Reagan National Airport: Size, Scale, And Reach

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, located in Arlington County, Virginia, is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving nearly 26.3 million passengers in 2024. The airport, situated on 860 acres of land, features two terminals with 58 gates, offering nonstop service to 98 destinations within a 1,250-mile perimeter of Washington, D.C. With three intersecting runways, the airport handles a high volume of air traffic, including international flights. Reagan National is known for its modern design, efficient facilities, and convenient access to D.C.'s Metrorail and ground transportation. The airport also boasts a variety of dining and shopping options, making it a vibrant gateway to the nation's capital.

Terminals, runways, and gates

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (IATA: DCA) is a public airport in Arlington County, Virginia, United States. The airport opened in 1941 as Washington National Airport and was renamed in 1998 to honour the 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan. The airport is one of the 25 busiest airports in the US and is the closest to the nation's capital, located just 5 miles away.

The airport consists of two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is smaller, with 9 gates numbered A1 to A9. It mainly serves Air Canada Express, Frontier, and Southwest. Terminal 2 is significantly larger and houses four concourses: B, C, D, and E. Terminal 2 has 49 gates.

The terminals have various security checkpoints, with the main terminal having two security checkpoints, one on the north side and the other on the south side. Terminal A has one security checkpoint near the entrance, while Terminal B has two security checkpoints, one near the entrance and the other near the gates. Terminal C has one security checkpoint located near the gates. All security checkpoints are equipped with TSA PreCheck lanes, and the airport also offers a Fast Track program for expedited security screening.

Reagan National Airport has three intersecting runways: Runway 1/19, Runway 15/33, and Runway 4/22. Runway 1/19, the main north-south runway, is 7,169 feet long and handles the majority of arrivals and departures. Runway 15/33 is 5,204 feet long, and Runway 4/22 is 5,000 feet long. The runways have changed slightly in length over the years, with the exception of the east-west runway, which was closed in 1956 to be used as a taxiway and for aircraft parking.

Annual passenger numbers

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is one of the 25 busiest airports in the US, serving 26.29 million passengers in 2024. This was an increase of 3.3% over the previous year's record. The airport served 344,257 passengers in its opening year of 1941 and reached its first million annual passengers in 1946.

The airport primarily serves as a "'short-haul' airport", offering nonstop service to destinations within a 1,250-mile perimeter of Washington, D.C., as per the federally-instituted "Perimeter Rule." However, the federal government has granted exceptions to this rule, allowing daily flights to several cities beyond the perimeter, including Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Seattle.

Reagan National Airport has 58 gates: nine in Terminal 1 and 49 in Terminal 2. Terminal 2, which opened in 1997, is a three-level, one-million-square-foot terminal with direct connections to Metrorail and parking garages. It houses National Hall, a concourse-level space for shops and eateries, and provides 100 ticket counters, 12 baggage claims, and four piers for airline gates.

The airport's North Terminal, located on the south shore of the Potomac River, is a vibrant multimodal transit centre, providing arriving and departing passengers with direct access to D.C.'s Metrorail, secured parking, and various ground transportation options. The terminal features inspiring views of the Capitol Dome and National Mall, with a design that evokes radiance and luminosity, capturing the ancient symbol of shelter.

History and location

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (IATA: DCA, ICAO: KDCA, FAA LID: DCA) is a public airport located in Arlington County, Virginia, United States. It is situated on a total of 860 acres, with 733 acres of land and 127 acres underwater. The airport is located five miles (eight kilometres or four nautical miles) from Washington, D.C., making it the closest airport to the nation's capital. It is one of two airports operated by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) that serve the Washington metropolitan area, the other being Dulles International Airport.

The airport opened in 1941 and was originally named Washington National Airport. In its first year, it served 344,257 passengers and reached the one million annual passenger mark in 1946. The first major expansion was completed in November 1950 when a 297-foot extension was added to the south end of the Main Terminal, adding 25,110 square feet of space. In October 1958, the North Terminal opened, adding 7,264 square feet of usable space. In 1961, the 772-foot-long passageway between the Main and North Terminals was enclosed.

On July 27, 1997, a new Terminal 2 opened, offering modern and efficient facilities, including direct connections to Metrorail and new parking garages. In 1998, Congress passed and President Bill Clinton signed a bill renaming the airport in honour of the 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan.

Reagan National Airport is primarily a "short-haul" airport, offering nonstop service to destinations within a 1,250-mile perimeter of Washington, D.C., as part of the federally instituted "Perimeter Rule." However, the federal government has granted exceptions to this rule, allowing daily flights to several cities beyond the perimeter, including Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Seattle. The airport serves 98 nonstop destinations as of October 2023 and is a hub for American Airlines. It is one of the 25 busiest airports in the U.S., serving 26.29 million passengers in 2024.

Lounges, shops, and restaurants

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, located in Virginia, spans 860 acres, including 733 acres of land and 127 acres underwater. The airport features two terminals, with a total of 58 gates: 9 in Terminal 1 and 49 in Terminal 2.

Reagan National Airport offers a variety of lounges, shops, and dining options for travellers. With nearly 100 shops and restaurants in the airport terminals, passengers can enjoy a mix of national, local, and regional retail and food concessions.

For those seeking a comfortable and relaxing experience, the airport lounges provide an ideal space. Unfortunately, I couldn't find specific information on the lounges available, but the airport does offer a range of options for passengers to wait for their flights in comfort and style.

When it comes to shopping, Reagan National Airport has a wide range of options to browse. From fashion boutiques to gift shops, passengers can explore various national and regional retailers. The airport also hosts local pop-up shops, showcasing the unique offerings of the region.

As for dining, travellers can fuel up at one of the many restaurants and eateries scattered throughout the terminals. The airport offers a diverse mix of dining options, including fast-food chains, casual cafes, and full-service restaurants. Passengers can choose from a variety of cuisines and find something to suit their taste and budget. Whether it's a quick bite on the go or a leisurely meal before boarding, Reagan National Airport has plenty of choices to satisfy any craving.

Parking and transport

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport offers a range of parking and transport options for passengers and visitors. The airport is located in Arlington County, Virginia, just five miles from Washington, D.C., making it the closest airport to the nation's capital.

Parking

The airport provides public parking for over 8,500 vehicles, with hourly, daily, and economy options available. Terminal 1 is served by a five-level parking garage with rental car facilities, and there are also parking garages A and B/C located near the south end of the airport. Customers are encouraged to reserve parking in advance to guarantee a space, especially as the economy lot is currently undergoing construction, reducing its capacity by about 40%. Parking can be reserved and paid for in advance using a credit card, and customers can scan a QR code to enter and exit the parking facilities.

Transport

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is one of two airports operated by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), the other being Dulles International Airport. The airport is served by the Washington Metro, with a station located on an elevated outdoor platform adjacent to Terminal 2. The station is served by the Yellow and Blue lines.

The airport also accommodates alternative transportation options, including ride app pickups, off-airport shuttles, and taxicabs. Sedan or limo services are available but require pre-arranged reservations. A free shuttle service is provided 24/7 between terminals and all on-airport parking facilities to reduce congestion on airport roadways.

Historical Note

The airport was originally known as Washington National Airport when it opened in 1941. In 1998, a bill was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Clinton to rename the airport after former President Ronald Reagan.

Frequently asked questions