Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Plans New Nine-Gate Concourse for Terminal 1

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is set to receive a major upgrade with the construction of a new nine-gate concourse in Terminal 1. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) is planning the project, which will replace the existing midcentury concourse and rotunda, affectionately known as "the banjo," dating back to 1970.

Project Details and Timeline

The new concourse, officially titled the "Terminal 1 Replacement Gates Facility," along with a new "processor" building for check-in and baggage claim, is anticipated to open as early as 2031. The estimated cost of the project is $835 million, initially projected in 2025.

Impact on Airlines and Travelers

SouthwestAirlines, the primary user of Terminal 1, will likely benefit significantly from the new facility. Air Canada and Frontier Airlines are also expected to utilize the expanded space. A Southwest spokesperson expressed enthusiasm for the project’s completion, noting collaboration with the Airport authority.

Related Developments

This upgrade follows the $1 billion Project Journey completed five years ago, which included a new 14-gate concourse (the E Gates) and two new security checkpoints. MWAA is also pursuing a $22.5 billion redevelopment of Dulles InternationalAirport (IAD), championed by the Trump administration and United Airlines. The new DCA concourse will completely reorganize Terminal 1, streamlining the passenger experience and incorporating a new multilevel processor building. The project aims to balance modern convenience with respect for the terminal’s historic context, including the 1941 historic terminal. PGAL, the architecture firm behind the E Gates at DCA and Concourse E at IAD, will lead the design efforts. The "banjo" and other nonlandmarked additions to the 1941 terminal will be demolished.