D.C.-area airports add new flights, restaurants for peak summer travel
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New local food and drink options arrive at Dulles. Photo: J. David Ake/Getty Images
The D.C. area's airports are gearing up for record summer travel with new routes to popular destinations and fresh dining and drinking options to keep people on the ground entertained.
The big picture: Both Dulles International and Reagan National are expanding to accommodate more travelers, airlines and routes, and are upping their amenities to improve the airport experience.
By the numbers: More than 20 million people are expected to pass through the airports between May and August, with 11 million at Dulles alone (it has more than 60 nonstop international destinations).
- Airlines like United are counting on a record-busy summer.
- Memorial Day weekend flights at Dulles are up by 20% over last year.
Zoom in: United just launched three new international routes from Dulles: to Dakar, Senegal; Venice, Italy; and Nice, France — the first and only nonstop flight from D.C. to the French Riviera.
- Other airlines like Frontier and Allegiant are also launching new routes from Dulles, while WestJet is resuming seasonal routes to Canada.
- At Reagan, American Airlines is upping its summer routes.
Foodwise: Dulles just got a Ben's Chili Bowl, a Rappahannock Oyster Bar, and a spinoff of Navy Yard's upscale diner Gatsby.
- At Reagan, there's a new Half Moon Empanadas kiosk and Solid State Books.
What's next: Nearly a dozen new concessions will open at the two airports in the coming year. Dulles gets the bulk, including several local businesses:
- Social House: A Loudoun-based American restaurant with local craft beers.
- 2 Silos Brewing Co.: A spinoff of the Manassas brewery.
- Clyde's: The beloved American tavern that started in Georgetown will serve burgers and more.
- Aslin Beer Co.: A local brewery with a diverse menu.
- The Market at Shenandoah: A retail marketplace for local products, adjoining a Starbucks.
- Wanderlust: Offers local chocolates, specialty gifts and D.C. souvenirs.
DCA will bring in two local chains: Makers Union gastropub and Wiseguy Pizza.
Zoom out: Both airports are in the throes of major upgrades as part of a 15-year, $9 billion contract with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
- At Dulles, the new United terminal, Concourse E, will add more concessions (ETA: late 2026).
- Reagan is renovating Terminal 2 and its 138,000-square-foot National Hall over the coming years.
The bottom line: If you're flying domestic, don't forget that Real ID.