Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) — Official Directory Listing
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (IATA: DCA, FAA: DCA) is the federally slot-controlled commercial airport serving the Washington DC metropolitan area from its location in Arlington, Virginia. The airport is managed by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority under a long-term lease from the federal government, which retains oversight authority through Congress. DCA accommodates approximately 24 million annual passengers across American Airlines' dominant hub operations and service from United, Delta, Southwest, and other carriers. Its position inside the Washington ADIZ places it under continuous coordination with FAA's Washington TRACON and Andrews Approach Control.
The airport's footprint along the Potomac River limits runway expansion, leaving a single primary runway (01/19) and two crossing runways managing all commercial operations. Despite this capacity constraint, DCA consistently ranks among the nation's busiest airports by operations per available gate. Congressional legislation governs the number of daily slots, the 1,250-mile perimeter rule, and occasional exemptions for long-haul service. Virginia's Department of Aviation coordinates with MWAA on regional aviation planning, though federal jurisdiction over DCA means the Commonwealth plays a limited operational role. The airport's economic impact on Northern Virginia — particularly Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax counties — runs into billions of dollars annually through employment, spending, and business activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who manages Reagan Washington National Airport?
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) operates Reagan National under a 50-year lease from the federal government. MWAA also manages Washington Dulles International Airport and the Dulles Toll Road, making it one of the largest airport authorities in the United States.
Which airlines serve DCA?
American Airlines is the dominant carrier at DCA, operating a hub that accounts for more than half of the airport's seats. United, Delta, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue, Spirit, and several regional partners also operate scheduled service. International nonstop options are limited due to the perimeter rule.
What security procedures apply at DCA?
All flights from DCA require TSA screening. Additionally, flights originating from DCA must comply with special Federal Security Directives related to the airport's proximity to the Capitol and Pentagon. Armed law enforcement officers are stationed on all DCA flights within the Flight Restricted Zone.
Is there a difference between DCA listing 34987 and 34988?
Both listings refer to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Directory systems sometimes index the same facility under multiple identifiers to capture different contact records, administrative offices, or service counters associated with a major airport complex.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport - DCA Contact Information
Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Arlington, Virginia.
| Name | Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport - DCA |
| Address | 499 North Wakefield Street, Arlington VA 22203 Map |
| Phone | (703) 417-8600 |
| Website | |
| Hours |
Map of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport - DCA
Reagan National Airport — Northern Virginia Aviation Hub
Reagan National Airport's role within Northern Virginia's economy cannot be overstated. Arlington County hosts the terminal complex along the Potomac waterfront, and the surrounding Crystal City and Pentagon City neighborhoods have developed into major commercial districts partly in response to the airport's presence. The airport directly employs thousands of workers in aviation, hospitality, retail, and ground transportation, while indirect economic activity supports tens of thousands of additional jobs throughout the region. Virginia's DOT Aviation Division tracks DCA's performance as a critical indicator of the Commonwealth's overall aviation health.
From a capacity standpoint, Reagan National is one of the most productive airports in the world relative to its physical size. The constraints imposed by the perimeter rule and slot controls have paradoxically helped maintain high load factors and competitive fares on routes served. Travelers connecting through DCA to other mid-Atlantic destinations benefit from the airport's central location and superb public transit links. For Virginia residents living in Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, or adjacent Fairfax County communities, DCA typically offers a faster door-to-gate experience than Washington Dulles International, making it the preferred choice for domestic east coast travel.