United's New Complex in Washington. Photo: United Airlines United Airlines and the Washington Regional Aviation Authority today (Monday, November 9, 2026) unveiled the new Concourse E at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), which will open to passengers tomorrow, November 10, 2026.
This is the first new gate complex built at the airport in almost two decades, and is designed to expand operational capacity and improve the passenger experience.
The new complex covers approximately 40,000 square meters and includes 14 boarding gates, direct access to the AeroTrain, food and shopping complexes, and a new United Club lounge.
The 3,700-square-foot lounge offers more than 600 seats, a bar, two food stations, eight private phone booths, high-speed Wi-Fi and power outlets at nearly every seat. It also increases United's airport lounge space by about 70 percent.
United's new complex in Washington. Photo: United AirlinesThe new complex is the first of four planned construction phases in Complex E. Subsequent phases are expected to add up to 36 additional gates, a new customs inspection area for passengers on connecting flights, and an extra-large Polaris Lounge.
The project is part of the "Dulles Global Gateway" program, with an investment of more than $20 billion over the next decade, including upgrades to the main terminal, additional complexes, expanded domestic rail service, and a new customs facility.
United's new complex in Washington. Photo: United AirlinesUnited currently operates more than 250 daily flights from Washington Dulles to 135 destinations. Next summer, the company is expected to operate more than 300 daily departures from the airport.
In December, the company will begin operating international flights from it using Airbus A321XLR aircraft to Amsterdam and Dublin. Toulouse and Milan will also be added to the network next year.