Washington Dulles International (KIAD), District of Columbia
Landing essentials
Whether you can land, whether you can refuel, and how customs works here.
Overview
Washington Dulles International (KIAD) is a Tier 1 towered airport serving the Washington, DC metro area, located roughly 12 nautical miles from the metro center. The field handles a substantial mix of airline and business aviation traffic, supported by four concrete runways, on-site customs clearance, and full-time attendance. With 338,241 annual operations reported for 2025 and business aviation accounting for 73,976 of that total according to FAA TFMSC data, KIAD ranks among the busier terminals in the region for both scheduled and non-scheduled operators.
Runways
Washington Dulles International has four paved runways. The longest, 01C/19C, is 11,500 ft long and 150 ft wide, with a concrete surface.
Runway geometry from published threshold coordinates. Not for navigation.
Runways are listed longest first.
Source: FAA Form 5010.
Fuel and airfield services
Washington Dulles International has Jet A and 100LL available on the field. Fueling is available 24 hours a day, every day, and the airport has an operating control tower.
Source: FAA Form 5010 / NASR.
Customs
Washington Dulles International has US Customs and Border Protection clearance available onsite, with general clearance for international arrivals. A USDA compliance agreement is in place.
Source: CBP list of ports of entry.
Business aviation traffic
Washington Dulles International recorded 73,976 business aviation movements in 2025. Traffic peaks in May, September and October. Business aviation traffic at KIAD is concentrated in the spring, peaking during May, June, and April according to FAA TFMSC data.
Business jet movements, FAA TFMSC count. Peak month October, 7,039 movements in 2025.
Source: FAA TFMSC, business jet movements, 2025.
Climate
Washington Dulles International averages 12.5 days above 90°F in July, 24.3 freeze days in January and 1.6 snow days in January. July is the warmest month, with average highs of 87.6°F, and January the coldest, at 42.6°F.
Weather station is on the field. Some values are estimated by the agency. 1991–2020 climate normals.
Source: NOAA NCEI.
Operating constraints
Washington Dulles International has published operating constraints in five categories: access, runway notes, environmental, pavement strength and other notes.
Taxiway E1 is closed to aircraft with a wingspan greater than 118 feet.
Engine run-ups between 2200 and 0700 local time require prior approval from Airport Operations.
Pilots conducting EFVS operations should be aware that an LED approach light system is in use on Runway 01C.
The run-up block for Runway 30 is designated as a non-movement area.
Runway 30 departures should use the upper antenna for ATC communications.
Runway status lights are in operation.
Large flocks of birds are present on and in the vicinity of the airport, and deer are present in the vicinity of the airport.
PCR VALUE: 1089/R/B/W/T
PCR VALUE: 1045/R/B/W/T
PCR VALUE: 1005/R/B/W/U
PCR VALUE: 1108/R/B/W/T
Itinerant aircraft should contact the FBO on 122.95 or 129.77 for services.
Aircraft push backs and power moves from all apron positions require clearance from MWAA Ramp Tower.
During periods of aircraft saturation, long-term parking may not be available; services may be limited to fuel-and-go only.
Flight training is prohibited between 2200 and 0700 local time.
Taxilane C is active; pushback clearances on the north side of the midfield terminal are onto Taxilane D only, unless otherwise authorized.
All aircraft with a wingspan exceeding 118 feet are restricted from using Taxilane A between A1 and A5.
All 180-degree turns out of apron positions must be made using minimum power.
A landing fee applies. Flight notification service (ADCUS) is available. See special notices regarding continuous power facilities.
The B747-8 is restricted to a maximum taxi speed of 17 knots (20 mph) on Taxiway J.
Cockpit-over-centerline taxiing is prohibited at the Taxiway Y intersection with Taxiway Y11; judgmental oversteer is required.
Source: FAA Chart Supplement.
Nearby airfields
Washington Dulles International has five airfields within 21 NM. The closest is Leesburg Executive (KJYO), 9.06 NM northwest.
Part of the Washington, D.C. area.
Source: Skystar calculation from official coordinates.
Skystar at KIAD
We arrange catering, fuel and trip support here. Supplier prices reach you unchanged; our coordination fee sits on its own line.
The same order, priced two ways.
$2,400.00 catering order at KIAD.
Unchanged.
What the kitchen invoices us is what your quote reads.
One line, fixed.
It does not move with the size of the order.
At cost.
Passed on at the exact amount the processor took.
Market practice figures are industry averages, not a specific competitor.
Frequently asked questions
Does KIAD have customs clearance available on-site?
Washington Dulles International provides on-site customs clearance through CBP inspection services, and the airport also operates under a USDA compliance agreement. This dual coverage supports international arrivals without a diversion to a separate customs airport. Flight notification service, known as ADCUS, is available for crews coordinating arrival details in advance. Note that a landing fee applies at KIAD, so dispatchers should factor that into trip planning. The presence of both CBP and USDA arrangements reflects the volume of international traffic the airport handles.
What is the longest runway at KIAD and what is its surface?
The longest runways at Washington Dulles International are 01C/19C and 01R/19L, each measuring 11,500 feet with a concrete surface and 150 feet of width. A third runway, 12/30, extends 10,501 feet, and the shortest of the four, 01L/19R, still offers 9,400 feet. All four runways are concrete and paved, giving KIAD substantial capacity for large transport-category aircraft. This runway configuration supports the airport's high volume of both airline and business aviation operations.
Are there wingspan restrictions on taxiways at KIAD?
Yes, Washington Dulles International restricts aircraft with a wingspan exceeding 118 feet from using Taxilane A between A1 and A5. Taxiway E1 is similarly closed to aircraft with a wingspan greater than 118 feet. These limits affect large widebody types and require crews to plan alternate taxi routing in coordination with ground control. Dispatchers handling aircraft near this wingspan threshold should confirm routing before pushback at KIAD. Additional pushback clearance rules apply on the north side of the midfield terminal, where movement is directed onto Taxilane D unless otherwise authorized.
What business aviation traffic trends does KIAD show through the year?
According to FAA TFMSC data, business aviation traffic at KIAD is concentrated in the spring months, with May, June, and April recording the highest monthly operations in 2025. October also shows strong volume, closely trailing the spring peak. August is the lowest month for business aviation activity at Washington Dulles International. Total business aviation operations for the year reached 73,976 out of 338,241 annual operations reported for the airport as cross-border traffic seen by the FAA. Dispatchers scheduling trips into KIAD during peak spring months should anticipate higher ramp and taxi congestion.
Are there restrictions on engine run-ups or flight training at night at KIAD?
Yes, Washington Dulles International prohibits flight training between 2200 and 0700 local time. Engine run-ups during that same overnight window require prior approval from Airport Operations. Separately, run-up positions for Runway 30 are designated as a non-movement area, which affects how that operation is coordinated with ATC. These overnight restrictions are relevant for operators positioning aircraft or crews for early departures at KIAD. Confirming run-up approval ahead of a late-night or early-morning operation avoids delay at the ramp.