Daa International awarded contract to manage new VIP terminal in Washington

Jack Potter (left) of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and Nick Cole (right) of daa International.

Cork Airport operator daa has been awarded the contract to develop, lease, and operate a new premium passenger service at Washington Dulles International Airport in the US. 

Daa international, the international airport management and advisory business of the daa Group, said the new terminal will be designed in collaboration with Corgan, a major global architecture and design firm.

The facility will be the first dedicated VIP passenger terminal of its kind serving the Washington metropolitan region. 

The new terminal will feature dedicated parking and entrances, private security screenings, suites, lounges, bars, personalised check-in and baggage services, and premium vehicle transport to aircraft.

The programme includes a 30-month development phase followed by a 20-year operating term.

Chief executive of daa International Nick Cole said Washington Dulles International Airport “plays a vital role in connecting the United States with the world”.

“We look forward to bringing our international airport experience and operational expertise to the delivery of a VIP facility that reflects the airport's global standing.” 

Executive vice-president of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) — which runs Dulles Airport — Chryssa Westerlund said adding a VIP terminal at the airport “reflects our commitment to giving passengers the options to choose an airport experience that fits their needs”.

“By introducing this premium service, Dulles is responding to traveller demand, supporting continued growth and joining other leading international airports around the world that offer elevated services for business and leisure travellers alike.” 

In addition to Cork Airport, daa also operates Dublin Airport. The daa International segment also runs airports in Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Cyprus. It provides airport investment, development, management and advisory solutions.

Daa Group also encompasses the brand ARI which is a travel retail business.

ARI already has operations in New York, located in the JFK Terminal Four, as well as in five airports across Canada. It also has operations across continental Europe as well as the Middle East. As of 2025, it operated in 27 airports in 13 countries.

According to daa’s 2025 annual report, daa International saw modest financial growth last year with turnover increasing by 7% to €47m. In the same year, ARI saw profits rise to €42m, up from €36m the year prior.

This takes into account a €21m share of profit from associates and joint ventures.