The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) has tapped Ireland-based daa International to build and run a VIP terminal at Dulles International Airport. The facility would give commercial airline passengers a premium alternative that officials say is the first of its kind in the Washington region.

The MWAA announced Oct. 20 that daa International will develop, lease and operate the 37,000-square-foot facility on a 1.2-acre site near the airport's cargo buildings. The terminal is separate from private jet operations and open to travelers on any airline.

For Reston-area commuters and business travelers who use Dulles regularly, the facility would offer dedicated parking and a private entrance. Passengers would also get private security screening, suites and lounges away from the main concourses, and personalized check-in with vehicle transport directly to the gate.

Kevin Cullinane, deputy director of communications for daa Group, told FFXnow the goal is to open the facility in the first quarter of 2029 after a roughly 30-month construction period.

The deal runs for an initial 20 years. MWAA officials said in July that daa would pay base rent plus a percentage of total revenue, with the combined payments estimated at $125 million over the life of the contract, according to FFXnow.

Chryssa Westerlund, MWAA's executive vice president and chief revenue officer, said the VIP terminal reflects the authority's effort to give passengers more options at Dulles. She said the airport is responding to traveler demand and joining other international airports that offer premium services.

"It is designed to offer travelers a premium, private and seamless airport experience and is not restricted to any particular airline or class of ticket," Cullinane told FFXnow.

Nick Cole, CEO of daa International, said the company looks forward to bringing its expertise to Dulles. The firm already operates the Platinum VIP private terminal at Dublin Airport and is developing a VIP terminal in Vietnam, according to RTÉ News.

The contract did not come without friction. An unsuccessful bidder, whose identity MWAA did not disclose, challenged the award. The MWAA board rejected that appeal at its July 15 meeting, FFXnow reported. Only one board member, Trent Morse, voted to support the challenge.

The VIP terminal adds to a wave of investment at Dulles. A $22 billion redevelopment plan announced in July would replace terminals, add a walkable parking garage with more than 30,000 spaces and build new Aerotrain connections, according to Patch. Nearly 54 million passengers passed through Dulles in 2025, making it the busiest of the three major airports serving the Washington metro area.

Pricing for VIP terminal access has not been disclosed. daa International aims to have the doors open by early 2029.