According to a recent report by the Washington Business Journal, a transformative vision for Dulles International Airport (IAD) is beginning to take shape. Following a high-profile call for "rebuilding" the facility by the Trump administration, over half a dozen major firms have submitted bold—and sometimes controversial—proposals to reshape the Northern Virginia landmark.

The proposals come in response to a December 2025 solicitation from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), seeking concepts that would modernize an airport the President previously described as "not a good airport at all."

The "Donald J. Trump Terminal" and the Grand Arch

Perhaps the most striking submission comes from a partnership between aviation architecture firm Bermello Ajamil & Partners and the world-renowned Zaha Hadid Architects. Their vision includes:

  • The Trump Terminal: A new "grand arch" facility that would serve as the primary hub for ticketing, baggage drop-off, and pick-up.

  • A Shift in Function: This new facility would sit in front of the existing historic terminal, essentially taking over the heavy lifting of modern passenger processing.

  • Strategic Audience: Rolando Mendoza of Woolpert (which owns Bermello Ajamil) noted that the decision to name the terminal after the President was deliberate, stating, "We know our audience, and you play to your audience."

  • Preserving the Eero Saarinen Legacy

    While the proposals look toward the future, they also show a surprising amount of reverence for the airport's past. The iconic midcentury main terminal, designed by Eero Saarinen, is a focal point in nearly every plan. Instead of being replaced, firms suggest it be "repurposed for revenue-generating uses."

    "Most plans preserve the historic Saarinen terminal as a museum or a high-end concessions hub for restaurants and duty-free shops." — Washington Business Journal

    Comparison of Key Proposals

    Firm/Group Key Feature Proposed Name
    Bermello Ajamil & Zaha Hadid Grand Arch facility & Y-shaped pier Donald J. Trump Terminal
    Phoenix Infrastructure/Ironbridge Converting Saarinen terminal to a museum "Make IAD Great Again" partners
    Fengate Capital/AltitudeX Head-of-state terminal for dignitaries "Trump Airports"
    Glydways Inc. Autonomous pod-like passenger vehicles N/A

    Moving Beyond the "Mobile Lounges"

    A major point of contention at Dulles has long been the "mobile lounges"—the bus-like vehicles that shuttle passengers across the tarmac.2 The DOT's solicitation specifically asked for alternatives to these aging machines.


    Innovations suggested include:

    • Autonomous Pods: Proposed by Glydways Inc. to move passengers throughout the campus.

    • Direct Jet Transports (DJT): A larger, more nimble version of the mobile lounge concept proposed by Eden Blue Inc., which reportedly carries the endorsement of Susan Saarinen, daughter of the original architect.

    Federal Ambition vs. Local Reality

    The surge of ambitious proposals highlights a growing gap between the federal government’s desire for a rapid overhaul and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority's (MWAA) long-term plans.

    The MWAA is currently focused on the construction of Concourse E, a $560 million project already underway.3 While the federal government owns the land, the MWAA operates the airport under a lease through the year 2100.4 This tension raises questions about how quickly—or effectively—these "spectacular" new visions can be integrated into the existing $7 billion capital improvement program.


    Regardless of which plan moves forward, the submissions make one thing clear: the future of Dulles will be as much about architectural branding as it is about aviation infrastructure.

    Stay Informed on Northern Virginia

    Are you planning a move to the Dulles corridor or looking to invest in the booming Northern Virginia real estate market? Changes to our local infrastructure can have a major impact on property values and quality of life.

    Download our Free Relocation Guide:

    Get the Northern Virginia Relocation Guide Here

    Contact the Colgan Team:

    Have questions about how these developments affect your home's value? Reach out to the experts at the Colgan Team today!


Posted by Chris Colgan on

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