Statistics show that there are over 17,000 different airports all over the world. These airports bring people together, making both domestic and international travel so much easier than it was in the past and allowing people to visit many more destinations by air. Each airport has its own name and code, with the airport’s code being made up of just three letters. The airport code IAD is used for Washington Dulles International Airport.


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1. IAD Airport Code


IAD Airport Code

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Where is Airport Code IAD?

Airport code IAD, Washington Dulles International Airport, is located in Virginia. It stretches out across Loudon and Fairfax counties and is situated around 26 miles away from downtown Washington DC, making it one of the main airports for visiting DC.

Airport Code IAD Contact Information

The address for airport code IAD (Washington Dulles International Airport) is 1 Saarinen Cir, Dulles, VA 20166. A contact phone number for this airport is 703 572 2700, with airport staff standing by to handle any queries or problems you might have.

2. History of Airport Code IAD


History of Airport Code IAD

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  • When was Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) opened?
    • Airport IAD, Washington Dulles International Airport, was opened in 1962.
  • What was the primary airport for the DC area before IAD?
    • Before IAD, Hoover Field was the primary airport for the DC area but has since closed down.
    • Washington National Airport, which opened in 1941, became the main airport for DC, but a second major airport for the area was needed.
  • Who selected the site for IAD?
    • It was President Eisenhower himself who selected the site where IAD would eventually be built.
  • Why was IAD named after John Foster Dulles?
    • One of Eisenhower's trusted advisors, Pete Quesada, came up with the idea of naming the airport after John Foster Dulles, who was the Secretary of State under Eisenhower.
  • When did construction on IAD begin?
    • Construction of the airport began in the late 1950s.
  • Has IAD always been called Washington Dulles International Airport?
    • No, IAD was originally called Dulles International Airport, but in the early 1980s, 'Washington' was added to the name.
  • Who designed the main terminal of IAD?
    • The airport stands out for the unique beauty of its main terminal, which was designed by renowned architect Eero Saarinen.
  • Was IAD popular when it first opened?
    • No, when IAD actually opened, it wasn't a particularly popular airport. National Airport, now known as Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, was running over six times as many flights as IAD.
    • Since IAD was located some distance away from DC, passengers didn’t see the point in using it at first.
  • What historic flights have taken place at IAD?
    • Dulles was the site of the first Pan Am Boeing 747 flight, with First Lady Pat Nixon christening the aircraft.
    • The first-ever Boeing 777-200 flight also landed at Dulles.
  • What expansions and improvements have been made at IAD?
    • The airport has expanded with the introduction of a train system called AeroTrain to help passengers get around.
    • A tunnel system linking the main terminal and Concourse B was also opened.
    • More development is planned for the future.
  • How many airlines operated at IAD initially?
    • Only a small number of airlines operated at IAD in its early days, but now the list includes dozens of different airlines.

3. Statistics for Airport Code IAD


Statistics for Airport Code IAD

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  • How does IAD compare in busyness to other Washington area airports?
    • IAD is not quite as busy as Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport or Baltimore-Washington International Airport, but it is still a major East Coast airport.
  • How large is Washington Dulles International Airport?
    • The airport covers around 13,000 acres of land.
  • How many passengers fly through IAD each year?
    • Over 20 million passengers are expected to fly through IAD each year.
  • How much international traffic does IAD handle?
    • IAD has more international traffic than any other airport in the Mid-Atlantic region, apart from those in the New York City area.
    • IAD caters to around 90% of the international traffic for the Washington, DC area.
  • How many passengers pass through IAD daily?
    • Around 60,000 passengers pass through IAD on a daily basis.
  • How many destinations does IAD serve?
    • The airport serves over 125 unique destinations worldwide, especially around Europe, Asia, and South America.
  • What are the main domestic destinations from IAD?
    • The main domestic destinations from IAD are:
      • Denver, CO
      • Los Angeles, CA
      • San Francisco, CA
      • Atlanta, GA
      • Orlando, FL
  • What are the most popular international routes from IAD?
    • The most popular international routes to and from IAD are:
      • London, United Kingdom
      • Frankfurt, Germany
      • Paris, France
      • Amsterdam, The Netherlands
      • Tokyo, Japan

4. Parking at IAD


Parking at IAD

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Parking at Dulles Airport is very easy. The airport features multiple lots and garages, with prices ranging from just $10 per day up to $30 per day or even $35 per day for the valet service. The smartest option for long-term parking stays at IAD is to use the Economy Lot, which charges just $10 per day. This lot is located furthest from the airport buildings but is the cheapest option.

5. Getting There


Getting There

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  • How can I get to and from IAD?
    • Getting to and from IAD is very simple.
  • How do I get to IAD by car?
    • You can use I-66 and I-495 to reach the airport by following the signs.
  • What public transportation options are available to IAD?
    • The airport is served by Washington Flyer Taxicabs, taking passengers to and from the airport and into DC or other local areas.
    • There is also a shuttle bus that runs from the airport to DC.
    • The Metro subway's Silver Line can be taken to the Wiehle-Reston East station. From there, a bus can be caught running directly to the airport.
  • How is IAD structured?
    • IAD consists of one major terminal building and two additional buildings:
      • Concourse A/B
      • Concourse C/D
  • How do passengers get around IAD?
    • IAD traditionally used mobile lounges to transport passengers, but this system has been gradually phased out.
    • The airport now uses the more efficient and contemporary AeroTrain system and underground tunnels.
  • How does the AeroTrain system work at IAD?
    • The AeroTrain transports passengers from the main terminal building to Concourses A, B, and C, with plans for future expansion.
  • Can passengers walk between terminals at IAD?
    • Yes, the underground tunnels allow passengers to get around by foot.

6. Hotels at IAD


Hotels at IAD

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  • Does IAD have its own hotel?
    • Yes, IAD has its own hotel, the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott, which is located right on the grounds of the airport itself.
  • Does the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott offer shuttle service?
    • Yes, the hotel offers free shuttle service to and from the main terminal building.
  • What amenities does the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott offer?
    • The hotel is fitted with casual, comfortable rooms and offers a range of amenities, including:
      • Indoor and outdoor pools
      • Business center
      • Restaurant
      • Tennis courts
      • Gym
      • And more
  • Why is the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott a good option for travelers?
    • This hotel is one of the best options for people flying to and from IAD due to its convenient location and high-quality amenities.
  • Where is the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott located?
    • 45020 Aviation Dr, Dulles, VA 20166
  • What is the contact number for the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott?
    • 703-471-9500

The airport is also served by many other local hotels, including the following:

- Courtyard by Marriott Dulles Airport Herndon - 13715 Sayward Blvd, Herndon, VA 20171 (571 643 0950)

- Hyatt Regency Dulles - 2300 Dulles Corner Blvd, Herndon, VA 20171, Phone: 703-713-1234

- The Westin Washington Dulles Airport - 2520 Wasser Terrace, Herndon, VA 20171, Phone: 703-793-3366

- Courtyard by Marriott Dulles Airport Herndon - 13715 Sayward Blvd, Herndon, VA 20171, Phone: 571-643-0950

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