Move Over Dulles! Washington D.C. Set To Open Fourth Commercial Airport Soon

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Needless to say, Washington D.C. is a hotbed for national news — and not often do headlines portray anything travel-related.

So, let’s allow talking heads to be talking heads and reset our nation’s capital with some positivity, shall we?

Here at Travel Off Path, we drive to inspire people to travel however they see fit, but we also know the headaches that can come along the way in doing so.

One such headache is busy airports, which can be an all-encompassing nightmare for gridlock traffic to and from, slow-moving lines, grumpy TSA agents, and that’s just scratching the surface…

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is one of America’s most popular hubs, so you can imagine the crowds at certain times…

But even with 2 other major airports close by, officials have announced big plans to open a currently private airport for commercial use — and yes, there are already plans for your favorite airlines to anchor this unheard-of town, roughly 30 miles from D.C.

Does Washington D.C. Need A Fourth Airport?

While past-their-prime pundits continue bickering about whether the White House needs a new ballroom or not, what hasn’t been reported nearly as much is if the region needs a new airport to give Dulles and others a breather.

In total, these are D.C.’s active airports:

• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) –
  Served about 27.2 million passengers in 2024
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) –
  Served around 26.29 million passengers in 2024
• Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) –
  Served just over 27 million passengers in 2024

That’s a lot of butts in seats!

Humor aside, and not to bring down the mood, let’s talk about the elephant in the room regarding D.C. air travel.

Not long ago, one of America’s most disastrous aviation accidents happened with the Capitol in the background as an American Airlines passenger jet collided with a military helicopter just moments before landing at Reagan.

As a result of this fatal incident, it became a huge talking point about congested airspace with constant military drills and a pair of popular airports all navigating tight corridors near some of D.C.’s most famed landmarks.

Discounting Baltimore (BWI), approximately 45 minutes from D.C., the idea to open a fourth commercial airport may not sound so bad since it would be located 30 miles outside one of the busiest air traffic zones in the country, providing travelers more options without sacrificing convenience and easing pressure on existing airports.

Where Will D.C.’s New Airport Be Located?

Ever heard of Manassas, Virginia?

Odds are you haven’t, as this sleepy town is more known for small-town charm and Civil War battlefields than being a travel hub.

Though it’s important to note Manassas does have an Amtrak station to connect you where you need to go, because let’s be honest — you probably aren’t vacationing in this little-known D.C. suburb.

Currently, Manassas Regional Airport is a general aviation field where retired airline pilots and aviation hobbyists can log hours and practice landings, but soon they’ll be sharing runways with commercial jets.

And it’s all but official, already securing a 40-year lease for commercial use and key FAA clearances amidst the transition.

As we all know, clearing bureaucratic hurdles like these is often what pushes these lofty goals back, but there is an estimated date to look forward to.

When Will Manassas (MNZ) Open To The Public?

Speaking of setbacks, believe it or not, MNZ was supposed to open to the public in 2025, but has since been postponed to 2027.

Here is what we know so far:

• As stated, the FAA has already provided a certificate clearing the airport’s transition from private to public
• Officials now expect the first commercial flights in spring 2027 (April or May as the soonest realistic target)
• Infrastructure upgrades, including taxiway and runway bridge work, are awaiting an environmental assessment
• New tower is expected to take 18 months to complete (dependent on FAA funding)
• Expected ‘curb to gate’ time is expected to be 7 – 12 minutes
• The goal is to welcome only 1 or 2 airlines in the initial launch phase
• No airlines have committed to MNZ as of yet