I asked an airport authority manager about the Z-gates and their intended use. He indicated that they will be "overflow" gates - not specifically assigned to any airline.

Also, the current H (for Hardstand) area will disappear as an extension to the B concourse is completed. It appears that the groundwork for that has started.

I don't fly UA -- that's your problem :) I am a BIG fan of IAD. But, I fly CO very loyally, and it's an easy breeze through the new tunnel to B, dropping you right at CO's prime gates.

The twice I've flown UA since I've lived here, it was an entirely different experience. I don't wish UA on anyone... of course, IAD is a luxury compared to a connection at ORD!

Updating my earlier posting, I am now told that US Airways will be using the Z gates for all their flights by the end of August.

Will they abandon B?
 

Will they be using these in addition to there 2-4 B gates?

As I understand it, they will be giving up their B gates for the Z gates. I don't know who will taking their B gates.

Another update. The airport authority now says the US Airways will switch all their operationrs to the Z gates by August 1st.

if i were to bet...i'd say independence air. they're taking over the b concourse!

The MWAA web site now shows "Z" concourse gates in their terminal maps.

There is an effort by MWAA to eliminate the "moon-buggies" entirely once the new train system opens on or after 2009. Thus, it is my understanding that when US moves to the "Z" gates, they will start moving INT'L traffic currently served by "H" moon-buggies to the vacancies at B.

When you take the shuttle to C or D as it goes around the west end of the B Concourse you can see some serious excavations going on for an extention of the B Concourse into the Hardstand ("H" gates) area.

Look deep down into the pit - there's two tunnels, so I'm guessing they're building the train system (or tunnels for baggage carts). Of course, they could be extending B over top of it.

Yes, the deep pit which is transverse to the B concourse is for the train system. But follow the line of the B concourse past that and all of THAT excavation (in line with the B concourse and running down the middle of the hardstand area) is an extension of the B concourse.

Check out http://mwaa.com/d2/projects/additional.htm The 4 gate expansion described was completed a couple of years ago. The 12 gate expansion to the B concourse is what is happening now.

i flew into iad on sunday the 3rd, and saw CO express jets parked at the Z concourse.

On Saturday and Sunday, I noticed a few US CRJs at the Z gates, but their mainline planes were still over at B.

Z Gates are open
 

The Z Gates officially opened today with US Airways as the primary tenant.

Good for them, I just wish UA could get some decent space, too.