Washington Dulles Targets New Routes to Asia and Africa
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is gearing up for a record year in 2025, with plans to expand capacity and introduce new routes to emerging markets in India, the Philippines, and Thailand. In 2024, IAD added 10 airlines, including newcomers Aeromexico, Avelo, Swiss, and Breeze Airways, and launched 16 new routes. United Airlines alone contributed 10 new routes this year.
Paul B. Bobson, vice president of airline business development at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, highlights that 2024 continued the record growth from 2023. Lufthansa upgraded its Munich service to an Airbus A380 for the summer, adding 1.25 million seats annually and generating over $300 million in economic impact.
Looking ahead to 2025, Bobson is confident that IAD will break new capacity records. British Airways has already announced a third daily flight for the summer of 2025. IAD is also targeting high-potential markets in Asia, including Hyderabad, Mumbai, Manila, Singapore, and Bangkok, as 80% of the airport’s top unserved international routes are in this region. Africa is another focus area due to the large expatriate population in the National Capital Region.
To attract airlines to these new destinations, IAD has implemented an incentive program offering marketing support and fee waivers. The airport is one of the few in the U.S. with a designated air service retention program aimed at maintaining existing services.
Infrastructure projects are also advancing, with construction underway on a new 14-gate concourse, known as Tier-2 East or the “E Concourse.” This new facility, scheduled to open by 2026, will support United Airlines’ growth and include expanded seating, new concessions, and enhanced amenities. Additionally, five domestic gates will be converted into international swing gates to accommodate the growing demand for international flights.
The airport’s new 15-year capital program, set to begin in 2025, will support future growth and ensure IAD remains a key international gateway for the U.S. capital.
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