United’s Hub at Washington Dulles Set To Receive $500 Million Upgrade

United’s hub in the nation’s capital by way of Dulles Airport is often overlooked compared to some of the airline’s “superstar” hubs in places like Denver and Newark.

However, the airport plays a pivotal role in the carrier’s network, especially for international routes.

Now, the airport is poised to step up its role in the United network, thanks to a massive, more-than-$500-million expansion and renovation plan that will give the airline an entirely new concourse and room to grow at the facility.

Here’s what you need to know about the exciting developments at Dulles Airport.

Dulles Concourse E Is on the Way

United Airlines and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) have partnered to invest more than half a billion dollars into the construction of the all-new Concourse E at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

“Washington Dulles has emerged as a global gateway and these new investments will help deliver the world-class facility that our employees and customers deserve,” said United CEO Scott Kirby. “Today is one of many milestone celebrations to come in United’s long-term commitment [to] advancing our Dulles hub.”

United has embarked on a recent initiative — known as the United Next plan — to upgrade and modernize airports across the country. This investment at Dulles follows similar projects at other United hubs, including Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), and Newark (EWR).

When it opens in 2026, the brand-new Concourse E will be over 435,000 square feet and will bring 14 new gates suitable for both narrow- and wide-body aircraft, a 40,000-square-foot United Club, and “state-of-the-art customer amenities,” according to a press release from United.

It will also feature a direct connection to the airport’s existing Aerotrain system, making it easier to access other concourses or the main terminal.

In addition to the passenger-facing improvements at the airport, the airline will open a new flight attendant training center in 2025, signaling further commitment to its position in the nation’s capital.

United’s Network Expansion at Dulles

In addition to expanding its physical presence at Dulles, United continues to bolster its network from the airport.

According to the press release, United is operating 25% more flights at the airport compared to 2023. The carrier says more expansion is on the way, too, with a plan to grow from around 250 daily departures at present to about 280 by April 2025.

United says that it’s added 13 domestic routes from Dulles this year alone, including nonstop flights to Palm Springs, California (PSP), which are scheduled to commence on December 19.

On the international side, United leverages its position as the dominant carrier in the U.S. capital to connect the city with nonstop flights to other world capitals including Accra, Ghana; Brussels, Belgium; Rome, Italy; Mexico City, Mexico; Tokyo, Japan; and more. In May of next year, the airline will add another capital to the list: Dakar, Senegal.

Outside major capital cities, United also connects the Washington, D.C. area with nonstop flights to popular destinations for leisure travelers, including Venice, Italy, and Nice, France.

Final Thoughts

United flyers who utilize its Dulles hub will soon have an entirely new concourse to enjoy. It will feature the latest and greatest in passenger amenities, a gigantic United Club lounge, plenty of retail and restaurant options, and more. But perhaps most importantly, it will allow the airline to continue to expand its operation from the airport and link our nation’s capital with more of the globe.