Virginia Mandate Requires Face Coverings for All Passengers and Employees to Help Reduce Transmission of COVID-19

(Editor's note: This requirement was lifted on April 18, 2022)

In accordance with Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s mandate that protective face coverings be worn in indoor public spaces, face coverings will be required for everyone at Reagan National and Dulles International airports beginning Friday, May 29, 2020.

All passengers and visitors should wear face coverings inside the airports and on airport-provided transportation, with the exception of children under age 10 and people with medical conditions that prevent wearing a face covering.
    
Travelers wearing face coverings while going through TSA security screening may be asked to adjust them during the document-verification process. Individuals may also temporarily remove masks when stationary and at least 6 feet from others while engaging in activities such as eating and drinking. Most air carriers operating at Reagan National and Dulles International airports also are requiring their customers to wear face coverings throughout their journey, including at check-in, during boarding and while on their aircraft.

Face coverings need not be surgical masks or N-95 respirators, and they do not replace other critical health measures like frequent hand-washing and appropriate social distancing. Cloth masks and disposable masks, as well as hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes, are available for purchase at newsstands throughout both airports.

The health and safety of customers and workers is the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority’s top priority. Additional measures that have been implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic include: 

  • Increased cleaning and sanitization of high-touch areas and restrooms
  • At Dulles International, increased cleaning of Mobile Lounges and the AeroTrain, including the use of self-drying disinfecting spray
  • Social distancing floor decals to encourage social distancing in queuing areas at TSA security checkpoints, airline ticket counters and some concessions
  • Eliminated shuttle buses and implemented economy parking rates at lots and garages within walking distance of the terminals for social distancing purposes
  • Socially-distant seating near food options
  • Educational messaging about tips for healthy travel on overhead announcements, terminal monitors and signage
  • Plexiglas barriers are being installed at airline ticket counters and boarding podiums, as well as at TSA podiums.

For additional information and other airport updates, please visit mwaa.com/facecoverings.