ridicule from travelers.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also weighed in on the people mover Wednesday, calling it something "out of Star Wars" and saying people were frustrated by how slow it was.

Trump pointed to the long-running gap between American airports and the grand, modern facilities found in major cities around the world, and reiterated his commitment to transforming Dulles into a world-class hub.

Duffy said $22.5 billion in bonds would be issued to fund the project, with costs shared among several airlines with a hub presence at Dulles, including United Airlines.

The administration said construction is expected to take about two years, though some parts of the project may require congressional approval.

Since beginning his second term, Trump has championed a series of renovation projects targeting landmark facilities in Washington, D.C. These have included plans to build a large banquet hall at the White House, a full renovation of the Kennedy Center — the capital's premier performing arts venue — and an environmental improvement project for the National Mall's Reflecting Pool.