Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
The closest airport to America’s capital, Reagan National has served Washington, D.C. since 1941, evolving from a modest facility into the busiest airport in the region and a major hub for American Airlines.
At a glance
Reagan National Airport sits five miles from downtown Washington, D.C., in Arlington County, Virginia. One of two federally owned airports serving the Washington metropolitan area, it accommodates 108 nonstop destinations and processed 26.29 million passengers in 2024. The airport’s main runway is the busiest in the United States.
History
The airport opened in 1941 as Washington National Airport, serving the nation’s capital with modest facilities. Terminal 1, part of the original structure, remains in active use today. A major expansion came in 1997 with the opening of the much larger Terminal 2, doubling the airport’s capacity. In 1998, Congress passed legislation and President Bill Clinton signed a bill renaming the airport to honor Ronald Reagan, the 40th president of the United States who served from 1981 to 1989.
What you see
The airport comprises two terminals. Terminal 1 preserves portions of the original 1941 design, offering historical continuity with the airport’s founding era. Terminal 2, completed in 1997, represents modern airport architecture and handles the majority of current passenger traffic. The facility maintains federal ownership and is operated by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
Cultural significance
Reagan National serves as Washington, D.C.’s primary airport and ranks as the busiest in the metropolitan area. Its renaming in 1998 honored a pivotal figure in twentieth-century American politics. The airport remains a vital transportation link for government officials, international visitors, and the capital region’s residents. Coast Guard Air Station Washington operates from the facility, underscoring its importance to national operations.
Key facts
- Location: Arlington County, Virginia, United States
- Coordinates: 38.85°N, 77.04°W
- Opened: 1941
- Distance from Washington, D.C.: 5 miles (8 km)
- Passengers (2024): 26.29 million
- Nonstop destinations: 108
- Hub carrier: American Airlines
- Runway status: Busiest in the United States
Practical information & getting there
Reagan National is the most convenient airport for visitors to Washington, D.C., located just five miles away. International flights operate from the terminal, though customs and immigration facilities are not available on-site; service is limited to airports with U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance, primarily major airports in Canada and the Caribbean. The airport is accessible by the Washington Metro system, taxi, and private transportation.
Sources & resources
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