Reagan National celebrates opening of 14 new gates

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and American Airlines are celebrating the soft opening of 14 gates in a newly constructed 225,000-square-foot concourse at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

A major milestone in the airport’s Project Journey capital improvement programme, the new concourse will serve as the home of American Airlines’ regional operations at DCA and provides direct, enclosed access to aircraft via jetbridges, as well as spacious waiting areas.

This summer, when construction is complete, the concourse also will feature new shopping and dining options.

Designed to enhance passenger convenience and comfort, the new facility was built to complement the architectural features of DCA’s current Terminal B/C.

The concourse, which includes Gates 46-59, features exposed steel arches and columns, expansive glass walls and skylights that complement the Jeffersonian domes in the existing terminal, giving travellers large, open, brightly lit gate areas with panoramic views of the iconic Washington DC skyline.

“The opening of the new concourse is the culmination of years of work by thousands of employees who overcame numerous challenges and the seismic changes of a global pandemic to deliver a world-class passenger experience at Washington DC’s airports,” enthused MWAA president and CEO, John Potter.

“The airport’s $1 billion investment to transform the traveler experience inside the terminals at the gates and along the roadways will bring a new era of travel to American Airlines’ customers, who can now board regional jet aircraft from jetbridges instead of through Gate 35X.”

Prior to the opening of the new concourse, passengers reached regional jets parked in 14 outdoor boarding areas by riding in buses to the airfield. The new gates provide a one-for-one replacement of the former remote positions – without adding capacity for additional flights.

Included in the new concourse is various types of seating, many with electrical outlets, for 850 passengers, as well as 14,000 square feet of concession space, four moving walkways, an indoor pet relief area, new airline office space and a new baggage-handling system.

“The dreaded Gate 35X is no more! American’s new regional concourse at Reagan National Airport is fantastic news for our customers,” said Robert Isom, president of American Airlines.

“When fully complete, the investments made in partnership with MWAA will finally enable American to deliver a convenient, accessible, world-class product befitting the gateway to our nation’s capital.”

Until the construction process is completed this summer, limited concessions will be available in the new concourse at the soft opening, including Peet’s Coffee and Capitol File newsstand. Additionally, passengers will be able to access post-security concessions near Gates 35-45.