, · DCA
Recent News
Updated Mar 28, 2026ICE agents were spotted at Reagan National Airport on March 23, 2026, and are reportedly headed to Dulles to help TSA manage staffing shortages and long security lines. The deployment is part of a broader nationwide effort ordered by President Trump to ease airport security delays during the partial government shutdown.
The FAA lifted ground stops at Reagan National, Dulles, and BWI airports on March 13, 2026, after a strong chemical smell at the Potomac TRACON facility in Warrenton, Virginia halted flights for over an hour. The smell was traced to a circuit issue, and operations resumed after 7 p.m. with significant delays expected through the evening.
More than 53.9 million passengers traveled through Reagan National and Dulles International airports in 2025, breaking the previous year's record for the two-airport system. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority announced the milestone on February 24, 2026.
The FAA formalized permanent restrictions for helicopters and powered-lift aircraft operating near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 23, 2026, following the American Airlines 5342 crash. The restrictions significantly reduce midair-collision risks and implement NTSB safety recommendations, prohibiting certain helicopter operations when Runways 15 and 33 at DCA are in use.
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) allocated among signatory airlines proportional to operations, terminal area occupied, and ramp usage at DCA
Settlement & True-Up
Monthly billing with annual true-up; DCA settlement coordinated with IAD on system basis
Annual reconciliation: actual costs vs. estimates; adjustments effective April 1 of following fiscal year
Extraordinary Coverage Protection (ECP)
Not available
Landing Fee Methodology
Base landing fee of $5.75 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; DCA rates higher than IAD due to constrained terminal capacity
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
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