Tap to Read ➤

10 Things to Know About Washington Dulles International Airport

Batul Nafisa Baxamusa
Washington Dulles International Airport was opened to meet the pressing need for 2nd airport to serve the National Capital Area. Soon, it was counted as one of the most modern airports in the world. This airport continues to serve millions of passengers annually. It is one of the most preferred options for traveling to and from the metro Washington D.C area.

Fact #1

It was opened in 1962 and named after the 52nd Secretary of State, John Foster Dulles (1888-1959), who served under President Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1953-1959.

Fact #2

President Dwight Eisenhower selected the current site of the airport in the year 1958.

Fact #3

The airport is located in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties in Virginia and is at quite a distance away from other airports.

Fact #4

The airport was designed by architect Eero Saarinen and was built at a total cost of $108.3 million.

Fact #5

There are 139 airline gates at the Dulles International Airport and serves 36 international airline carriers.

Fact #6

‘Mobile lounges’ were a unique feature of Dulles Airport on its opening that helped carry passengers from the terminal to the aircraft about a quarter of a mile away.

Fact #7

There are around 100 retail stores and restaurants at the airport and Concourse B has retail space of around 13,000 sq. feet.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video.

Fact #8

It is the closest international airport to Washington D.C. that helps international passengers fly in and out of Dulles.

Fact #9

There are plenty of taxis, metro bus services, as well as SuperShuttle (shared van rides) readily available for passengers outside the terminal.

Fact #10

There are two daily garages, four economy parking lots and an hourly lot available at the Main Terminal
Washington Dulles International Airport was one of the first U.S. airports designed for commercial jet travel. Remember this trivia, the next time your plane swoops down the striking roofline of this international airport.