• President Donald Trump and United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby are set to announce a $22 billion plan to expand and modernize Washington Dulles International Airport, according to people familiar with the matter.
  • The project, which will be backed by a public-private partnership, aims to transform Dulles into a more competitive global hub, boosting capacity and upgrading aging infrastructure.
  • United Airlines, which holds a dominant share of traffic at Dulles, is expected to be a key partner in the initiative, which could create thousands of jobs and spur economic growth in the region.

A Major Infrastructure Push

The announcement, expected as early as next week, represents one of the largest airport modernization efforts in the U.S. The plan includes new terminals, expanded runways, and upgraded baggage handling systems, as well as improvements to road and rail connections. The $22 billion price tag would be funded through a mix of federal grants, airport bonds, and private investment, with United Airlines contributing a significant portion, the sources said.

“This is a transformative project for the region and for the country,” a person involved in the planning said. “It’s about making Dulles a world-class airport that can handle the growth in air travel for decades to come.”

United’s Central Role

United Airlines, which operates its largest hub at Dulles, has been pushing for the expansion to accommodate its growing international route network. CEO Scott Kirby has been in discussions with administration officials for months, advocating for the project as a way to boost U.S. competitiveness. “United is committed to investing in our infrastructure, and Dulles is a critical part of our network,” a company spokesperson said, declining to comment on the specifics of the plan.

The partnership underscores the airline’s strategy of deepening ties with government to secure long-term growth. United has already invested heavily in its Dulles operations, including a $1 billion terminal renovation completed in 2022.

Political and Economic Implications

The project is expected to receive bipartisan support, given its potential to create an estimated 20,000 construction and operational jobs. However, some local officials have raised concerns about the cost and the potential for increased noise and traffic. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which operates Dulles, has been working on a master plan for expansion, and this announcement could accelerate those efforts.

“Infrastructure is one of the few areas where both parties can come together,” a senior administration official said. “This project will be a model for how public-private partnerships can deliver major improvements without overburdening taxpayers.”

The announcement comes amid a broader push by the Trump administration to rebuild the nation’s airports, with similar plans in the works for other major hubs.

For United Airlines, the expansion is a bet on the future of air travel. With demand surging post-pandemic, the airline is racing to add capacity, and Dulles is a key bottleneck. “Without this expansion, we’d be constrained in our ability to grow,” the United spokesperson said. "This is about unlocking potential."

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the funding breakdown. The $22 billion includes both public and private contributions, with United Airlines' share still under negotiation.