Washington's close-in airport serving the nation's capital.
Opened
1941
Location
Arlington, Virginia, United States
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is a major commercial airport located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., in Arlington, Virginia. It is one of three airports serving the greater Washington metropolitan area, alongside Dulles International and Baltimore/Washington International.
The airport was originally opened in 1941 and was known simply as Washington National Airport for decades before being renamed in honor of President Ronald Reagan in 1998. Its proximity to downtown Washington—roughly three miles from the city center—makes it the most convenient airport for travelers heading to the capital.
Due to its location near restricted airspace surrounding the capital, the airport operates under unique federal regulations, including flight path restrictions and limits on long-haul nonstop flights. It is one of the busiest airports in the United States by passenger volume relative to its compact footprint.
Terminals
The airport has three terminals (A, B, and C), with Terminal A serving primarily regional and commuter flights and Terminals B and C handling the majority of mainline domestic operations.
Getting to & from
The airport is directly served by the Washington Metro's Yellow and Blue lines at the Reagan National Airport station, providing fast rail access to downtown D.C. and surrounding suburbs.
Airlines here
American Airlines uses Reagan National as a major hub, and other carriers including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and JetBlue also operate significant service here.
Notable facts
- ›Federal law restricts most nonstop flights to destinations within 1,250 miles, known as the perimeter rule.
- ›The airport was renamed from Washington National Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport by Congress in 1998.
- ›Its location just 3 miles from the U.S. Capitol makes it the closest major airport to a national capital in the United States.
- ›The airport is owned and operated by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
- ›Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, the airport was closed for several weeks due to its proximity to restricted Washington airspace.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
