Dulles to retire its space-age ‘mobile lounges’ in sweeping airport overhaul

Dulles International Airport is moving to retire its controversial 'mobile lounges' as part of a $22.5 billion redesign announced by the Trump administration, which will replace the shuttles between the main terminal and concourses with an air train, central walking tunnel, and new hotel. The lounges, in operation since 1962 and designed to minimize walking, have been criticized as inefficient and have suffered multiple accidents, including a 2025 crash injuring 18 passengers. Some celebrate modernization, while aviation nerds and others lament the loss of a space-age oddity they’ve long associated with the airport.