Washington Dulles International Airport
Large HubDulles, VA · IAD
Recent News
Updated Mar 28, 2026The FAA stopped traffic at Dulles International Airport on Friday, March 27, 2026 due to a strong chemical smell at the Potomac TRACON facility that impacted air traffic controllers. The ground stop lasted until approximately 8 p.m., with delays exceeding 90 minutes. This was the second such incident affecting DC-area airports in two weeks.
The U.S. Department of Transportation accepted submissions until January 20, 2026 for proposals to redesign Dulles Airport's terminal, including options to retain or incorporate portions of the historic Eero Saarinen-designed main terminal. Multiple firms proposed updates including replacing mobile lounges with connected train systems, adding a Head of State Terminal, and installing microgrids for electricity.
Dulles Airport saw a significant 10% increase in commercial passenger traffic in April 2025 compared to 2024, according to the latest available numbers. The airport anticipates continued growth in 2026 as construction progresses on Concourse E, with officials stating IAD has far more room to grow than other regional airports.
Washington Dulles International Airport's new $500 million Concourse E is on track to open in late 2026, featuring 14 United Airlines gates, a 40,000-square-foot United Club, and direct connection to the Aerotrain station. The 435,000-square-foot concourse will accommodate United's refreshed fleet and allow the airline to double its international service from the hub.
Airport Profile
Key Financial Data (FY 2024)
Enplaned Passengers (FAA CATS)
Cost per Enplanement (CPE)
Revenue
Expense
Ratemaking Overview
Net residual allocation: aeronautical net remaining revenues (after non-aeronautical revenue offsets and facility charges) allocated among signatory airlines proportional to usage metrics (operations, terminal area occupied, ramp usage)
Settlement & True-Up
Monthly billing with detailed statement of all charges; annual comprehensive reconciliation and true-up adjustment
Annual true-up: actual costs reconciled against estimated amounts; overpayments credited or underpayments billed to signatory airlines by March 31 of following fiscal year
Extraordinary Coverage Protection (ECP)
Not available
Landing Fee Methodology
Base landing fee of $4.25 per 1,000 lbs subject to annual adjustment per net residual calculation; allocated to signatory airlines
Terminal Rental Rate
Terminal rents charged per rentable square foot of assigned space on net residual basis; rates vary by terminal area and facility type
Common Use & Gate Allocation
Additional Bonds Test
Maximum Annual Debt Service on all outstanding bonds including proposed new bonds must not exceed 75% of projected Net Revenues for the fiscal year of issuance, or alternative test based on historical coverage
Rate Covenant
Airports Authority will fix and adjust fees and charges to produce Net Revenues at least sufficient for the larger of: (a) amounts needed for debt service deposits, reserve funds, and subordinated obligations, or (b) not less than 125% of Annual Debt Service on all Bonds
Flow of Funds
Net Revenues → Senior Debt Service (Principal + Interest Accounts) → Debt Service Reserve Fund (Common Reserve Account) → Subordinated Bond Funds → Remaining Net Revenues (operations/capital)
Source Documents
Financial Statements
Budgets
Source: FAA CATS Form 5100-127, DOT T-100 Market Data, Airport Official Statements · Hub classification: FAA CY 2024 Enplanement Data · Prepared by DWU Consulting