Airport adviser daa International picked to run new VIP terminal at Dulles

daa International will develop, lease and run a new VIP terminal at Washington Dulles International Airport. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), which runs Dulles, chose the company. Airport World reported the news on 20 October 2026. daa International is the airport management and advisory arm of daa Group, which runs Dublin and Cork airports in Ireland.

The terminal will cover 37,000 square feet on its own site at the airport. It is for airline passengers who want a premium trip. It will have its own VIP parking and entrance, private security screening for domestic and international flights, and personal check-in and baggage help. It is described as the first terminal of its kind for the Washington area.

Timeline and team

The plan has a 30-month build phase, followed by a 20-year operating term. The design firm Corgan is working on the building. No opening date or cost has been made public.

daa International has done this kind of work before. Its track record includes the Platinum VIP terminal at Dublin Airport. It is also designing a VIP terminal in Vietnam and manages Red Sea International Airport in Saudi Arabia. The win adds to daa Group's growth in North America. Its travel retail business, ARI, already holds the duty-free contract at JFK Terminal 4.

Nick Cole, CEO of daa International, said the company was "honoured to have been selected" for the project. MWAA said the terminal answers growing demand for premium passenger services around the world.

Advice that turns into operations

Airport groups now take their know-how abroad, not just run their home airports. This contract shows how advisory skills can lead to a long operating role. To find firms that advise airports, airlines and aircraft owners, see our aviation consulting companies.

Source: Airport World, 20 October 2026