Washington Dulles International (IAD), designed as the country’s first airport to handle commercial jetliners, is celebrating 50 years.
Then-President John F. Kennedy helped with the airport’s official dedication when it opened Nov. 17, 1962. Fifty years later, it has “gone through remarkable growth and transformation,” says Michael A. Curto, chairman of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which operates IAD.
“From the beginning it is clear the airport’s designers had great things planned for the airport and the region surrounding it,” he says. “The people who carried the original vision forward to the modern wonder that is Dulles today should be proud of their hard work. Dulles has successfully driven growth and economic development to new heights.”
Throughout the year, IAD hosted several “Discover Dulles” events to thank passengers and offer travelers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the airport’s operation. Participants show the up-close landings of the shuttle Discovery, the first commercial flights of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental aircraft by airlines serving Dulles, celebrated the airport’s 500 millionth passenger with a special presentation held June 15 and held a trivia contest during the week of the anniversary. On Nov. 16, a gala event was held in the Main Terminal.
“We look forward to the promise of future growth at Dulles well beyond the first 50 years,” says Jack Potter, president and CEO of the authority. “Dulles passengers will be even better served when Metrorail is completed. And as the airport continues growing to its fullest potential, the benefits to the economy of the region will grow exponentially.”
