Washington, DC's Reagan National Airport plans $800 million expansion

Southwest Airlines flyers have something to look forward to at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) soon.The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which operates DCA, is planning a new nine-gate concourse for Terminal 1, as shown in environmental documents for the project released in July. The facility would replace the midcentury concourse and rotunda — known locally as "the banjo" for its shape like the instrument — that dates to 1970.The concourse and a new "processor" building for check-in and baggage claim could open as soon as 2031, according to MWAA financial documents. The estimated cost was $835 million in 2025.A new nine-gate concourse, the "Terminal 1 Replacement Gates Facility," is planned at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. MWAASouthwest Airlines — the main user of Terminal 1 — would likely use the new concourse, as would Air Canada and Frontier Airlines."We look forward to the ultimate completion of the project," a Southwest spokesperson said, adding that the airline is working with the airport authority on the project.An MWAA spokesperson declined to comment further on the project.The upgrade to DCA comes just five years after the airport c...