Dulles Airport's Futuristic Terminal: Keep or Scrap in Revamp?
Published Date: 12/5/2025
Notice
Summary
Washington Dulles International Airport is getting a major makeover! The government is asking for ideas to build brand-new terminals and concourses, or to cleverly update the old ones, including the famous Saarinen-designed main terminal. This project will affect travelers, airlines, and the local community, with proposals due by January 20, 2026, aiming to make the airport modern, efficient, and proud of its history.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Opportunity for design and construction firms
If you are an architect, contractor, or other industry partner, the Department is requesting statements of interest and capability and design/construction proposals for entirely new terminals and concourses at Washington Dulles International Airport. Final submissions are due January 20, 2026, and the Department will accept responses from interested members of the public, including potential vendors.
Respondents must pay their own costs
The Department will not pay for any information received or the costs incurred in preparing a response to this request for information; any costs associated with a submittal are solely at the interested vendor's expense. The Department also states it is not seeking or accepting unsolicited proposals and will retain submissions.
Call for innovative financing (P3 and more)
The Department is asking for proposals that describe how a design-build could be structured and financed, including innovative approaches such as a Public-Private Partnership (P3), Airport Investment Partnership Program, alternate delivery methods, or exceptions to procurement requirements. Respondents should explain financing structures and concepts that could maximize available funds and speed construction.
Construction will affect travelers and community
The Department says the revitalization project will affect travelers, airlines, and the local community and requests proposals that explain how redesign or major renovation could be carried out while mitigating and minimizing disruption to airport operations. Respondents are asked to describe mitigation of operational impact during construction.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15835, Accessible Lavatories on Single-Aisle Aircraft and Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers With Disabilities Using Wheelchairs
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT or Department) is extending its previously announced enforcement discretion for four provisions of the final rule on "Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers With Disabilities Using Wheelchairs" (Wheelchair Rule I) related to airline liability for mishandled wheelchairs, refresher training frequency, pre-departure notifications, and fare difference reimbursements from December 31, 2026 to April 30, 2027. To maintain regulatory consistency, the Department is also expanding this enforcement discretion to include the 12-month hands-on training mandate for flight attendants regarding on-board wheelchair (OBW) assistance and lavatory accessibility in the final rule titled "Accessible Lavatories on Single-Aisle Aircraft" (Accessible Lavatory Rule). These provisions will be formally addressed in an upcoming rulemaking titled "Airline Obligations to Accommodate Air Travelers with Disabilities Using Wheelchairs" (Wheelchair Rule II). This extension is necessary to allow sufficient time for the Department to review and analyze public comments, and to make final determinations regarding the content of the final rule. This exercise of enforcement discretion is intended to remove the burden of complying with the requirements under review by DOT and does not prejudge the outcome of the new rulemaking. This notice does not affect the enforcement of requirements in the Accessible Lavatory Rule other than the one identified.
2026-15529, Enhancing Flexibility of Air Fare Price Advertising
The U.S. Department of Transportation (Department or DOT) is extending the comment end date for interested persons to submit comments to its proposed rule on Enhancing Flexibility of Air Fare Price Advertising from July 31, 2026, to August 21, 2026.
2026-13805, Pipeline Safety: Repair Criteria for Hazardous Liquid and Gas Transmission Pipelines
The government wants to update pipeline safety rules to make fixing gas and liquid pipelines smarter, safer, and cheaper. These changes affect pipeline operators who’ll use new tech and clearer guidelines to spot and repair problems faster. Comments are open until September 8, 2026, so get ready to weigh in before the rules get final—and yes, this could save money and prevent accidents!
2026-13675, Airline Refunds and Other Consumer Protections
If your flight gets a new flight number but still flies on time without big changes, airlines don’t have to treat it as canceled or give you a refund right away. This rule helps airlines and passengers by giving the government more time to update the official cancellation rules. This change affects anyone buying plane tickets and lasts until July 7, 2027.
2026-13450, Increasing Flexibility on Disclosure of Airline Ancillary Fees
The Department of Transportation is rolling back its 2024 rule about how airlines must share extra fees, like baggage or seat upgrades, with travelers. This change affects airlines and passengers by returning to the older 2011 rules for fee disclosure starting July 2, 2026. It means airlines have more flexibility in how they show these fees, and travelers might see less detailed info for now.
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22009, Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations
The CDC wants your thoughts on a plan to collect better info about new and rising sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to help track and fight them more effectively. This affects patients at risk for STIs and health agencies working to stop their spread. Comments are open until February 3, 2026, and this effort aims to improve public health without adding extra costs or burdens.
Next: 2025-22012, Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for a Proposed Highway Project; Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
The government is planning to study ways to improve a 1.5-mile stretch of Interstate 794 in Milwaukee County, focusing on the Lake Interchange area. They want to hear from the public by January 5, 2026, before moving forward with the project, which won’t change the main bridge or major interchanges. This study could lead to smoother traffic and safer roads, with details and updates shared online for everyone to follow.