Exclusive: Reagan National Eyes Replacement of Historic Terminal 1

According to a document viewed by AeroXplorer, Washington D.C.'s Reagan National Airport (DCA) is set to redevelop its historic Terminal 1, formerly known as Terminal A. This proposed move comes after the airport completed construction on the $1-billion Project Journey, including replacing a set of bus gates known as 35X with a 14-gate commuter concourse.

The document adds that the group that operates the airport, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), plans to pursue a Department of Transportation (DOT) grant worth $637.5 million in 2023. Unfortunately, no further details are given on a timeline, or the scope and plan for the project, though the MWAA seeks money for Terminal 1 utility relocation in 2024.

In a statement to AeroXplorer, MWAA spokesperson Robert Yingling noted that "a future Terminal 1 redevelopment project for Reagan National is in the early stages of concept development, but no project details are available at this time." However, a statement on the pursuit of a DOT grant for the redevelopment of Terminal 1 is still quite indicative of future proceedings. Any movement on seeking environmental approval for the project would be another lead indicator.

The 9-gate banjo concourse dates back to 1970, as a commuter concourse for Northwest and TWA, per Edward Russell. In 2014, the MWAA completed a renovation of Terminal 1 and the concourse, including the historic lobby by expanding the security area, while modernizing the concourse and check-in areas.

Within the past year, the MWAA completed Project Journey, which erected a new 14-gate regional concourse to replace an array of dreaded bus gates known as Gate 35X. In addition, a centralized security screening area was constructed, optimizing connections between concourses for American Airlines.  

Previously, to replace Gate 35X, multiple proposals were explored, including a lower-cost pier on the south end adjacent to the 9-gate banjo. This highlights the amount of available space for the new terminal.
 

The proposed new terminal is probably linked with the completion of Project Journey via a fully secure "National Hall, " a former pre-security area home to the majority of the shops and dining at Reagan National. A new terminal could lead to all terminals being linked post-security, rather than requiring passengers to exit and re-screen.

Currently, Terminal 1 is operated by three main carriers: Air Canada, Frontier, and Southwest. Southwest Airlines is the primary user of Terminal 1 with a vast array of destinations, while Frontier Airlines only operates services to Denver. Air Canada offers services to Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto.

In a July board meeting, MWAA Chairperson William Sudow noted that these grant proposals will be part of a multi-billion dollar capital program starting in 2023 with partner American Airlines.

Proposals for Dulles

In addition, a separate document details more DOT grant proposals for the region's primary international airport: Washington Dulles International Airport. Specifically, the document reveals a project expanding the airport's Z-Gates by 3 gates, developing the "South Cargo area," and electrifying the airport's historic Mobile Lounges.

Overall, these projects will be in conjunction with a grant proposal earlier this year: a 14-gate concourse replacing a smaller regional concourse for United Airlines. The airport was awarded nearly $50 million for the project from the DOT, slated for completion in 2026. Similarly, Chairperson Sudow commented that this is the first phase of a multi-billion dollar terminal redevelopment program spanning 15 years with United Airlines.

Overall, the MWAA will oversee two critical capital infrastructure programs, as the authority looks to develop its airports for the future.