Today, President George Bush announced that Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport will reopen on Thursday, October 4th.

This is welcome news to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and the thousands of individuals who work at Reagan National Airport. We will work with the airlines and the businesses at the Airport to ensure that all the necessary security and operational actions are taken to enable us to return to business as outlined by the President.

We want to thank our regional leaders in Congress; local elected officials in Virginia, the District of Columbia and Maryland; the business and travel and tourism community; and the individual citizens of this area who have tirelessly worked for the re-opening of this airport. We value the trust and confidence that this support suggests, and we will do our best to continue to serve the region from both Washington Dulles International Airport and Reagan National Airport.

Beginning on Oct 4th, the following operations will begin at National:

  • US Airways Shuttle and Delta Shuttle flights to Boston’s Logan Airport and New York’s LaGuardia Airport.
  • Additional service will be offered to the following destinations:
    • Atlanta
    • Chicago
    • Dallas-Ft Worth
    • Minneapolis-St. Paul
    • Newark
    • Pittsburgh

The following airlines will provide initial service starting October 4th: American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Northwest Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways.

Passengers should contact these airlines for specific flight information.

During this initial three-week period, National will have nearly 200 scheduled flights operating daily. Additional destinations will be added over the ensuing 45-day period.

Beginning October 4th, the following operational procedures will be implemented:

  • Straight-line flight approaches and departures will be used;
  • Flight operations will be temporarily limited to between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.;
  • Aircraft size will be limited to 156 seats or less.

Beginning Thursday, October 4th, passengers can expect additional security measures at Reagan National Airport. Some of these measures will be visible, while others will not.

  • Curbside check-in service will not be offered at this time.
  • Parking will not be available at Lot A-1. All other parking lots and the three parking garages will be open.
  • Passengers will be limited to one carry-on bag and one personal item (a purse or briefcase).
  • Prior to boarding the aircraft, passengers’ identification and boarding passes will be checked to ensure they match.
  • There will also be random additional screening of passengers.
  • Similar procedures will also be in place at pre-designated secured gates at the eight airports at which service will begin to and from National.

In addition to these special security measures, current security restrictions required by the FAA will apply. Those include:

  • Implementation of the Federal Air Marshals program.
  • Some airlines are again offering curbside check-in service with the approval of the FAA. Please contact your airline for information.
  • Only ticketed passengers will be allowed through security.
  • Special arrangements can be made with your airline for accompanying children and those needing special assistance to get to the gate.
  • If you are meeting passengers at the airport, please park in the hourly parking garages and meet them on the baggage claim level.
  • No parking or waiting will be allowed on the curb areas at National.
  • Unattended bags will be immediately confiscated by Airports Authority Police.
  • With these increased FAA Security measures in place, passengers are required to bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or current passport.
  • FAA security measures require careful screening of carry-on luggage.
  • Passengers are urged to leave any sharp objects (pocket knives, razors, nail files, scissors, etc) at home or in their luggage checked in at the ticket counter.
  • Passengers are urged to arrive 2 hours before their flight due to increased time it may take to get through airline ticketing and security.