Story perspectives

Saarinen’s Dulles Terminal Limits Expansion Amid Growing Demand

6/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

The original design now limits further expansion because the terminal’s sweeping roof and surrounding farmland constrain new construction.
Eero Saarinen designed Dulles International Airport, which opened in 1962 near Washington, D.C., and remains in service.
The original terminal featured futuristic mobile lounges and a Jetsons-style cartoon showing passengers sipping martinis before takeoff.
Since opening, the airport has added concourses and expanded the main building to handle more passengers.

1 of 1

Story summary

The original design now limits further expansion because the terminal’s sweeping roof and surrounding farmland constrain new construction.
Eero Saarinen designed Dulles International Airport, which opened in 1962 near Washington, D.C., and remains in service.
The original terminal featured futuristic mobile lounges and a Jetsons-style cartoon showing passengers sipping martinis before takeoff.
Since opening, the airport has added concourses and expanded the main building to handle more passengers.