List of Airports in District of Columbia
As of 2024, there are 3 airports throughout the state of District of Columbia according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in District of Columbia are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Washington DC
# | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Buzzards Point Seaplane Base | BZS | Washington | Small |
2 | Dulles International Airport | IAD | Washington | Huge |
3 | Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport | DCA | Washington | Large |
Major Airports in District of Columbia
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Airport Code:
DCA
Time Zone:
Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Address:
1 Aviation Circle, Arlington, VA 22202
Nearby Cities:
- Washington, D.C. (2 miles)
- Arlington, VA (3 miles)
- Alexandria, VA (4 miles)
- Silver Spring, MD (6 miles)
- Bethesda, MD (7 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- American Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- JetBlue Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 24 million passengers annually
Airport Location and History:
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is located just across the Potomac River from downtown Washington, D.C., and is the closest airport to the U.S. capital. Originally opened in 1941 as Washington National Airport, it was renamed in 1998 in honor of President Ronald Reagan. Its proximity to downtown D.C. and the federal government makes it a critical hub for both business and leisure travel.
DCA is primarily used for domestic flights, with some limited international service to Canada and the Caribbean. The airport is a hub for American Airlines, offering numerous flights to major cities across the United States. It is an important point of entry for travelers visiting the nation’s capital, making it a key asset for Washington D.C.’s tourism and business sectors.
Over the years, DCA has undergone several expansions and renovations, including a major terminal redevelopment project, improvements to its security and baggage claim areas, and the addition of new concourses to accommodate growing passenger numbers. Despite being constrained by its location near the national landmarks, DCA is one of the busiest airports in the U.S., serving millions of passengers annually.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has three runways: Runway 1/19 (7,169 feet), Runway 15/33 (6,869 feet), and Runway 4/22 (5,100 feet). The airport’s runways are capable of handling narrow-body aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, which are commonly used for domestic flights. However, due to its size and location, DCA does not typically handle large wide-body aircraft, such as the Boeing 747, limiting its international flight capacity.
The airport features three terminals (A, B, and C), which offer a variety of amenities such as restaurants, shops, and business facilities. DCA also provides short-term and long-term parking, as well as rental car services. It is well-connected to downtown D.C. via the Washington Metro’s Yellow and Blue lines, making it easily accessible to travelers.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Airport Code:
IAD
Time Zone:
Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Address:
1 Saarinen Cir, Dulles, VA 20166
Nearby Cities:
- Washington, D.C. (26 miles)
- Arlington, VA (26 miles)
- Fairfax, VA (18 miles)
- Sterling, VA (5 miles)
- Alexandria, VA (22 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- United Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Lufthansa
- British Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 24 million passengers annually
Airport Location and History:
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is located in Dulles, Virginia, about 26 miles west of downtown Washington, D.C. Opened in 1962, it was designed by renowned architect Eero Saarinen and was one of the first airports in the world to have jetways for boarding passengers. Dulles has since grown into one of the busiest international airports in the United States.
Dulles serves as a major hub for United Airlines and offers numerous international flights to Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The airport plays a crucial role in connecting Washington, D.C., to the rest of the world. It is also a key point of entry for foreign dignitaries and international travelers visiting the U.S. capital.
Over the years, Dulles has undergone several renovations and expansions to improve passenger services and accommodate increased air traffic. The airport is an essential part of the D.C. metro area’s economy, particularly in sectors like government, tourism, and international business.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Washington Dulles International Airport has five runways: Runway 1/19 (10,500 feet), Runway 12/30 (9,400 feet), Runway 17/35 (10,000 feet), Runway 7/25 (9,000 feet), and Runway 18/36 (12,000 feet). These runways are capable of handling large wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380, making IAD a critical hub for international long-haul flights.
The airport features a single terminal with five concourses, offering a wide range of services including dining, shopping, lounges, and business facilities. Dulles also provides short-term and long-term parking options, as well as rental car services. The airport is well-connected to downtown Washington, D.C., via the Silver Line Metro, buses, and private transportation options, making it easily accessible to travelers.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Airport Code:
BWI
Time Zone:
Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Address:
7032 Elm Rd, Baltimore, MD 21240
Nearby Cities:
- Baltimore, MD (9 miles)
- Washington, D.C. (32 miles)
- Columbia, MD (15 miles)
- Towson, MD (10 miles)
- Silver Spring, MD (25 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Southwest Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 27 million passengers annually
Airport Location and History:
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) serves the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area and is a major gateway for both domestic and international flights. Opened in 1950 as Friendship International Airport, it was later renamed in 2005 to honor Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice.
BWI has grown significantly over the years and is now the busiest airport in Maryland, serving as a major hub for Southwest Airlines. The airport offers flights to numerous U.S. cities and international destinations, including Europe, the Caribbean, and Canada. The airport plays a key role in the region’s economy, supporting tourism, business, and international trade.
BWI has seen continued expansion with new terminals, parking facilities, and improved security measures. The airport is also known for its convenience and efficiency, particularly with Southwest Airlines, which offers many low-cost flight options. It remains one of the most popular airports for travelers to the Washington-Baltimore area due to its accessibility and range of services.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport has two runways: Runway 10/28 (10,500 feet) and Runway 15/33 (7,000 feet). The longer runway (Runway 10/28) is capable of handling wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380, supporting international long-haul flights and large domestic operations.
The airport features a main terminal with multiple concourses, offering a variety of services such as restaurants, retail shops, and lounges. BWI also provides short-term and long-term parking options, as well as rental car services. The airport is well-connected to Washington, D.C., and Baltimore via the MARC train, the Light RailLink, and various shuttle services, making it highly accessible to both business and leisure travelers.
College Park Airport (CGS)
Airport Code:
CGS
Time Zone:
Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Address:
1909 Cessna Ave, College Park, MD 20740
Nearby Cities:
- College Park, MD (2 miles)
- Washington, D.C. (7 miles)
- Hyattsville, MD (5 miles)
- Greenbelt, MD (6 miles)
- Silver Spring, MD (8 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- General aviation (no commercial airlines)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 10,000 passengers annually (general aviation)
Airport Location and History:
College Park Airport (CGS) is located in College Park, Maryland, and holds the title of the world’s oldest continuously operating airport. It was established in 1909 and is steeped in aviation history. College Park Airport was where Wilbur Wright taught the first civilian aviators to fly. The airport has since evolved into a general aviation facility, offering services primarily for private and recreational pilots, flight training, and some charter flights.
The airport is of historical significance as a key site in the development of aviation in the United States, particularly in early flight training and military aviation. Today, it is also home to the College Park Aviation Museum, which showcases its rich history. Although it does not handle commercial passenger flights, CGS remains an important aviation resource for the region and continues to serve as a base for aviation enthusiasts.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
College Park Airport has one runway: Runway 15/33, which is 3,200 feet long. This runway is suitable for general aviation and small aircraft, including light planes and private jets. However, it is not designed to handle large commercial or wide-body aircraft, limiting its operations to general aviation and small-scale flights.
The airport features basic facilities for general aviation, including hangars, a terminal with flight school services, and a small café for pilots and visitors. While College Park is not a commercial airport, it remains an important hub for aviation enthusiasts and is deeply embedded in the history of aviation in the United States. It provides an ideal location for flight training and private flights in the Washington, D.C. area.
Washington DC Overview
Washington – DC is at the same time, city and federal district,capital of the United States of America. The District of Columbia (District of Columbia) was established in 1790 as the permanent location of the new nation’s capital. It became the seat of the federal government in 1800. The City takes its name from the first US President, George Washington, and the name of the District is a tribute to Christopher Columbus.
Washington DC is at the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers. It is also the center of a dynamic and cosmopolitan metropolitan region, but with great social inequality. The Washington metropolitan region has an additional 24 counties in the neighboring states of Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.
The Capitol houses the United States Congress. In the north wing is the Senate and, in the south wing, the House of Representatives. This magnificent neoclassical building, built in marble, was designed in 1792 by William Thornton. Construction began the following year and Congress was installed in 1800, but the building was not completed until the middle of the 19th century. The Supreme Court is on the east side. The site of this architectural complex is known as Capitol Hill.
Washington DC is one of the most popular US tourist destinations. There are a large number of monuments, museums, cultural institutions and commemorative events, in addition to political events.