:Dulles International Airport

Before World War II, Hoover Field was the main commercial airport serving Washington, on the site now occupied by the Pentagon and its parking lots. It was replaced by Washington National Airport in 1941, a short distance southeast. After the war, in 1948, the Civil Aeronautics Administration began to consider sites for a second major airport to serve the nation's capital.{{cite web| url=http://www.loudounhistory.org/history/dulles-airport-history.htm| title=History of Dulles Airport| first=Eugene| last=Scheel| access-date=June 2, 2015| archive-date=May 30, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530195906/http://www.loudounhistory.org/history/dulles-airport-history.htm| url-status=live}} Congress passed the Washington Airport Act in 1950 to provide funding for a new airport in the region.{{cite web| title=History of Washington Dulles International Airport| url=http://www.metwashairports.com/dulles/661.htm| publisher=Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority| access-date=2 June 2015| archive-date=May 26, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526181747/http://www.metwashairports.com/dulles/661.htm| url-status=live}} The initial CAA proposal in 1951 called for the airport to be built in Fairfax County near what is now Burke Lake Park, but protests from residents, as well as the rapid expansion of Washington's suburbs during the time, led to reconsideration of this plan.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7i0zAAAAIBAJ&pg=2087%2C4387694 |newspaper=The Free Lance-Star |location=Fredericksburg, Virginia |last=Greenfield |first=Heather |agency=Associated Press |title='Visionary' Dulles Airport hits 40 |date=November 17, 2002 |page=B1 |access-date=November 10, 2020 |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606193106/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7i0zAAAAIBAJ&pg=2087,4387694 |url-status=live }} One competing plan called for the airport to be built in the Pender area of Fairfax County, while another called for the conversion of Andrews Air Force Base in Prince George's County, Maryland, into a commercial airport.

The current site was selected by President Eisenhower in 1958; the Dulles name was chosen by Eisenhower's aviation advisor Pete Quesada, who later served as the first head of the Federal Aviation Administration. As a result of the site selection, the unincorporated, largely African-American community of Willard, which once stood in the airport's current footprint, was demolished, and 87 property owners had their holdings condemned.

Dulles was also built over a lesser-known airport named Blue Ridge Airport, chartered in 1938 by the U.S. The airport was Loudoun County's first official airport, consisting of two grass intersecting runways in the shape of an "X". The location of the former Blue Ridge Airport sits where the Dulles Air Freight complex and Washington Dulles Airport Marriott now sit today.{{cite web|url=https://www.airfieldsfreeman.com/VA/Airfields_VA_Loudoun.htm|title=Abandoned & Little-Known Airfields: Virginia: Loudoun County|website=Abandoned & Little-Known Airfields|access-date=2018-11-22|archive-date=November 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123065615/http://www.airfields-freeman.com/VA/Airfields_VA_Loudoun.htm|url-status=live}}{{better source needed|date=November 2018}}

File:Dulles International Airport (1970).jpg

The civil engineering firm Ammann and Whitney was named lead contractor. The airport was dedicated by President John F. Kennedy and Eisenhower on November 17, {{nowrap|1962.}}{{cite web|url=https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/01/21/opening-dedication-ceremony-dulles-airport-1962/|title=Opening Dedication Ceremony of Dulles Airport in 1962|last=Tom|date=2014-01-21|website=Ghosts of DC|language=en-US|access-date=2019-02-17|archive-date=February 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217142353/https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/01/21/opening-dedication-ceremony-dulles-airport-1962/|url-status=live}} As originally opened, the airport had three long runways (current day runways 1C/19C, 1R/19L, and 12/30) and one shorter one (where current taxiway Q is located). Its original name, Dulles International Airport, was changed in 1984 to Washington Dulles International Airport.{{cite web| url=http://www.metwashairports.com/dulles/661.htm| title=History of Washington Dulles International Airport| publisher=Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority| access-date=December 4, 2010| archive-date=May 26, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526181747/http://www.metwashairports.com/dulles/661.htm| url-status=live}}

The main terminal was designed in 1958 by famed Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, and it is highly regarded for its graceful beauty, suggestive of flight. The terminal was built without any concourses and gates as all aircraft were parked at remote sites. Passengers were bussed to their aircraft by way of mobile lounges that raised up to the aircraft level; some are still in use today. The first midfield terminal that included gates and jetbridges was constructed in 1985 when New York Air and other airlines began hub operations at Dulles.Wikipedia New York Air website In the 1990s, the main terminal at Dulles was reconfigured to allow more space between the front of the building and the ticket counters. Additions at both ends of the main terminal more than doubled the structure's length. The original terminal at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport in Taoyuan, Taiwan, was modeled after the Saarinen terminal at Dulles.{{cite web|url=http://www.archdaily.com/771071/regeneration-of-taoyuan-international-airport-terminal-1-norihiko-dan-and-associates|title=Regeneration of Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1 / Norihiko Dan and Associates|publisher=ArchDaily|date=2015-08-02|access-date=2016-02-07|archive-date=2016-01-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130103626/http://www.archdaily.com/771071/regeneration-of-taoyuan-international-airport-terminal-1-norihiko-dan-and-associates|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/editorial/detail.asp?onNews=&GRP=i&id=89541|title=Why rename CKS Airport?|publisher=The China Post|date=2006-09-14|access-date=2010-06-07|archive-date=2012-09-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920235236/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/editorial/detail.asp?onNews=&GRP=i&id=89541|url-status=live}}

The design included a landscaped man-made lake to collect rainwater, a low-rise hotel, and a row of office buildings along the north side of the main parking lot. The design also included a two-level road in front of the terminal to separate arrival and departure traffic and a federally owned limited access highway connecting the terminal to the Capital Beltway (I-495) about {{convert|17|mi}} to the east; the highway system eventually grew to include a parallel toll road to handle commuter traffic and an extension to connect to I-66. The access road had a wide median strip to allow the construction of a passenger rail line, which opened as an extension of the Washington Metro's Silver Line on November 15, 2022.{{Cite news |last1=George |first1=Justin |last2=Laris |first2=Michael |last3=Aratani |first3=Lori |date=November 15, 2022 |title=Silver Line extension opens, adding six stations, Dulles connection after years of delays |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2022/11/15/silver-line-extension-opening-dulles/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117031518/https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2022/11/15/silver-line-extension-opening-dulles/ |archive-date=November 17, 2022 |access-date=January 21, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}

By 1985 the original design, featuring mobile lounges to meet each plane, was no longer well-suited to Dulles's role as a hub airport. Instead, midfield concourses were constructed to allow passengers to walk between connecting flights without visiting the main terminal. Mobile lounges were still used for international flights and to transport passengers between the midfield concourses and the main terminal; Concourse C/D was the first to be built, followed by Concourse A/B. A tunnel (consisting of a passenger walkway and moving sidewalks) that links the main terminal and Concourse B was opened in 2004.{{cite web |year=2009 |title=Passenger Walkway to Concourses A and B Fact Sheet |url=http://www.mwaa.com/File/WalkwaytoAandB.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110105171622/http://www.mwaa.com/file/WalkwaytoAandB.pdf |archive-date=January 5, 2011 |access-date=October 12, 2010 |publisher=Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority |df=mdy-all}} The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) began a renovation program for the airport including a new security mezzanine with more room for lines.{{cite web |year=2009 |title=Dulles Development: Main Terminal Improvement Fact Sheet |url=http://www.mwaa.com/File/MainTerminal.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110105171755/http://www.mwaa.com/file/mainterminal.pdf |archive-date=January 5, 2011 |access-date=October 12, 2010 |publisher=Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority |df=mdy-all}}

A new train system, dubbed AeroTrain and developed by Mitsubishi, began in 2010 to transport passengers between the concourses and the main terminal.{{cite web |title=Aerotrain – How the System Works |url=http://www.mwaa.com/sites/default/files/archive/mwaa.com/file/at2_how_system_works.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304190105/http://www.mwaa.com/sites/default/files/archive/mwaa.com/file/at2_how_system_works.pdf |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=September 14, 2015 |publisher=Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority}} The system, which uses rubber tires and travels along a fixed underground guideway, is similar to the people mover systems at Singapore Changi Airport, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and Denver International Airport. The train is intended to replace the mobile lounges, which many passengers found crowded and inconvenient. The initial phase includes the main terminal station, a permanent Concourse A station, a permanent Concourse B station, a permanent midfield concourse station (with access to the current temporary C concourse via a tunnel with moving walkways), and a maintenance facility. Mobile lounges continue to service Concourse D from both the main terminal and Concourse A. Even after AeroTrain is built out and the replacement Concourses C and D are built, the mobile lounges and plane mates will still continue to be used, to transport international arriving passengers to the International Arrivals Building, as well as transport passengers to aircraft parked on hardstands without direct access to jet bridges. Dulles has stated that the wait time for a train does not exceed four minutes, compared to the average 15-minute wait and travel time for mobile lounges.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}}

Under the development plan, future phases would see the addition of several new midfield concourses and a new south terminal.{{cite news |last=Weiss |first=Eric M. |date=August 19, 2008 |title=Dulles Updates Its People Movers |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/18/AR2008081801349.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111131422/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/18/AR2008081801349.html |archive-date=November 11, 2012 |access-date=October 12, 2010 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} A fourth runway (parallel to the existing runways 1 and 19 L&R) opened in 2008,{{cite web |year=2009 |title=D2 Projects: Fourth Runway |url=http://www.mwaa.com/dulles/773.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100929191207/http://mwaa.com/dulles/773.htm |archive-date=September 29, 2010 |access-date=October 12, 2010 |publisher=Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority |df=mdy-all}} and development plans include a fifth runway to parallel the existing runway 12–30.{{cite web |year=2009 |title=D2 Projects: Future Fifth Runway |url=http://www.mwaa.com/dulles/771.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100930002554/http://mwaa.com/dulles/771.htm |archive-date=September 30, 2010 |access-date=October 12, 2010 |publisher=Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority |df=mdy-all}} If this runway is built, the current runway will be re-designated as 12L-30R while the new runway will be designated 12R-30L. An expansion of the B concourse, used by many low-cost airlines as well as international arrivals, has been completed, and the building housing Concourses C and D will eventually be knocked down to make room for a more ergonomic building. Because Concourses C and D are temporary concourses, the only way to get to those concourses is via moving walkway from the Concourse C station, which is built in the location of the future gates and Concourse D by mobile lounge from the main terminal.{{cite news |last=Fox |first=Peggy |date=January 25, 2010 |title=Dulles Airport To Open AeroTrain |url=http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=96354 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111208171346/http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=96354 |archive-date=December 8, 2011 |access-date=October 12, 2010 |work=9 News Now |publisher=WUSA}}{{cite web |title=D2 Projects: AeroTrain System |url=http://www.mwaa.com/dulles/d2_dulles_development_2/projects/aerotrain_system_2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071113154733/http://www.mwaa.com/dulles/d2_dulles_development_2/projects/aerotrain_system_2 |archive-date=November 13, 2007 |access-date=January 10, 2008 |work=Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority}}

File:Escalators near departure zones 3 and 4 at Dulles International Airport.jpg

In the short term, United Airlines has constructed a {{convert|20000|sqfoot}} buildout on Concourse C between gate C18 and the AeroTrain entrance for use as a Polaris Lounge for international passengers.{{cite web |last=Russell |first=Edward |date=December 10, 2018 |title=United to invest at least $34m at Washington Dulles |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/united-to-invest-at-least-34m-at-washington-dulles-454288 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211131636/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/united-to-invest-at-least-34m-at-washington-dulles-454288/ |archive-date=December 11, 2018 |access-date=December 16, 2018 |website=Flight Global}} Further expansion plans include a new three-story {{convert| 550000|sqfoot}} south concourse building above the AeroTrain station for Concourse C, to replace Concourse A regional gates built in 1999.{{cite web |date=July 7, 2021 |title=Dulles Airport's Ambitious Expansion Continues with New United Concourse |url=https://airlineweekly.com/2021/07/united-airlines-may-finally-get-a-new-concourse-in-washington/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825214159/https://airlineweekly.com/2021/07/united-airlines-may-finally-get-a-new-concourse-in-washington/ |archive-date=August 25, 2021 |access-date=August 25, 2021}}

Decades-old rules set by Congress that limit the number of takeoffs and landings, as well as distance of routes, at Reagan Airport were intended in part to keep more flights at Dulles. Those rules have been weakened by Congress over the years, however, causing Dulles to lose 200,000 passengers to Reagan between 2011 and 2013.

In 2023, construction started on a 100 MW solar power facility, battery and bus charging equipment.{{cite web |last1=Casey |first1=J. P. |date=23 August 2023 |title=Dominion Energy and MWAA begin construction of 100MW solar facility at Dulles airport |url=https://www.pv-tech.org/dominion-energy-and-mwaa-begin-construction-of-100mw-solar-facility-at-dulles-airport/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827173837/https://www.pv-tech.org/dominion-energy-and-mwaa-begin-construction-of-100mw-solar-facility-at-dulles-airport/ |archive-date=August 27, 2023 |access-date=August 27, 2023 |website=PV Tech}} It would include the largest airport-based solar and battery development in the U.S. as part of an agreement with Dominion Energy. The solar panels would cover more than {{convert|835|acres|ha}} on land, equivalent to the consumption of more than 37,000 Northern Virginia homes during peak production.{{Cite news |title=Dulles solar farm would be the nation's largest at an airport |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2022/08/12/dulles-airport-solar-farm/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814115117/https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2022/08/12/dulles-airport-solar-farm/ |archive-date=August 14, 2022 |access-date=2022-08-14 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}

File:Pat Nixon christens Boeing 747 2749-18.jpg christening the first Boeing 747 at Dulles on January 15, 1970.]]The first scheduled flight at Dulles was an Eastern Air Lines Lockheed L-188 Super Electra from Newark International Airport in New Jersey on November 19, 1962. The first scheduled transatlantic nonstop flight to serve the airport commenced just shy of two years later, in June 1964.FAA Air Traffic Activity, Calendar Year 1965 p42

Dulles was initially considered a white elephant, being far out of town with few flights;{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NKZQAAAAIBAJ&pg=6701%2C3637610 |newspaper=Eugene Register-Guard |location=Oregon |last=Davis |first=J.W. |title=Dulles Airport: Its future keeps being postponed |date=April 17, 1966 |page=10A |access-date=November 10, 2020 |archive-date=November 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122093728/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NKZQAAAAIBAJ&pg=6701%2C3637610 |url-status=live }} in 1965, Dulles averaged 89 airline operations a day while National Airport (now Reagan) averaged 600 despite not allowing jets. Airport operations grew along with Virginia suburbs and the Dulles Technology Corridor; perimeter and slot restrictions at National forced long-distance flights to use Dulles. In 1969, Dulles had 2.01 million passengers while National had 9.9 million.Aviation Daily 23 Feb 1971 p. 291

The era of wide-body jets began on January 15, 1970, when First Lady Pat Nixon christened a Pan Am Boeing 747-100 at Dulles in the presence of Pan Am chairman Najeeb Halaby.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=K6hVAAAAIBAJ&pg=6406%2C3076731 |work=Eugene Register-Guard |location=(Oregon) |agency=Associated Press |title=President's wife christens giant jet |date=January 15, 1970 |page=5A |access-date=November 10, 2020 |archive-date=March 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310020715/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=K6hVAAAAIBAJ&pg=6406%2C3076731 |url-status=live }} Rather than a traditional champagne bottle, red, white, and blue water was sprayed on the aircraft.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=JUwqAAAAIBAJ&pg=6789%2C5054896 |work=Pittsburgh Press |agency=UPI photo |title=Pat christens plane |date=January 15, 1970 |page=1 |access-date=November 10, 2020 |archive-date=November 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118081630/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=JUwqAAAAIBAJ&pg=6789%2C5054896 |url-status=live }} Pan Am's first Boeing 747 flight was from New York–JFK to London Heathrow Airport.

On December 26, 1973, President Richard Nixon flew from Dulles to Los Angeles on board a United Airlines McDonnell Douglas DC-10 commercial flight instead of on Air Force One. This was due to a nationwide fuel shortage caused at the time by the Arab oil embargo.New York Times December 27, 1973 Less than two years later, on May 24, 1976, supersonic flights between the U.S. and Europe began with the arrival of a British Airways Concorde from London–Heathrow and an Air France Concorde from Paris–Charles De Gaulle; both planes were lined nose-to-nose at Dulles for photos.{{cite news |date=May 24, 1976 |title=2 Concordes zip supersonic travel age into U.S. |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FGUqAAAAIBAJ&pg=6454%2C3863541 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205173018/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FGUqAAAAIBAJ&pg=6454%2C3863541 |archive-date=February 5, 2021 |access-date=November 10, 2020 |work=Pittsburgh Press |page=1 |agency=UPI}}{{cite news |date=May 25, 1976 |title=Concorde lands in U.S. |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VPBLAAAAIBAJ&pg=4709%2C3822062 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205173423/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VPBLAAAAIBAJ&pg=4709%2C3822062 |archive-date=February 5, 2021 |access-date=November 10, 2020 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |page=1 |agency=(AP photo)}}{{cite web |last=Tom |date=2012-01-30 |title=First Commercial Concorde Flight Lands at Dulles |url=https://ghostsofdc.org/2012/01/30/first-concorde-dulles-1976/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217142334/https://ghostsofdc.org/2012/01/30/first-concorde-dulles-1976/ |archive-date=February 17, 2019 |access-date=2019-02-17 |website=Ghosts of DC |language=en-US}}

On June 12, 1983, the Space Shuttle Enterprise arrived at Dulles atop a modified Boeing 747 after touring Europe and before returning to Edwards Air Force Base. Two years later Enterprise returned and was placed in a storage hangar near Runway 12/30 to await construction of a planned expansion to the National Air and Space Museum. Enterprise left Dulles on April 27, 2012, for its new home at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City.{{cite web| title=Space Shuttle Pavilion| url=http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/shuttle/| publisher=IntrepidMuseum.org| access-date=2013-12-24| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110415163648/http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/shuttle/| archive-date=April 15, 2011| df=mdy-all}}

On June 1, 1985, New York Air began a small hub operation at Dulles, with 35 daily flights to eight cities in Florida and the northeastern United States. Colgan Airways became a feeder carrier for New York Air with additional service to smaller cities known as New York Air Connection. In 1987, the airline merged into Continental Airlines, which maintained the hub operation until 1989.OAG June 1, 1985 edition On October 10, 1985, Presidential Airways opened its hub at the airport, and it soon began a series of code-shares – first with Pan Am from mid-1986 through early 1988, then as Continental Express on behalf of Continental Airlines between mid-1987 and mid-1988, and finally as United Express, on behalf of United Airlines, from mid 1988 until Presidential ceased operations on December 5, 1989.OAG multiple editions 1985-1989

On May 1, 1986, United Airlines began service on 16 new domestic routes creating a hub status at Dulles. Many more domestic routes and new overseas routes would later be added. Air Wisconsin and Presidential Airways soon became feeder carriers for United operating as United Express.OAG May 1, 1986 edition

In 1990, a United States Senate joint resolution to change Dulles International Airport's name to Washington Eisenhower International Airport was proposed by Senator Bob Dole, but the bill didn't pass.{{cite news| title=Tribute to Eisenhower| date=January 25, 1990| agency=Reuters| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/01/25/us/tribute-to-eisenhower.html| newspaper=The New York Times| access-date=June 3, 2011| archive-date=May 24, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524024059/http://www.nytimes.com/1990/01/25/us/tribute-to-eisenhower.html| url-status=live}}see also, 101st Congress, S.J.RES.239.

When the SR-71 was retired by the military in 1990, one was flown from its birthplace at United States Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, to Dulles, setting a coast-to-coast speed record at an average {{convert|2124|mph|abbr=on}}; the trip took 64 minutes. The aircraft was placed in a storage building, and is now displayed at the Smithsonian's adjacent Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum.{{cite web| title=Blackbird Records| url=http://www.sr-71.org/blackbird/records.php| publisher=SR-71 Online| access-date=June 3, 2011| archive-date=April 25, 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110425042622/http://www.sr-71.org/blackbird/records.php| url-status=live}}

In 1995, the first flight of the Boeing 777-200 in commercial service landed at Dulles; the flight was operated by United Airlines on its transatlantic London Heathrow – Washington Dulles route.{{cite web| url=http://www.century-of-flight.net/Aviation%20history/coming%20of%20age/usairlines/United%20Airlines.htm| title=United Airlines| publisher=Century-of-flight.net| access-date=June 3, 2011| archive-date=July 17, 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717073608/http://www.century-of-flight.net/Aviation%20history/coming%20of%20age/usairlines/United%20Airlines.htm| url-status=live}}

The 2004 launch of low-cost carrier Independence Air propelled IAD from being the 24th-busiest airport in the United States to fourth, and one of the top 30 busiest in the world. Independence Air ceased operations in January 2006, and its space in Concourse A was taken five months later by United Express.{{cite web |title=United Express moves to Concourse A at Dulles International Airport |url=http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,51639,00.html |publisher=United.com |access-date=June 3, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060424221147/http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,51639,00.html |archive-date=April 24, 2006}} Also taking place in 2006 was the introduction of service by Southwest Airlines at IAD.{{cite news |last=Coombs |first=Joe |date=February 7, 2008 |title=Passenger numbers up at Dulles International, Reagan National airports |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/02/04/daily46.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025113532/http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/02/04/daily46.html |archive-date=October 25, 2012 |access-date=April 6, 2008 |work=Washington Business Journal}}

Significant growth required the airport to halt the operations of its original control tower in 2007 for a taller control tower located away from the main terminal. The original tower still exists, though it is no longer used to control the airport's traffic. That year, 24.7 million passengers passed through the airport.{{multiple image

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| alt1 = Dulles' old air traffic control tower, which halted operations in 2007

| caption1 = Dulles' old air traffic control tower, which halted operations in 2007

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| alt2 = The current air traffic control tower dwarfs the original one

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On November 20, 2008, a third parallel north–south runway – Runway 1L/19R – opened on the west side of the airfield; the original 1L/19R was re-designated 1C/19C. It was the first new runway to be built at Dulles since the airport's construction.

On June 6, 2011, the airport received its first Airbus A380 flights when Air France introduced the A380 on its nonstop from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport during peak season.

On April 17, 2012, the Space Shuttle Discovery was ferried to Dulles mounted to a NASA 747-100 as part of its decommissioning and installation in the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.{{cite web|url=https://ghostsofdc.org/2012/06/13/space-shuttle-discovery/|title=Space Shuttle Discovery Flies Over Washington|last=Tom|date=2012-06-13|website=Ghosts of DC|language=en-US|access-date=2019-02-17|archive-date=February 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217142337/https://ghostsofdc.org/2012/06/13/space-shuttle-discovery/|url-status=live}} A few weeks later, on June 1, the first passenger flight of the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental – operated by Lufthansa with service from Frankfurt to Washington – landed at IAD.[http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2012/06/01/lufthansa-starts-747-8-flights-to-dulles.html Lufthansa starts 747-8 flights to Dulles – Washington Business Journal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120706131053/http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2012/06/01/lufthansa-starts-747-8-flights-to-dulles.html |date=July 6, 2012 }}. Bizjournals.com (2012-06-01). Retrieved on 2013-08-16. Two months later, on August 15, Ethiopian Airlines began operating service to Dulles using the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.[http://www.etafricanjourneys.com/STW/STWDirectory.aspx?Theme=ETAFRICA&GroupID=ETAFRICA-PRESS-06 Ethiopian Airlines Inaugurates 787 Dreamliner Airplane at Washington Dulles International Airport] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520111340/http://www.etafricanjourneys.com/STW/STWDirectory.aspx?Theme=ETAFRICA&GroupID=ETAFRICA-PRESS-06 |date=May 20, 2013 }}. ET African Journeys (2012-08-17). Retrieved on 2013-08-16.

On October 2, 2014, British Airways began using the Airbus A380 on flights from London–Heathrow to Dulles.{{Cite news |last=Powell |first=Lee |date=2014-10-09 |title=British Airways A380 draws applause at Dulles, but big jet has its limits |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/british-airways-a380-draws-applause-at-dulles-but-big-jet-has-its-limits/2014/10/06/8d5348f2-4b44-11e4-b72e-d60a9229cc10_story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009182621/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/british-airways-a380-draws-applause-at-dulles-but-big-jet-has-its-limits/2014/10/06/8d5348f2-4b44-11e4-b72e-d60a9229cc10_story.html |archive-date=2014-10-09 |access-date=2025-01-27 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} Less than two years later, on February 1, 2016, Emirates upgraded its direct flights from Dubai International – a service previously operated using a Boeing 777 – to an Airbus A380.{{cite news| title=Emirates will fly A380 to D.C. after United drops Dubai route| first=Ben| last=Mutzabaugh| work=USA Today| date=January 15, 2016| url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/todayinthesky/2016/01/15/emirates-fly-a380-dc-after-united-drops-dubai-route/78840668/| access-date=September 18, 2017| archive-date=July 12, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170712091001/https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/todayinthesky/2016/01/15/emirates-fly-a380-dc-after-united-drops-dubai-route/78840668/| url-status=live}} British Airways temporarily ended A380 flights in the latter half of the decade, reverting to a 747-400 twice daily during peak season but resumed its once-daily A380 operations during non-peak season in October 2019, before once again ending A380 service to Dulles in early 2020.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}} By 2019, Washington Dulles was one of just fourteen airports in the United States seeing daily operations from – and/or have at least one gate and one runway that can accommodate – an Airbus A380; the others being Atlanta, Boston, Chicago-O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Honolulu, Houston-Intercontinental, Las Vegas, Los Angeles–LAX, Miami, New York–JFK, Orlando and San Francisco.{{Cite news|url=https://www.orlandoairports.net/getting-around-mco/north-terminal-enhancements/ |title=North Terminal Enhancements – Orlando International Airport (MCO)|last=GOAA|work=Orlando International Airport (MCO)|access-date=September 13, 2017|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706075824/https://www.orlandoairports.net/getting-around-mco/north-terminal-enhancements/ |archive-date=July 6, 2018|url-status=dead}}

On May 16, 2018, Volaris Costa Rica launched flights to Dulles, becoming the first international low-cost carrier to serve the airport.{{cite news| title=Volaris Costa Rica Inaugurates Washington Route, Marks New Chapter for Dulles| url=http://www.airlinegeeks.com/2018/05/17/volaris-costa-rica-inaugurates-washington-route-marks-new-chapter-for-dulles/| last=Pallini| first=Thomas| work=Airline Geeks| date=May 17, 2018| access-date=July 30, 2018| archive-date=June 17, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617211251/https://airlinegeeks.com/2018/05/17/volaris-costa-rica-inaugurates-washington-route-marks-new-chapter-for-dulles/| url-status=live}} A few months later, on September 15, Cathay Pacific launched its longest nonstop route connecting Dulles to Hong Kong utilizing an Airbus A350-1000; the service was suspended indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|url=https://news.cathaypacific.com/cathay-pacific-to-launch-washington-dc-service-with-the-airbus-a350-1000-137691|title=Cathay Pacific to launch Washington DC service with the Airbus A350-1000|website=news.cathaypacific.com|access-date=October 16, 2018|archive-date=February 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190208195702/https://news.cathaypacific.com/cathay-pacific-to-launch-washington-dc-service-with-the-airbus-a350-1000-137691|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://onemileatatime.com/cathay-pacific-washington-a350/|title=Cathay Pacific Downgrades Washington Route Just Weeks After Launch|last=Ben|date=2018-10-09|website=One Mile at a Time|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-03|archive-date=January 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120043323/https://onemileatatime.com/cathay-pacific-washington-a350/|url-status=live}}

In 2019, four new major international routes were added. Alitalia began non-stop service utilizing an Airbus A330 to Rome-Fiumicino, operating five times weekly during the peak summer season, reducing to three times weekly during the winter season.{{cite web|url=https://airlinegeeks.com/2019/05/03/alitalia-launches-rome-washington-flight-as-financial-struggles-linger/|title=Alitalia Launches Rome-Washington Flight as Financial Struggles Linger|last=Gibertini|first=Vanni|date=2019-05-03|website=AirlineGeeks.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-28|archive-date=May 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506100818/https://airlinegeeks.com/2019/05/03/alitalia-launches-rome-washington-flight-as-financial-struggles-linger/|url-status=live}} EgyptAir operates a Boeing 787–9 with nonstop service to Cairo three times a week year-round.{{cite web|url=https://airlinegeeks.com/2019/02/25/egyptair-expands-within-north-america-to-washington-with-dreamliner/|title=EgyptAir Adds Washington-Dulles Route with 787 Dreamliner|last=Pallini|first=Thomas|date=2019-02-25|website=AirlineGeeks.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-28|archive-date=June 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626091818/https://airlinegeeks.com/2019/02/25/egyptair-expands-within-north-america-to-washington-with-dreamliner/|url-status=live}} TAP Air Portugal flies five times weekly with nonstop service to Lisbon on board the Airbus A321LR, A330-900 and sometimes the A330-200. By that May, United began non-stop service to Tel-Aviv, initially utilizing a Boeing 777-200ER on a thrice-weekly schedule.

In 2020, LOT Polish, Iberia and Swiss were all scheduled to begin service to Dulles, but these were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. LOT Polish were scheduled to provide Boeing 787 service from Warsaw, Iberia to provide Airbus A330-300 service from Madrid, and Swiss to provide Airbus A330-300 service from Zürich. So far only the Iberia and the Swiss routes have been implemented.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}

In 2021, regional airline Southern Airways Express moved their East Coast hub from BWI to Dulles.{{cite web| url = https://www.aviationpros.com/airlines/press-release/21219190/southern-airways-lancasters-hometown-airline-to-serve-washingtondulles| title = Lancaster's Hometown Airline to Serve Washington-Dulles| date = April 19, 2021| access-date = June 8, 2021| archive-date = June 8, 2021| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210608064245/https://www.aviationpros.com/airlines/press-release/21219190/southern-airways-lancasters-hometown-airline-to-serve-washingtondulles| url-status = live}} The airline announced it would operate flights between Dulles and small airports in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, some of them on Essential Air Service contracts. On November 15, 2022, the airport's Washington Metro station opened as part of the Phase 2 extension of the Silver Line, from Wiehle–Reston East station to Ashburn.

In 2024, IAD was ranked the 11th best airport in the world by AirHelp, a passenger rights tech company assisting passengers with flight disruptions. Data was compiled for 239 of the world's busiest airports in 69 countries. Data was compiled from May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024. Criteria was based on on-time performance, customer opinion, and food and shops. Dulles' ranking was an overall 8.22 out of 10.{{cite web |date=July 9, 2024 |title=Dulles Ranks Among World's Best Airports, According to AirHelp |url=https://northernvirginiamag.com/things-to-do/travel/2024/07/09/dulles-ranks-among-worlds-best-airports |accessdate=July 13, 2024 |website=northernvirginiamag.com}}

As of February 2025, more than 50 airlines serve the airport.{{Cite web | url = https://www.flydulles.com/flight-information/airlines-serving-dulles-international | title = Airlines Serving Dulles International }} The majority of the market share is United and United Express while other airlines focus on international routes or domestic routes not served by United. Airbus a380 service to Dulles during the current summer season puts the airport in 3rd place for a380 flights in the US, after New York–JFK and Los Angeles–LAX.{{Cite web | url = https://www.canskyaviation.com/the-us-airports-with-the-most-airbus-a380-flights-this-summer/ | title = The US Airports With The Most Airbus A380 Flights This Summer }} British Airways and Lufthansa fly the superjumbo to Dulles on a daily schedule from May to October, while Emirates flys the a380 year round. Additionally, Dulles is looking to grow its international destinations in response to the regained demand for Southeast Asian service after the pandemic caused numbers to falter significantly. This growth would target cities like Mumbai, Taipei and Hong Kong.{{Cite web | url = https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/airports-networks/floor-washington-dulles-sees-asia-potential | title = From The Floor: Washington Dulles Sees Asia Potential }}

On March 11th, 2025, Air China began serving IAD with the Boeing 747-8i from Beijing.{{Cite web | url = https://x.com/AirChinaNA/status/1896310376343449808 | title = Air China to begin 747 service to IAD }} Air China up until then served the airport twice weekly with the Boeing 777-300ER. This added a second Air China 747 flight to the US after JFK, which had been the only airport in the United States to receive Air China 747 service.{{cite web|url = https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/231129-ca1q24jfk | title = Air China Resumes Nonstop 747-8I New York Flights in 1Q24 }}

Beginning in 2024, an effort by Congress has been made to rename the airport as the Donald J. Trump International Airport, in honor of President Donald J. Trump.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-24 |title=Bill to rename Dulles Airport after President Trump introduced in U.S. House |url=https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/politics/dulles-international-airport-president-donald-trump-congress-gop/65-b660eda1-3894-4221-8c81-2d47ab20e9bf |access-date=2025-01-26 |website=wusa9.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Timotija |first=Filip |date=2025-01-24 |title=North Carolina Republican proposes renaming Dulles airport after Trump |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5106182-dulles-airport-renaming-donald-trump-bill/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126022742/https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5106182-dulles-airport-renaming-donald-trump-bill/ |archive-date=January 26, 2025 |access-date=2025-01-26 |work=The Hill |language=en-US |url-status=live }} In April 2024, the first bill was proposed in the United States House of Representatives to rename the airport after Trump, but did not pass.{{cite web |last=Pengelly |first=Martin |date=2 April 2024 |title=Republicans propose renaming Dulles airport after Trump as 'symbol of freedom' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/02/republicans-dulles-airport-trump |access-date=2 April 2024 |website=The Guardian}}{{Cite web |last=Rep. Reschenthaler |first=Guy [R-PA-14 |date=2024-03-29 |title=H.R.7845 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): To designate the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia as the "Donald J. Trump International Airport". |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/7845 |access-date=2025-01-26 |website=www.congress.gov}} An similar bill was proposed the following year, renewing the effort. A new bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in January 2025, renewing the proposal to rename Dulles after Trump; this bill was announced a few days after a similar state bill was proposed in Tennessee, to rename Nashville International Airport after Trump.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Kassidy |date=2025-01-18 |title=New bill filed could change name of Nashville's airport to Trump International Airport |url=https://www.wsmv.com/2025/01/18/new-bill-filed-could-change-name-nashvilles-airport-trump-international-airport/ |access-date=2025-01-18 |website=www.wsmv.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=GRIFFIN |first=ASHLEY |date=2025-01-17 |title='Trump International': State Rep proposes renaming Nashville airport after president-elect |url=https://fox17.com/news/local/trump-international-state-rep-proposes-renaming-nashville-airport-after-president-elect |access-date=2025-01-18 |website=WZTV |language=en}}

Dulles originally used DIA – the initials of Dulles International Airport – as its airport code. When handwritten, DIA was often misread as DCA – the code for Washington National Airport. This prompted officials to change Dulles Airport's code to IAD – standing for "International Airport Dulles."{{cite web |last1=Crohn |first1=Nick |last2=Fisher |first2=Lynn |title=LAX. IAD. ARN. WTF? The strange stories behind airports' three-letter abbreviations |url=http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/technology/2015/03/airport_abbreviations_how_los_angeles_became_lax_and_dulles_iad.html |website=Slate |date=March 24, 2015 |publisher=Slate Group |access-date=25 June 2018 |archive-date=June 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626112128/http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/technology/2015/03/airport_abbreviations_how_los_angeles_became_lax_and_dulles_iad.html |url-status=live }}

The airport's terminal complex consists of the Main Terminal (which includes four of the original gates, known as the "Z" Gates), and two parallel midfield terminal buildings: Concourses A/B and Concourses C/D. The entire terminal complex has a total of 139 gates – 123 of which have jetways and 16 of which are hardstand locations{{cite web| url=http://www.mwaa.com/dulles/663.htm| title=Facts About Washington Dulles International Airport| publisher=Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority| year=2010| access-date=October 12, 2010| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129064433/http://www.mwaa.com/dulles/663.htm| archive-date=January 29, 2013| df=mdy-all}} from which passengers can board or disembark using the airport's plane mate vehicles.

File:Dulles Aerotrain terminal B.jpg station]]

Conceived in early planning sessions in 1959, Dulles is one of a few remaining airports to utilize mobile lounges (also known as "plane mates" or "people movers"), now only used for transport to the International Arrivals Building as well as transport for Concourse D. They have all been given names based on the postal abbreviations of 50 states, e.g., VA, MD, AK.{{cite journal| journal=Air Progress| date=August 1, 1989| title=Air Progress| page=65| first=Nick| last=Komons}}

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority has partially phased out the mobile lounge system for inter-terminal passenger movements with the AeroTrain, an underground people mover that currently operates to all of the concourses except concourse D, with a passenger tunnel remaining to concourses A and B. However, the Aerotrain to concourse C stops at a terminal north of the actual concourse, leaving a significant walk from the terminal to concourse after disembarking. Plane mates remain in use to disembark international passengers and carry them to the International Arrivals Building, as well as to transport passengers to and from aircraft on the hard stands that are called H gates (i.e., those parked remotely on the apron without access to jet bridges).{{cite news| url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/25/AR2006012500172.html| title=At Dulles, The Tarmac Is Their Turf| last=Aryanpur| first=Arianne| newspaper=The Washington Post| page=VA16| date=February 2, 2006| access-date=September 1, 2008| archive-date=November 8, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108230223/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/25/AR2006012500172.html| url-status=live}}{{cite news| url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/13/AR2006091302157.html| title=Airport's Future Is on Rails| last=Miroff| first=Nick| newspaper=The Washington Post| page=B01| date=September 14, 2006| access-date=September 1, 2008| archive-date=November 4, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104034908/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/13/AR2006091302157.html| url-status=live}}

File:2022-03-24 13 47 19 UTC minus 4 Ticketing and check-in section within the main terminal at Washington Dulles International Airport in the Dulles section of Sterling, Loudoun County, Virginia.jpg

Dulles's main terminal houses ticketing on the upper level, baggage claim and U.S. Customs and Border Protection on the lower level, and annexes for the International Arrivals Building for international passenger processing, as well as the four Z gates (used by Air Canada and United Express), H gates, various information kiosks and other support facilities. The main terminal was recognized by the American Institute of Architects in 1966 for its design concept; its roof is a suspended catenary providing a wide enclosed area unimpeded by any columns.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}}

The main terminal was extended in 1996 to {{convert|1240|ft|m}}—Saarinen's original design length—which was slightly more than double its originally constructed length of {{convert|600|ft|m}}. On September 22, 2009, an expansion to include the {{convert|41400|sqft|m2}} International Arrivals Building opened for customs and immigration processing with a capacity to process 2,400 passengers per hour.{{cite news| title=Elbow Room Expands for International Arrivals| url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/21/AR2009092102703.html| newspaper=The Washington Post| first=Sholnn| last=Freeman| date=September 22, 2009| page=B2| access-date=September 18, 2017| archive-date=February 2, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202065904/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/21/AR2009092102703.html| url-status=live}}

Also in September 2009, a {{convert|121700|sqft|m2}} central security checkpoint was added on a new security mezzanine level of the main terminal. This checkpoint replaced previous checkpoints that were located behind the ticketing areas.{{cite web| url=http://www.mwaa.com/file/pr2009_09_14.pdf| title=New Passenger Security Screening Areas Open at Dulles International Airport Tomorrow| publisher=Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority Office of Public Affairs| date=September 14, 2009| access-date=October 12, 2010| archive-date=December 16, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216123050/http://mwaa.com/file/pr2009_09_14.pdf| url-status=live}} Travelers enrolled in TSA PreCheck and CLEAR still use this area to clear security.{{Cite news|url=http://www.flydulles.com/iad/security-information|title=Security Information|date=2015-07-02|work=Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority|access-date=2018-09-28|language=en|archive-date=September 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929042132/http://www.flydulles.com/iad/security-information|url-status=live}} A separate security checkpoint is available on the baggage claim level for staff only, and previously had access for all passengers as the Dulles Diamond area. Both public security checkpoints connect to escalators to the AeroTrain, which links the main terminal with the A and B concourse and links to a tunnel connecting to the C concourse.

All airlines aside from certain express flights operate out of two linear satellite terminals. Each terminal is divided into two concourses, with the north terminal containing Concourses A and B, and the south terminal containing Concourses C and D.{{Cite web |url=https://www.flydulles.com/sites/flydulles.com/files/2024-11/terminal-entire_airport_web_version_0.pdf |title=Dulles International Terminal Map |author= |website=Dulles International |access-date=November 24, 2024}}

File:Dulles Terminal - 15.jpg

Concourses A and B are located in the midfield terminal building closer to the main terminal. They are utilized by all non-United flights as well as a limited number of United Express flights.

{{Anchor|Midfield Concourse A - United Express}}Concourse A has 47 gates, located in the eastern half of the north midfield terminal. It consists of a permanent ground-level set of gates designed for small planes and United Express flights, and several former Concourse B gates.{{cite web| url=http://www.mwaa.com/dulles/2540.htm| title=Aerotrain has Opened| publisher=Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority| year=2010| access-date=October 12, 2010| archive-date=September 25, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100925233828/http://mwaa.com/dulles/2540.htm| url-status=live}} The concourse is primarily used for international flights. Air France and KLM have a lounge opposite gate A19, Etihad Airways operates a First and Business Class lounge across from gate A15, and Virgin Atlantic has a Clubhouse lounge adjacent to gate A31. Concourse A's AeroTrain station is located between gates A6 and A14.

{{Anchor|Midfield Concourse B}}Concourse B has 28 gates, located in the western half of the terminal. It is the first of the permanent elevated midfield concourses. Originally constructed in 1998 and designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum, the B concourse contained 20 gates. In 2003, 4 additional gates were added, followed by a 15-gate expansion in 2008.{{cite web| url=http://www.mwaa.com/file/conbexpansion.pdf| title=D2 Dulles Development: Concourse B Expansion| access-date=March 12, 2013| archive-date=September 26, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926195040/http://www.mwaa.com/file/conbexpansion.pdf| url-status=live}} In addition to the AeroTrain station located between gates B51 and B62, Concourse B is also connected to the main terminal by an underground walkway. Concourse B is used by some international carriers, and is also utilized by almost all non-United domestic and Canada flights. The facility also includes a British Airways Galleries lounge adjacent to the AeroTrain station, a Lufthansa lounge between gates B49 and B51, and a Turkish Airlines lounge near gate B43.{{cite web| last1=Klint| first1=Matthew| title=Photo Tour: Turkish Airways Lounge Washington Dulles| date=September 2016| url=http://upgrd.com/matthew/turkish-airlines-lounge-washington-dulles.html| access-date=September 16, 2016| archive-date=September 16, 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916071146/http://upgrd.com/matthew/turkish-airlines-lounge-washington-dulles.html| url-status=dead}}

File:KIAD003.jpg's hub operation is based]]

{{Anchor|Midfield Concourse C|Midfield Concourse D}}Concourses C and D are located in the south midfield terminal, and are used for United Airlines flights, including all mainline flights and most United Express regional flights (save for a few that use Concourse A).

These concourses were constructed in 1983 as temporary facilities and designed by Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum. The two concourses have 22 gates each, numbered C1–C28 and D1–D32, with odd-numbered gates on the north side of the building and even numbered gates on the south side. Concourse C composes the eastern half of the terminal and Concourse D composes the western half.{{cite book| first=G. E.| last=Kidder Smith| title=Source Book of American Architecture: 500 Notable Buildings from the 10th Century to the Present| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kM5H7TNRh2sC&q=dulles+hellmuth+skidmore&pg=PA449| access-date=June 16, 2012| year=2000| publisher=Princeton Architectural Press| location=New York| isbn=978-1568982540| pages=448–449}}{{cite web| title=D2 Projects – Concourse C/D| url=https://www.mwaa.com/business/d2-projects-concourse-cd| publisher=Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority| year=2011| access-date=August 25, 2021| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825211552/https://www.mwaa.com/business/d2-projects-concourse-cd| archive-date=August 25, 2021|df=mdy-all}} The C/D concourses were given a facelift in 2006 that included light-fixture upgrades, new paint finishes, new ceiling grids and tiles, heating and air conditioning replacement, and complete restroom renovations.

File:Rendering2_-_Dulles_new_concourse_concept_2022.png

While all gates in Concourses C/D can be utilized for both domestic and international departures, all United international arrivals are conducted at gates C1-C14. These gates contain two exit configurations depending on the arriving flight. Domestic passengers and international passengers from airports with U.S. customs pre-clearance exit directly into the concourse, while international arrivals from airports without border pre-clearance are redirected down a sterile corridor to U.S. Customs & Immigration. Passengers arriving from international destinations who are ending their journey at Dulles are then transported by mobile lounge to the International Arrivals Building, while passengers making onward connections are directed to a separate customs facility located on the ground floor of Concourse C. After being screened by TSA at a dedicated security checkpoint within the facility, these passengers then take escalators that deposit them in Concourse C near gate C7.>{{cite web|title=Why I Love International Connections at Washington Dulles| url=https://liveandletsfly.com/international-connections-at-washington-dulles/| year=2016|access-date=January 22, 2023| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330021642/https://liveandletsfly.com/international-connections-at-washington-dulles/|archive-date=March 30, 2022|df=mdy-all}}

A new and permanent C/D concourse (also called "Tier 2") is planned as part of the D2 Dulles Development Project. The new building is to include a three-level structure with 44 airline gates and similar amenities to Concourse B. The concourse plan includes a dedicated mezzanine corridor with moving sidewalks to serve international passengers. The design and construction of the new C/D concourse has not been scheduled. When built, it is planned that both terminals will be connected to the main terminal and other concourses via the AeroTrain. To that extent, the AeroTrain station at Concourse C was built at the location where the future Concourse C/D structure is proposed to be built, and is connected to the existing Concourse C via an underground walkway. In April 2022, the Airport Authority published plans for a 14 gate Concourse E to be built atop the AeroTrain station with the purpose of replacing outdoor boarding areas at Concourse A. Construction is expected to cost between $500 million and $800 million and the airport is seeking $230 million grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill.{{cite web | url=https://www.flydulles.com/news/dulles-international-airport-proposes-new-14-gate-concourse | title=Dulles International Airport Proposes New 14-Gate Concourse | access-date=September 14, 2022 | archive-date=November 30, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130021518/https://www.flydulles.com/news/dulles-international-airport-proposes-new-14-gate-concourse | url-status=live }} Construction on the concourse began in August 2024, and it is expected to open in 2026.{{Cite web |title=Dulles begins construction on new concourse |url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/transportation/dulles-begins-construction-on-new-concourse/3693552/ |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=NBC4 Washington |language=en-US}}

Since many major domestic and international airlines have a large presence at Washington Dulles, there are many airline lounges within the airport:

• Air France / KLM: Air France/KLM Lounge, A Concourse across from gate A22.{{cite web |title=Main Terminal |url=http://mwaa.com/file/iadterm.pdf |publisher=Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority |date=July 2009 |access-date=October 12, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216115331/http://mwaa.com/file/iadterm.pdf |archive-date=December 16, 2010}}
• British Airways: BA Lounge for First class and Business class passengers (with Concorde Dining offered for First class passengers), located opposite the Concourse B Transit station.{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesstraveller.com/tried-and-tested/lounge-check-ba-galleries-lounge-washington-dulles/|title=Lounge review: BA Galleries Lounge, Washington Dulles|website=Business Traveller|access-date=August 14, 2019|archive-date=August 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814090931/https://www.businesstraveller.com/tried-and-tested/lounge-check-ba-galleries-lounge-washington-dulles/|url-status=live}}
• Capital One opened its second ever airport lounge at Dulles. It is operated by a third-party hospitality company and was opened on September 7, 2023, located in the main terminal just beyond the TSA PreCheck checkpoint.{{cite news| url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-04-19/capital-one-moves-in-on-amex-turf-with-push-into-airport-lounges| title = Capital One Moves In on AmEx Turf With Push Into Airport Lounges| website = Bloomberg News| date = April 19, 2021| access-date = June 16, 2021| archive-date = June 24, 2021| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210624200844/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-04-19/capital-one-moves-in-on-amex-turf-with-push-into-airport-lounges| url-status = live}}
• Etihad Airways: First and Business class lounge located adjacent to gate A14; managed by Chase and available to Chase Sapphire Reserve holders.{{cite web |title=flydulles.com |url=https://www.flydulles.com/travel-information/services-amenities/airport-lounges |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430135413/https://www.flydulles.com/travel-information/services-amenities/airport-lounges |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date= |publisher= }}
• Lufthansa: Senator Lounge and Business Lounge, B Concourse at gate B51.
• Turkish Airlines: Concourse B, near gate B41.
• United Airlines: Two United Clubs in Concourse C (at gates C7 and C17), and one in Concourse D at gate D8.{{cite web|url=https://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/travel/airport/lounge/locations/default.aspx|title=United Club & Airport Lounges|website=United Airlines|access-date=May 3, 2019|archive-date=December 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224195452/https://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/travel/airport/lounge/locations/default.aspx|url-status=live}} There is also a Polaris Lounge located directly across from gate C17.{{cite web|url=https://onemileatatime.com/news/united-polaris-lounge-washington-dulles/|title=Now Open: United Polaris Lounge Washington Dulles|date=October 21, 2021|access-date=October 29, 2021|archive-date=October 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029220823/https://onemileatatime.com/news/united-polaris-lounge-washington-dulles/|url-status=live}}
• Virgin Atlantic: Clubhouse, Concourse A across from gate A32.{{cite web| title=Washington| url=http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/us/en/travel-information/airport-guides/washington-dulles/experience-upper-class.html| publisher=Virgin Atlantic| access-date=21 April 2015| archive-date=April 9, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409021641/http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/us/en/travel-information/airport-guides/washington-dulles/experience-upper-class.html| url-status=live}}

{{Airport destination list | 3rdcoltitle = Refs | 3rdcolunsortable=yes

| Aer Lingus | Dublin | {{cite web|url=https://www.aerlingus.com/html/flights-time-table.html|title=Timetables|website=Aer Lingus|publisher=International Airlines Group|location=Dublin|access-date=April 11, 2018|archive-date=February 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219100623/https://www.aerlingus.com/html/flights-time-table.html|url-status=live}}

| Aeroméxico | Mexico City | {{cite web |title=Aeromexico 2024 US Network Expansion Update – 29OCT23 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/231031-amfy2324us |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=31 October 2023 |archive-date=October 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031151743/https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/231031-amfy2324us |url-status=live }}

| Air Canada | Seasonal: Toronto–Pearson{{cite web | url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250107-acns25220us | title=Air Canada NS25 A220 US Network Additions }} | {{cite web|url=https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/book/routes-and-partners/flight-schedules.html|title=Flight Schedules|publisher=Air Canada|access-date=April 11, 2018|archive-date=March 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323072516/https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/book/routes-and-partners/flight-schedules.html|url-status=live}}

| Air Canada Express | Montréal–Trudeau, Toronto–Pearson |

| Air China | Beijing–Capital | {{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/231110-canov23iad|title=Air China resumes Washington Dulles service from late-Nov 2023|publisher=Aeroroutes|date=10 November 2023}}

| Air France | Paris–Charles de Gaulle | {{cite web|url=http://www.airfrance.us/en/local/resainfovol/horaires/horaires.do|title=Flight Status|website=Air France|publisher=Air France-KLM|location=Paris}}

| Air India | Delhi | {{cite web|title=Time Table – Air India|url=http://www.airindia.in/time-table.htm|access-date=10 April 2018|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305051702/http://www.airindia.in/time-table.htm|url-status=live}}

| Alaska Airlines | Los Angeles (ends August 20, 2025),{{cite web |url= https://airlinegeeks.com/2025/04/19/alaska-axes-four-routes/ |title= Alaska Axes Four Routes|date=April 19, 2025|access-date=April 20, 2025|website=AirlineGeeks }} San Diego,{{Cite web|url=https://news.alaskaair.com/alaska-airlines/alaska-airlines-expands-our-san-diego-network-with-new-coast-to-coast-nonstops/|title=Alaska Airlines expands our San Diego network with new coast-to-coast nonstops|first=Alaska|last=Airlines|date=January 30, 2023|access-date=January 30, 2023|archive-date=January 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130162944/https://news.alaskaair.com/alaska-airlines/alaska-airlines-expands-our-san-diego-network-with-new-coast-to-coast-nonstops/|url-status=live}} San Francisco (ends August 20, 2025), Seattle/Tacoma | {{cite news|title=Flight Timetable|newspaper=Alaska Airlines|url=https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/timetables.aspx|access-date=March 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202123138/https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/timetables.aspx|archive-date=February 2, 2017|url-status=live|last1=Airlines|first1=Alaska}}

| Allegiant Air | Asheville (begins June 20, 2025),{{cite web |title=Allegiant Air 1H25 Network Expansion |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/241126-g41h25 |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=26 November 2024}} Destin/Fort Walton Beach (begins May 23, 2025), Jacksonville (FL), Knoxville (begins May 23, 2025),{{cite web|title=Allegiant Airlines adds three new destinations from McGhee Tyson Airport|website=WBIR|url=https://www.wbir.com/article/news/local/allegiant-three-new-destinations-mcghee-tyson-airport/51-3e71647d-54e1-4f7c-8edf-57346a1ee4c7|date=November 19, 2024|access-date=November 21, 2024}} Punta Gorda (FL),{{cite web|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/allegiant-announces-twelve-new-routes-with-one-way-fares-as-low-as-49-301989967.html|title=ALLEGIANT ANNOUNCES TWELVE NEW ROUTES WITH ONE-WAY FARES AS LOW AS $49*|website=PRNewsWire|date=November 16, 2023|access-date=November 16, 2023}}{{better|independent source needed|date=November 2024}} Sarasota, Savannah (begins May 22, 2025) | {{cite web|url=https://www.allegiantair.com/search/route-announcements-062921|title=Allegiant schedule|access-date=November 14, 2021|archive-date=July 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706013725/https://www.allegiantair.com/search/route-announcements-062921|url-status=live}}

| All Nippon Airways | Tokyo–Haneda | {{cite web|title=Timetables [International Routes]|url=https://www.ana.co.jp/en/us/book-plan/airinfo/timetable/international/|access-date=10 April 2018|archive-date=June 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624092943/https://www.ana.co.jp/en/us/book-plan/airinfo/timetable/international/|url-status=live}}

| American Airlines | Dallas/Fort Worth | {{cite web|title=Flight schedules and notifications|url=https://www.aa.com/travelInformation/flights/schedule|access-date=10 April 2018|archive-date=February 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202010611/https://www.aa.com/travelInformation/flights/schedule|url-status=live}}

| American Eagle | Charlotte |

| Austrian Airlines | Vienna | {{cite web|url=https://www.austrian.com/sk/Info/Flightinformation/Timetable?sc_lang=sk&cc=SK|title=Austrian Timetable|publisher=Austrian Airlines|access-date=April 11, 2018|archive-date=March 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331094119/https://www.austrian.com/sk/Info/Flightinformation/Timetable?sc_lang=sk&cc=SK|url-status=live}}

| Avelo Airlines | New Haven{{cite web|url= https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/avelo-airlines-nonstop-flights-new-haven-washington-dc/3295038/?amp=1 |title= Avelo Airlines to fly nonstop from New Haven to Washington, DC |date=May 21, 2024|access-date=May 22, 2024|website=NBC Connecticut}}
Seasonal: Wilmington (NC) (begins June 13, 2025){{cite web |title=Avelo Airlines Announces 13 New Routes and Three New Destinations to its Growing Network |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/avelo-airlines-announces-13-new-routes-and-three-new-destinations-to-its-growing-network-302397839.html |website=PR Newswire |access-date=11 March 2025}} | {{cite web|url=https://www.aveloair.com/destinations/|title=Destinations|website=Avelo Airlines|access-date=January 18, 2022|archive-date=November 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107173629/https://www.aveloair.com/destinations/|url-status=live}}

| Avianca | Bogotá | {{cite web|title=Check itineraries|url=https://www.avianca.com/br/en/electronic-services/check-itineraries/|access-date=August 5, 2018|archive-date=June 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620180731/https://www.avianca.com/br/en/electronic-services/check-itineraries/|url-status=live}}

| Avianca Costa Rica | Guatemala City
Seasonal: San José (CR){{cn|date=November 2024}} | {{cite web|url=https://newsinamerica.com/pdcc/lineasaereas/2021/avianca-fortalece-conectividad-desde-centroamerica-con-la-operacion-de-rutas-hacia-estados-unidos/|title=Avianca strengthens connectivity from Central America with the operation of routes to the United States|language=Spanish|website=Periódico Digital|date=September 2021|access-date=September 8, 2021|archive-date=March 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302081527/https://newsinamerica.com/pdcc/lineasaereas/2021/avianca-fortalece-conectividad-desde-centroamerica-con-la-operacion-de-rutas-hacia-estados-unidos/|url-status=live}}

| Avianca El Salvador | San Salvador |

| Breeze Airways | Ogdensburg,{{cite web |url= https://airlinegeeks.com/2024/09/17/breeze-adds-4-new-routes-from-washington-dulles/ |title= Breeze Adds 4 New Routes From Washington Dulles

|date=September 17, 2024|access-date=September 17, 2024|website=AirlineGeeks }} Provo, South Bend, Vero Beach |{{Cite web|url=https://www.flybreeze.com/destinations|title=Breeze Airways Destinations|access-date=February 27, 2023|archive-date=April 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415232217/https://www.flybreeze.com/destinations|url-status=live}}

| British Airways | London–Heathrow | {{cite web|url=https://www.britishairways.com/travel/schedules/public/en_gb|title=Timetables|publisher=British Airways|access-date=April 11, 2018|archive-date=March 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330083400/https://www.britishairways.com/travel/schedules/public/en_gb|url-status=live}}

| Brussels Airlines | Seasonal: Brussels{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/241107-snns25iad|title=Brussels Airlines NS25 Washington Service Changes - 06NOV24|publisher=AeroRoutes|date=November 7, 2024|accessdate=November 19, 2024}} | {{cite web |title= Timetable {{!}} Brussels Airlines |url= https://www.brusselsairlines.com/en-es/practical-information/timetable/Default.aspx |access-date= 10 April 2018 |archive-date= June 15, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180615111754/https://www.brusselsairlines.com/en-es/practical-information/timetable/Default.aspx |url-status= live }}

| Contour Airlines | Macon/Warner Robins (GA), Plattsburgh{{cite web|url= https://airlinegeeks.com/2025/02/12/washington-dulles-gets-a-new-airline/#|title= Washington Dulles Gets a New Airline |website=AirlineGeeks|date=February 12, 2025|access-date=February 12, 2025}} | {{Cite web |title=Route Map |url=https://www.contourairlines.com/plan-and-book/items/route-map |access-date=April 22, 2024 |website=Contour Airlines}}

| Copa Airlines | Panama City–Tocumen | {{cite web |title= Flight Schedule |url= https://www.copaair.com/en/web/us/timetables |access-date= 10 April 2018 |archive-date= August 10, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170810014849/https://www.copaair.com/en/web/us/timetables |url-status= live }}

| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Seattle/Tacoma
Seasonal: Detroit | {{cite web|title=FLIGHT SCHEDULES|url=https://www.delta.com/flightinfo/viewFlightSchedulesSetup.action|access-date=10 April 2018|archive-date=June 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621123636/http://www.delta.com/flightinfo/viewFlightSchedulesSetup.action|url-status=live}}

| Delta Connection | Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York–JFK |

| Egyptair | Cairo | {{cite web|title=EgyptAir Timetable|url=https://www.egyptair.com/en/Plan/Pages/timetable.aspx|access-date=February 24, 2019|archive-date=March 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324170918/https://www.egyptair.com/en/Plan/Pages/timetable.aspx|url-status=live}}

| Emirates | Dubai–International | {{cite web|url=https://www.emirates.com/ca/english/destinations_offers/timetables/flightschedule.aspx|title=Flight Schedules|publisher=Emirates|access-date=April 11, 2018|archive-date=June 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630185434/https://www.emirates.com/ca/english/destinations_offers/timetables/flightschedule.aspx|url-status=live}}

| Ethiopian Airlines | Addis Ababa, Lomé | {{cite web|title=Schedule – Fly Ethiopian|url=https://www.ethiopianairlines.com/AA/EN/book/booking/flight-schedule|access-date=10 April 2018|archive-date=March 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331065638/https://www.ethiopianairlines.com/AA/EN/book/booking/flight-schedule|url-status=live}}

| Etihad Airways | Abu Dhabi | {{cite web|url=http://www.etihad.com/en-ca/plan-and-book/flight-timetables/|title=Flight Timetables|publisher=Etihad Airways|access-date=April 11, 2018|archive-date=April 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170421022706/http://www.etihad.com/en-ca/plan-and-book/flight-timetables/|url-status=live}}

| Frontier Airlines | Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth (begins May 22, 2025),{{cite web |last1=Ewing |first1=Ryan |title=Frontier Adds 14 Routes, Returns to Two Airports |url=https://airlinegeeks.com/2025/02/18/frontier-adds-14-routes-returns-to-two-airports/ |website=AirlineGeeks |access-date=18 February 2025 |date=18 February 2025}} Las Vegas{{cite web|url=https://www.airwaysmag.com/new-post/frontier-to-introduce-new-spring-routes|title=Frontier Airlines to Introduce New Spring Routes|publisher=Airways Magazine|date=February 4, 2025|accessdate=February 5, 2025}} Miami (begins May 22, 2025), Orlando,{{cite web|url=https://www.travelpulse.com/news/airlines-airports/frontier-airlines-unveils-new-routes-for-fall|title=Frontier Airlines Unveils New Routes for Fall|website=Travel Pulse|access-date=August 27, 2024}} San Juan (begins May 22, 2025),{{cite web |last1=López |first1=Stephanie L. |title=Frontier lanza dos nuevas rutas desde San Juan y Aguadilla |url=https://www.elvocero.com/economia/frontier-lanza-dos-nuevas-rutas-desde-san-juan-y-aguadilla/article_cb933528-ee04-11ef-9ae3-cf8c0fcd4e87.html |publisher=El Vocero |access-date=February 18, 2025 |date=February 18, 2025}} Tampa{{cite web |title=Frontier Airlines Dec 2024 Network Additions |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/241010-f9dec24 |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=10 October 2024}} | {{cite web|title=Route Map|url=https://www.flyfrontier.com/travel/my-trips/route-map/?mobile=true}}

| Iberia | Madrid{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/241225-ibns25iad|title=Iberia Moves Washington Service Resumption to Mid-April 2025|website=Aeroroutes|access-date=26 December 2024}} | {{cite web|title=Flight times - Iberia|url=https://www.iberia.com/gb/schedules/|access-date=7 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180317232127/https://www.iberia.com/gb/schedules/|archive-date=March 17, 2018|url-status=live}}

| Icelandair | Reykjavík–Keflavík | {{cite web|url=http://www.icelandair.ca/information/travel-guide/timetable/|title=Flight Schedule|publisher=Icelandair|access-date=April 11, 2018|archive-date=November 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116064841/http://www.icelandair.ca/information/travel-guide/timetable/|url-status=live}}

| ITA Airways | Rome–Fiumicino{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240829-aznw24inc|title=ITA Airways NW24 Intercontinental Network Changes - 28AUG24|publisher=AeroRoutes|date=August 29, 2024|accessdate=November 22, 2024}} | {{Cite web|url=https://www.ita-airways.com/it_it/offerte/tutte-le-offerte/washington-san-francisco.html|title=Voli per San Francisco e Washington da giugno|website=ITA Airways|access-date=December 21, 2022|archive-date=December 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221171847/https://www.ita-airways.com/it_it/offerte/tutte-le-offerte/washington-san-francisco.html|url-status=live}}

| KLM | Amsterdam | {{cite web|url=https://www.klm.com/travel/ca_en/prepare_for_travel/up_to_date/timetable/index.htm|title=View the Timetable|publisher=KLM|access-date=April 11, 2018|archive-date=September 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912011516/https://www.klm.com/travel/ca_en/prepare_for_travel/up_to_date/timetable/index.htm|url-status=dead}}

| Korean Air | Seoul–Incheon | {{cite web|url=https://www.koreanair.com/global/en/booking/schedule-flight.html#schedule|title=Flight Status and Schedules|publisher=Korean Air|access-date=April 11, 2018|archive-date=June 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628234008/https://www.koreanair.com/global/en/booking/schedule-flight.html#schedule|url-status=live}}

| Lufthansa | Frankfurt, Munich | {{cite web|url=http://www.lufthansa.com/ca/en/Online-timetable|title=Timetable – Lufthansa Canada|publisher=Lufthansa|access-date=April 11, 2018|archive-date=November 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109191434/http://www.lufthansa.com/ca/en/Online-timetable|url-status=dead}}

| Porter Airlines | Toronto–Billy Bishop | {{cite web|title=Interactive Route Map|url=https://www.flyporter.com/en/book-flights/where-we-fly/route-map|access-date=10 April 2018|archive-date=November 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115143450/https://www.flyporter.com/en/book-flights/where-we-fly/route-map|url-status=live}}

| Qatar Airways | Doha | {{cite web|title=Flight timetable|url=https://booking.qatarairways.com/nsp/views/timeTableIndex.xhtml|access-date=10 April 2018|archive-date=October 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004005550/https://booking.qatarairways.com/nsp/views/timeTableIndex.xhtml|url-status=live}}

| Royal Air Maroc | Casablanca | {{cite web|title=Flight Schedules|url=https://www.royalairmaroc.com/int-en/E-Services/Flight-schedules|access-date=10 April 2018|archive-date=August 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805052431/https://www.royalairmaroc.com/int-en/E-Services/Flight-schedules|url-status=dead}}

| Royal Jordanian | Amman–Queen Alia{{cite web|title=Royal Jordanian Plans New U.S. Route|url=https://airlinegeeks.com/2024/11/20/royal-jordanian-plans-new-u-s-route/|website=Airlinegeeks|date=November 20, 2024}} | {{cite web |last1=Liu |first1=Jim|title=Royal Jordanian Schedules Washington Launch in late-1Q25|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/241126-rjns25iad|website=Aeroroutes|date=November 26, 2024}}

| Saudia | Jeddah, Riyadh | {{cite web|title=Flight Schedule|url=https://www.saudia.com/|access-date=7 March 2022|archive-date=August 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815153921/https://www.saudia.com/|url-status=live}}

| Scandinavian Airlines | Copenhagen | {{cite web|title=Timetable – SAS|url=https://www.flysas.com/en/us/Generic/Services/Timetable/|access-date=10 April 2018|archive-date=March 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180317232132/https://www.flysas.com/en/us/Generic/Services/Timetable/|url-status=live}}

| {{nowrap|Southern Airways Express}} | Bradford (PA), DuBois (PA), Lancaster (PA), Williamsport (PA){{Cite web|url=https://www.pennlive.com/news/2024/01/commuter-air-service-returning-to-williamsport-in-may-a-baby-step.html|title=Commuter air service returning to Williamsport in May: 'a baby step'|first=John |last=Beauge|date=January 8, 2024|website=pennlive}} | {{cite web|title=Destinations|url=https://iflysouthern.com/routes/|access-date=January 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321231450/https://iflysouthern.com/routes/|archive-date=March 21, 2017|url-status=live}}

| Southwest Airlines | Denver, Nashville (begins November 10, 2025),https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/southwest-airlines-grows-in-nashville-dulles-and-el-paso-as-it-cuts-five-routes-in-strategic-2025-2026-realignment/ Phoenix–Sky Harbor{{Cite web |url=https://swamedia.com/releases/release-062b129b1867078ddae9d66a4d5715d9-southwest-airlines-extends-flight-schedule-through-may-2024 |title=Southwest Airlines Newsroom |access-date=September 16, 2023 |archive-date=September 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918162934/https://swamedia.com/releases/release-062b129b1867078ddae9d66a4d5715d9-southwest-airlines-extends-flight-schedule-through-may-2024 |url-status=live }}{{better source needed|independent source needed|date=October 2024}} | {{cite web|title=Check Flight Schedules|url=https://www.southwest.com/air/flight-schedules/index.html|access-date=10 April 2018|archive-date=February 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202053931/https://www.southwest.com/air/flight-schedules/index.html|url-status=live}}

| Sun Country Airlines | Seasonal: Minneapolis/St. Paul{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/231019-syns24us|title=Sun Country NS24 Domestic Network Expansion|publisher=AeroRoutes|date=October 19, 2023|accessdate=November 22, 2024}} | {{Cite web |url=https://thriftytraveler.com/news/airlines/sun-country-new-routes-2024/ |title=Sun Country Adds 10 Routes from Minneapolis in Latest Challenge to Delta |access-date=October 18, 2023 |archive-date=October 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018133318/https://thriftytraveler.com/news/airlines/sun-country-new-routes-2024/ |url-status=live }}

| {{nowrap|Swiss International Air Lines}} | Zürich{{cite web|title=Swiss Adds Flights to Washington Dulles, the Fastest Growing U.S. Gateway|url=https://airlineweekly.skift.com/2023/09/swiss-adds-flights-to-washington-dulles-the-fastest-growing-u-s-gateway/|website=Airline Weekly|access-date=12 September 2023|archive-date=September 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918162934/https://airlineweekly.skift.com/2023/09/swiss-adds-flights-to-washington-dulles-the-fastest-growing-u-s-gateway/|url-status=live}} | {{cite web |title=Timetable |url=https://www.swiss.com/CH/EN/book/flight-information/timetable.html |access-date=August 5, 2018 |archive-date=March 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180317232924/https://www.swiss.com/CH/EN/book/flight-information/timetable.html |url-status=live }}

| TAP Air Portugal | Lisbon | {{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/amp/2147275002|title=All Destinations|publisher=TAP Portugal|access-date=November 29, 2018|archive-date=November 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130030346/https://www.usatoday.com/amp/2147275002|url-status=live}}

| Turkish Airlines | Istanbul | {{cite web|url=https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-us/flights/|title=Online Flight Schedule|publisher=Turkish Airlines|access-date=April 8, 2019|archive-date=April 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410174518/https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-us/flights/|url-status=live}}

| United Airlines | Accra, Albuquerque (resumes May 22, 2025),{{cite web|last=Liu|first=Jim|title=United Resumes Washington – Albuquerque Service in 2Q25|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250225-uans25iadabq|website=AeroRoutes|date=February 25, 2025}} Amsterdam, Aruba, Atlanta, Austin, Barbados, Barcelona,{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250429-uanw25inc|title=United NW25 Intercontinental Network Changes|date=29 April 2025|website=AeroRoutes}} Boston, Brussels, Cancún, Cape Town, Charleston (SC), Chicago–O'Hare, Cleveland, Dakar–Diass (begins May 23, 2025),{{cite web|title=United Airlines Bets on Offbeat Destinations, Adds Mongolia and Greenland for 2025|url=https://skift.com/2024/10/10/united-bets-on-off-the-beaten-path-destinations/|website=Skift |access-date=October 10, 2024}} Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Dublin, Edinburgh,{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250429-uanw25inc|title=United NW25 Intercontinental Network Changes|date=29 April 2025|website=AeroRoutes}} Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Frankfurt, Geneva, Guatemala City, Hartford, Honolulu, Houston–Intercontinental, Jacksonville (FL), Lagos, Las Vegas, Lisbon, London–Heathrow, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Miami, Munich, Nashville, Newark, New Orleans, Norfolk, Orlando, Paris–Charles de Gaulle, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Portland (OR), Providenciales, Punta Cana, Raleigh/Durham, Rome–Fiumicino, Sacramento, St. Thomas, Salt Lake City,{{cite web|url=https://airlinegeeks.com/2024/10/14/united-to-resume-route-after-11-year-pause/|title=United to Resume Route After 11 Year-Hiatus|publisher=Airline Geeks|date=October 14, 2024|accessdate=October 15, 2024}} San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, San Juan, São Paulo–Guarulhos, Seattle/Tacoma, Tampa, Tel Aviv (suspended), Tokyo–Haneda, Zürich
Seasonal: Anchorage,{{cite web|url= https://ishrionaviation.com/news/united-new-canada-alaska-routes |title= United Airlines Adds New Alaska and Canada Routes |date=January 18, 2024|accessdate=January 18, 2024}} Athens,{{cite web|url=https://www.traveldailynews.com/aviation/united-airlines-to-expand-seasonal-services-from-athens-to-the-u-s-for-2025/|title=United Airlines to expand seasonal services from Athens to the U.S. for 2025|publisher=Travel Daily News|date=October 10, 2024|accessdate=November 22, 2024}} Bozeman,{{cite web|url=https://businesstravelerusa.com/news/united-winter-record-breaking-schedule/|title=United Expands Winter Horizons with Record-Breaking Schedule|publisher=Business Traveler USA|date=October 25, 2024|accessdate=November 22, 2024}} Calgary, Grand Cayman, Hayden/Steamboat Springs,{{cite web|url=https://www.steamboatradio.com/2022/08/17/direct-flights-into-yvra-are-announced-for-the-upcoming-winter/|title=Direct flights into YVRA are announced for the upcoming winter|publisher=Steamboat Radio|date=August 17, 2022|accessdate=January 31, 2025}} Key West, Madrid, Montego Bay, Nassau, Nice (begins May 24, 2025),{{cite web|title=United Airlines (UAL) Adds Eight New International Destinations|url=https://www.streetinsider.com/Corporate+News/United+Airlines+%28UAL%29+Adds+Eight+New+International+Destinations/23823251.html|website=StreetInsider |access-date=October 10, 2024}} Palm Springs,{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240523-uadec24iadpsp|title=United Adds Washington Dulles – Palm Springs From Dec 2024|website=Aeroroutes|date=May 23, 2024|access-date=May 23, 2024}} St. Maarten, San José (CR), San Salvador, Vancouver, Venice (begins May 22, 2025) | {{nowrap|{{cite web|title=Timetable|url=https://www.united.com/web/en-US/apps/travel/timetable/default.aspx|publisher=United Airlines Holdings|location=Chicago|access-date=10 April 2018|archive-date=January 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128165254/https://www.united.com/web/en-US/apps/travel/timetable/default.aspx|url-status=dead}}{{better source needed|independent source needed|date=October 2024}}}}

| United Express | Albany, Buffalo, Burlington (VT), Charleston (SC), Charlotte, Charlottesville (VA), Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbia (SC), Columbus–Glenn, Dayton, Detroit, Greensboro,{{cite web |title=United Resumes Two Regional Routes|url=https://airlinegeeks.com/2024/05/12/united-resumes-two-regional-routes/ |website=Airlinegeeks |access-date=12 May 2024}} Greenville/Spartanburg, Harrisburg,{{cite web |title=United Moves 4 Newark Domestic Routes to Washington From late-June 2024 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240219-uajun24ewriad |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=19 February 2024}} Hartford, Huntsville, Indianapolis, Ithaca,{{cite web |title=Flights between Ithaca Airport and Washington Dulles will resume in 2025|url=https://www.14850.com/122039484-ithaca-united-dulles-2412/}} Johnstown (PA), Kansas City, Knoxville, Louisville, Manchester (NH),{{cite web|url=https://www.wmur.com/article/united-airlines-service-changes-manchester-nh-airport/62987649|title=United Airlines ending service to Newark from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport; Will start service to Washington-Dulles|publisher=WMUR Manchester|date=November 22, 2024|accessdate=November 22, 2024}} Minneapolis/St. Paul, Mobile–Regional,{{cite web|url=https://www.al.com/news/mobile/2024/03/mobile-getting-nonstop-flights-to-washington-dc-courtesy-of-united.html?outputType=amp|title=Mobile getting nonstop flights to Washington DC, courtesy of United|publisher=al.com|date=March 1, 2024|accessdate=March 4, 2024}} Montréal–Trudeau, Morgantown (WV),{{cite web | title=SkyWest to begin flying out of Morgantown in December | website=The Dominion Post | url=https://www.dominionpost.com/2024/09/17/haws-citys-new-air-carrier-to-take-off-this-year/ | ref={{sfnref | The Dominion Post}} | access-date=2024-09-23}} Newark, New York–LaGuardia, Norfolk, Ottawa, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Portland (ME), Providence, Richmond, Roanoke, Rochester (NY), St. Louis, Savannah, South Bend,{{cite web |last1=Doughty |first1=Nate |title=United Airlines adding nonstop flights to 2 college towns from Dulles |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2024/10/04/united-airlines-iad-dulles-south-bend-morgantown.html |url-access=registration |website=Washington Business Journal |access-date=5 October 2024 |date=4 October 2024}} State College, Syracuse, Toronto–Pearson, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
Seasonal: Jacksonville (FL),{{citation needed|date=October 2024}} Myrtle Beach,{{cn|date=November 2024}} Nashville,{{cn|date=April 2025}} Raleigh/Durham, Traverse City,{{cn|date=November 2024}} West Palm Beach | {{cite web|title=Timetable|url=https://www.flydulles.com/flight-information/nonstop-destinations|access-date=7 March 2022|archive-date=March 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308125443/https://www.flydulles.com/flight-information/nonstop-destinations|url-status=live}}

| Virgin Atlantic | London–Heathrow | {{cite web|title=Interactive flight map|url=http://vs.fltmaps.com/en/gb|access-date=10 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424150818/http://vs.fltmaps.com/en/gb|archive-date=April 24, 2018|url-status=dead}}

| Volaris El Salvador | San Salvador | {{cite web |last1=Casey |first1=David |title=Volaris El Salvador Granted Final Approval For US Routes |url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/29/breaking-news/297537/volaris-el-salvador-granted-final-approval-for-us-routes/ |website=Routesonline |access-date=9 February 2022 |archive-date=March 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308203831/https://www.routesonline.com/news/29/breaking-news/297537/volaris-el-salvador-granted-final-approval-for-us-routes/ |url-status=live }}

| WestJet | Seasonal: Calgary{{cite web|url=https://www.insidenova.com/headlines/westjet-airlines-to-launch-first-ever-nonstop-flights-from-dulles-to-calgary/article_f205d596-abf1-11ed-a9d4-23aaaee5b85a.html|title=WestJet to launch first-ever nonstop flights from Dulles to Calgary|publisher=Inside Nova|date=February 13, 2023|accessdate=January 31, 2025}} | {{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230212-wsns23|title=WESTJET NS23 NORTH AMERICA NETWORK CHANGES – 12FEB23|publisher=AeroRoutes|date=February 12, 2023|accessdate=February 12, 2023|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326031255/https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230212-wsns23|url-status=live}}

}}

{{smalldiv|

Notes:

• Some Ethiopian Airlines flights from Addis Ababa to Dulles stop at Rome–Fiumicino for refueling.{{cite web |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230918-etnw23na |title=Ethiopian Airlines NW23 North America Tech Stop Changes |website=Aeroroutes |date=September 18, 2023 }} The same flight from Dulles to Addis Ababa is nonstop.

}}

{{Airport destination list

| {{nowrap|FedEx Express}} | Greensboro, Indianapolis, Memphis, Newark
Seasonal: Harrisburg

| UPS Airlines | Louisville

}}

Washington Dulles is accessible via the Dulles Access Road/Dulles Greenway (State Route 267) and State Route 28. The Access Road is a toll-free, limited access highway owned by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) to facilitate car access to Washington Dulles from the Capital Beltway and Interstate 66.{{cite web| title=Dulles Toll Road| url=http://www.mwaa.com/tollroad/921.htm| publisher=Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority| access-date=June 3, 2011| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610054324/https://www.mwaa.com/tollroad/921.htm| archive-date=June 10, 2011| df=mdy-all}} After it opened, non-airport traffic between Washington and Reston became so heavy that a parallel set of toll lanes were added on the same right-of-way to accommodate non-airport traffic (Dulles Toll Road). The airport-only lanes are both less congested and toll-free. As of November 1, 2008, MWAA assumed responsibility from the Virginia Department of Transportation both for operating the Dulles Toll Road and for the construction of the Silver Line down its median. Route 28, which runs north–south along the eastern edge of the airport, has been upgraded to a limited access highway, with the interchanges financed through a property tax surcharge on nearby business properties. The Dulles Toll Road (VA-267) is extended to the south of Leesburg as the Dulles Greenway.

File:Dulles Airport Station Mezzanine 1115.jpg of the Washington Metro is part of the system's Silver Line.]]

Washington Metro service is available to Dulles via the station on the Silver Line.{{cite web| title=Dulles International Airport| url=http://www.dullesmetro.com/stations/dulles.cfm.html| publisher=Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority| year=2011| access-date=February 9, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130205010213/http://dullesmetro.com/stations/dulles.cfm.html| archive-date=February 5, 2013| url-status=dead}} Service began operation on November 15, 2022.{{cite press release |title=Metro customers invited to ride the first passenger train to six new Silver Line stations |publisher=WMATA |url=https://wmata.com/about/news/Metro-customers-invited-to-ride-the-first-passenger-train-to-six-new-Silver-Line-stations.cfm |website=wmata.com |access-date=November 15, 2022 |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115082510/https://www.wmata.com/about/news/Metro-customers-invited-to-ride-the-first-passenger-train-to-six-new-Silver-Line-stations.cfm |url-status=live }}

Fairfax Connector bus routes 981 and 983 serve Washington Dulles, connecting to the Herndon–Monroe park & ride lot in Herndon, the Reston Town Center transit in Reston, the Wiehle–Reston East Metro station, and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center Air and Space Museum.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}} Formerly, the Metrobus 5A route served at the airport.

Megabus provides service from Dulles to Charlottesville and Blacksburg.

Washington Flyer has a monopoly to operate cabs from Washington Dulles Airport.{{cite web| title=End the Dulles Taxi Monopoly!| url=http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2009/07/17/end-the-dulles-taxi-monopoly/| website=View from the Wing| date=July 17, 2009| access-date=2016-01-13| archive-date=March 8, 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308065852/http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2009/07/17/end-the-dulles-taxi-monopoly/| url-status=live}} Uber and Lyft are popular modes of transport to and from the airport, and MWAA receives a $4 fee per trip, which is included in the quoted fare.{{cite web| title=DC's New Rules for Uber Airport Pickups Aren't Great For Riders| url=https://www.airporttransferdulles.com/r-lyft-are-mostly-happy-with-the-new-dc-airport-regs/| website=DC Inno| access-date=2016-01-13}}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

File:IAD ATCT.jpg

• On October 1, 1965, a Cessna 182 crashed on approach to Dulles Airport in a field in Chantilly, killing all four occupants on board.{{cite news | title=Four Die in Plane Crash South of Dulles Airport|url=https://virginiachronicle.com/?a=d&d=NVS19651002.1.1| newspaper=Northern Virginia Sun| date=October 2, 1965| access-date=October 29, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://ntsb.gov/Pages/brief.aspx?ev_id=73310&key=0|title=Accident description for N2068X at ntsb.gov|website=ntsb.gov|accessdate=February 28, 2025}}
• There were three deaths during a nine-day air show held at Washington Dulles in conjunction with Transpo '72 (officially called the U.S. International Transportation Exposition, a $10 million event sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, and attended by over one million visitors from around the world).
• On May 29, 1972, the third day of the show, the pilot of a Kite Rider (a variety of hang glider) was killed in a crash. This was to be the first of the three air deaths during the Air Show.{{cite news| title=Kite Rider Killed in Crash At Transpo 72 Air Show| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/05/30/archives/kite-rider-killed-in-crash-at-transpo-72-air-show.html| newspaper=The New York Times| date=May 30, 1972| access-date=July 23, 2018| archive-date=July 23, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723064239/https://www.nytimes.com/1972/05/30/archives/kite-rider-killed-in-crash-at-transpo-72-air-show.html| url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://ghostsofdc.org/2012/03/06/dulles-airport-trivia/|title=Three Things You Didn't Know About Dulles Airport|last=Tom|date=2012-03-06|website=Ghosts of DC|language=en-US|access-date=2019-02-17|archive-date=February 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217142350/https://ghostsofdc.org/2012/03/06/dulles-airport-trivia/|url-status=live}}
• On June 3, 1972, a second death occurred at the Transpo '72 Air Show, during a sport plane pylon race. At 2:40 pm, during the second lap and near a turn about pylon 3, a trailing aircraft's (LOWERS R-1 N66AN) wing and propeller hit the right wing tip of a leading aircraft (CASSUTT BARTH N7017). The right wing immediately sheared off the fuselage, and the damaged aircraft crashed almost instantly, killing the 29-year-old pilot, Hugh C. Alexander. He was a professional Air Racer with over 10,200 hours.{{cite web| title=NTSB Aviation Query NYC72AN147 N66AN| url=https://www.ntsb.gov/aviationquery/brief.aspx?ev_id=64946&key=0&print=1| access-date=June 29, 2020| archive-date=March 26, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326031400/https://www.ntsb.gov/aviationquery/brief.aspx?ev_id=64946&key=0&print=1| url-status=live}}{{cite web| title=NTSB Aviation Query NYC72AN147 N7017| url=https://www.ntsb.gov/aviationquery/brief.aspx?ev_id=64947&key=0&print=1| access-date=June 29, 2020| archive-date=March 26, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326031400/https://www.ntsb.gov/aviationquery/brief.aspx?ev_id=64947&key=0&print=1| url-status=live}}
• On June 4, 1972, during the last day of the 9-day Transpo '72 Air Show, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds experienced their first fatal crash at an air show. Major Joe Howard flying Thunderbird 3 was killed when his F-4E-32-MC Phantom II, 66-0321, lost power during a vertical maneuver. The pilot broke out of formation just after he completed a wedge roll and was ascending at around {{convert|2500|ft}} AGL. The aircraft staggered and descended in a flat attitude with little forward speed. Although Major Howard ejected as the aircraft fell back to earth from about 1,500 feet (460 m) tail first, and descended under a good canopy, winds blew him into the fireball ascending from the blazing crash site. The parachute melted and the pilot plummeted {{convert|200|ft}}, sustaining fatal injuries.{{cite book| title=USAF Aircraft Accidents – Life Sciences Aspects, April–June 1972| publisher=Directorate of Aerospace Safety, Air Force Inspection and Safety Center| location=Norton AFB, California| pages=59–60}}
• On December 1, 1974, while diverting to Washington Dulles, TWA Flight 514 crashed onto the western slope of Mount Weather.{{cite book| title=Sound of Impact: The Legacy of TWA Flight 514| first=Adam| last=Shaw| publisher=Viking Press| location=New York City| year=1977|isbn=0-670-65840-5}} All 85 passengers and 7 crew members were killed on impact.
• Air France Concorde incidents of 1979:
• On June 14, 1979, the number 5 and 6 tires on an Air France Concorde blew out during takeoff. Shrapnel thrown from the tires and rims damaged number 2 engine, punctured three fuel tanks, severed several hydraulic lines and electrical wires, in addition to tearing a large hole on the top of the wing, over the wheel well area.{{cite web| title=Safety Recommendations| url=https://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/recletters/1981/a81_150_152.pdf| publisher=National Transportation Safety Board| date=November 9, 1981| access-date=June 3, 2011| archive-date=October 27, 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027175254/http://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/recletters/1981/A81_150_152.pdf| url-status=live}}
• On July 21, 1979, one month after the above tire incident, another Air France Concorde blew several of its landing gear tires during takeoff. After that second incident the "French director general of civil aviation issued an air worthiness directive and Air France issued a Technical Information Update, each calling for revised procedures. These included required inspection of each wheel/tire for condition, pressure and temperature prior to each take-off. In addition, crews were advised that landing gear should not be raised when a wheel/tire problem is suspected."
• On November 15, 1979 American Airlines Flight 444 diverted to Dulles Airport instead of its scheduled destination of Washington National Airport due to the detonation of a small bomb. The bomb detonated incompletely in the cargo hold of the aircraft and resulted in 12 passengers being treated for smoke inhalation. It was later determined this was the third bombing perpetrated by Theodore John Kaczynski aka "The Unabomber." Ultimately it was the involvement of the aircraft in his bombing targets that resulted in the FBI becoming involved with the investigation and search for the "Unabomber."{{citation needed|date=November 2022}}
• On July 20, 1988, a Fairways Corp. de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter stalled and crashed after takeoff. The sole occupant, the pilot, was killed.{{cite web |last1=Ranter |first1=Harro |title=ASN Aircraft accident de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter 200 N7267 Washington-Dulles International Airport, DC (IAD) |url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19880720-0 |website=aviation-safety.net |access-date=4 June 2019 |archive-date=September 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160912175358/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19880720-0 |url-status=live }}
• On June 18, 1994, a Learjet 25 operated by Mexican carrier TAESA crashed in trees while approaching the airport from the south. 12 people died.{{cite web |title=Safety Recommendation |date=April 3, 1995 |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/Recs/letters/1995/A95_35_37.pdf |access-date=June 3, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090826043518/http://ntsb.gov/Recs/letters/1995/A95_35_37.pdf |archive-date=August 26, 2009 }} The passengers were planning to attend the 1994 FIFA World Cup soccer games being staged in Washington, D.C.
• On September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight 77 took off from Dulles Airport out of Gate D26 bound for Los Angeles. It was deliberately crashed into the Pentagon at 9:37 am EDT by al-Qaeda terrorists, killing everyone on board. Now, an American flag flies over Gate D26.{{cite web|url=https://airlinegeeks.com/2016/09/11/the-september-11th-jetway-tributes/|title=The September 11th Jetway Tributes|access-date=July 10, 2023|archive-date=July 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710181312/https://airlinegeeks.com/2016/09/11/the-september-11th-jetway-tributes/|url-status=live}}{{failed verification|date=July 2023}}
• On January 19, 2024, Southern Airways Express Flight 246 made a hard emergency landing on the Loudoun County Parkway and struck a guardrail just after takeoff from Dulles International Airport. All 7 people survived without casualties.{{cite web|title=Plane makes emergency landing on Loudoun Co. Parkway in Virginia|url=https://wjla.com/news/local/plane-lands-in-loudoun-county-parkway-crews-virginia-state-police-department-of-transportation-old-ox-road-investigation-crash-emergency-landing-sources-officials}}

Dulles has been a popular filming location, particularly in its early years when it had relatively low traffic levels in relation to its size and its elaborate design.

• The airport featured extensively in the Airport film franchise – in all but the first film of the series.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071110/plotsummary/ |title=Airport 1975 (1974) - Plot - IMDb |language=en-US |access-date=2025-01-27 |via=www.imdb.com}} In particular, both Airport 1975 and Airport '79 contain scenes shot both inside and outside the main terminal building in its pre-extended state. Also shown is the mobile lounge system operating in its original form when the lounges directly docked with aircraft on the apron. Airport '77 contains a night-time view of the terminal with a Boeing 747 taking off in the foreground.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075648/locations/ |title=Airport '77 (1977) - Filming & production - IMDb |language=en-US |access-date=2025-01-27 |via=www.imdb.com}}
• Die Hard 2 was set at Dulles, but in fact contains no footage actually shot at the airport. {{cite news |last1=Farhi |first1=Paul |last2=Sugawara |first2=Sandra |date=January 22, 1990 |title=DIE HARD, BUT NOT AT DULLES |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1990/01/22/die-hard-but-not-at-dulles/18238d65-4d8d-482a-b51d-c8e277aa1d19/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=November 24, 2024}}

{{Portal|United States|Virginia|Aviation}}

• Busiest airports in the United States by international passenger traffic
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{{Sister project links|Washington Dulles International Airport|voy=Washington Dulles International Airport|wikt=no}}

• {{Official website|http://www.flydulles.com/iad/dulles-international-airport}}
• [http://historyinpieces.com/video/dedication-dulles-international-airport Footage of the Dedication of Dulles International Airport in 1962] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729014606/http://historyinpieces.com/video/dedication-dulles-international-airport |date=July 29, 2014 }}
• {{FAA-diagram|05100}}

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