Data compiled through July shows significant growth in passenger traffic at Dulles International Airport so far in 2023, surpassing 2022 levels as the busy summer season ends.
Growing travel demand in Washington and the introduction of nonstop flights from new airlines and increased service from existing carriers have fueled the rapid recovery in the face of the pandemic at Dulles.
With 2,328 more international flights scheduled in 2023 than in 2019, Dulles became the fastest growing international gateway airport in the United States. As airport activity increased, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority modernized several facilities to optimize passenger service.
“With nearly 40 airlines to choose from, it was a great summer at the Airports Authority as customers from around the world used our airports to reach more destinations than ever before,” said Chryssa Westerlund, the Authority’s executive vice president and chief revenue officer.
Increase in passenger traffic
January through July data reflect growth in passenger activity at Dulles approaching pre-pandemic crisis levels.
- International passenger growth was consolidated at Dulles with a 30.5% increase over 2022 levels.
New airlines and new destinations
Four new air carriers began nonstop flights in 2023 from Dulles International Airport, which include Play, Norse Atlantic Airways, ITA Airways, and WestJet. New destinations from Dulles include Berlin, Vancouver, London Gatwick, Calgary and Barbados.
Existing connections increased in frequency with new service from Play airlines to Reykjavik, ITA Airways to Rome, United Airlines to Calgary and Alaska Airlines to San Diego.
Dulles’ intercontinental segment continues to grow with the arrival of new nonstop service to Kuwait beginning December 6, 2023 and the addition of daily SWISS International Air Lines service from Zurich beginning April 1, 2024. In addition, by next year Lufthansa will operate to Dulles with Airbus A380s from Munich.
New concessions and new services
There are currently 13 new concessions at Dulles under construction. Recently opened stores introduce more automation.
Latest openings:
- Dulles International: Rusty Taco (D gates) and Hudson Nonstop (A gates).
New services:
- Valet parking returned to Dulles International in April.
- A Capital One lounge opened at Dulles on September 7.
See also: SWISS Adds New Services to Toronto and Washington, and Expands European Network
