Reagan National and Dulles International airports both set passenger records in 2023 — DCA for total passengers and Dulles for international passengers. Combined, the airports saw 50.6 million passengers, the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority said on Wednesday.
“Setting a new record is a remarkable accomplishment that can be credited to continuing recovery from the COVID pandemic and the hard work of our airport team and their partners,” said Jack Potter, Airports Authority president and CEO.
The all-time passenger record that Reagan National set at 25.5 million passengers exceeded 2022’s record by 6.2 percent. That record occurred despite flight reductions for a rehab project and capacity limitation at New York airports.
“We are not slowing down as upgrades continue for our customers at Reagan National, as well as a new concourse at Dulles International,” Potter said. “Our team thrives on recruiting new airline service and finding new ways to provide an outstanding travel experience while planning to meet the region’s long-term transportation needs.”
Improvements underway at DCA include better restrooms and enhanced shopping.
Dulles International Airport saw slightly fewer passengers than Reagan National at 25.1 million. That figure compares to 21.4 million in 2022.
IAD did break a record for international passengers. The airport authority said 9.3 million international passengers used Dulles in 2023, a 26.9 percent increase over 2022, when there were 7.4 million international fliers.
Travelers can fly to 80 domestic and 59 international destinations from Dulles. And new service is expected to continue to grow, with flights on these airlines:
- American to Bermuda
- American to Hyannis, Massachusetts
- AeroMexico to Mexico City
- Allegiant to Punta Gorda, Florida
- Southern Airways Express to Williamsport, Pennsylvania
- Southwest to Phoenix
- Sun Country to Minneapolis
- Swiss International to Zurich
- United to Anchorage
- United to Vancouver
- United Express to Philadelphia, Harrisburg, State College and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Pennsylvania
Feature image of Reagan National Airport, stock.adobe.com
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