Air Service One talks with, Paul Bobson, Vice President – Airline Business Development at Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is in the midst of one of the most dynamic growth periods in its history, fuelled by record passenger numbers, a rapidly expanding long-haul network and major infrastructure investments.
Air Service One had the opportunity to talk with Paul Bobson, Vice President – Airline Business Development at Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, about the drivers behind IAD’s 2025 momentum, key unserved markets on their radar and how upcoming developments will shape the future of Washington’s gateway to the world.
IAD has seen strong growth on long-haul routes, from Europe to Asia and Africa. What’s been driving this momentum in 2025, and how closely does it align with your strategic air service goals?
Our strategic objective is to grow annual enplanements and seat capacity while preserving existing service levels. We take a data-driven approach to evaluate and develop every air service opportunity — the data shapes our strategic roadmap. Since 2023, we’ve welcomed 10 new entrant airlines and added or expanded 65 international routes. This momentum is a direct reflection of our long-term vision for IAD as a globally connected hub.
How did Washington Dulles become America’s Gateway to Africa?
With nonstop service to Accra, Addis Ababa, Cairo, Cape Town, Casablanca, Lagos, Lomé, and now Dakar, IAD offers more direct flights to Africa than any other airport in the Americas. The National Capital Region is home to the largest African expatriate population in the United States — over 250,000 residents as of 2023. Washington, D.C. also hosts the highest concentrations of Ethiopian, Cameroonian, and Sierra Leonean communities, and is the second-largest U.S. market for Ghanaians, Moroccans, and Senegalese. This vibrant diaspora directly drives demand and has played a key role in expanding our African network. Connecting these communities with the continent they call home is both a strategic priority and a reflection of IAD’s role as a truly global gateway.
Which new long-haul routes would you highlight as game-changers for IAD?
As the global gateway to Washington, D.C., Dulles benefits from a number of legacy long-haul routes, many of which have been operating for over 30 years. Growing capacity on legacy routes is just as challenging as each new service. For legacy routes one major limiting factor is equipment. For strategic additional daily frequencies a smaller aircraft is typical used for launch. Smaller aircraft however significantly limited long-haul international growth. Earlier this year, Iberia upgraded its seasonal Madrid service to year-round, thanks to the arrival of the A321XLR. Our geographic position uniquely enables carriers to deploy next-generation aircraft to expand capacity across Europe, Africa, and South America — unlocking growth that wasn’t possible before.
Is there a region or market still missing from your international network that you’re actively chasing?
We always follow the data. Our team is constantly developing business cases for new or expanded international service. As of Q2 2025, our top unserved markets include Hyderabad, Mumbai, Lima, Singapore, Taipei, and Nairobi. Hyderabad and Lima are currently tied at 124 PDEW (passengers daily each way), highlighting the strong demand and the opportunity for future growth.
How do you pitch IAD to carriers deciding between East Coast gateways?
IAD offers a highly competitive cost structure, with a current average cost per enplanement (CPE) of $11.17 — the lowest in 25 years. The surrounding region is home to over 10.3 million residents and has the highest median household income in the U.S. at $117,432. Additionally, the National Capital Region hosts the largest concentration of global and North American headquarters generating over $2 billion in annual revenue — including AWS, Capital One, Hilton, Marriott, and Raytheon.
In January 2025, we entered a new 15-year Use & Lease Agreement, featuring our first-ever Short-Term Signatory option with just a 3-year commitment. Coupled with our robust 24-month Air Service Incentive Program and a large stable of community partners including Destination DC, our program reflects our strong commitment to airline partnerships. Together, these fundamentals make IAD a compelling choice for any airline looking to grow on the East Coast of the United States.
Domestic growth has been equally impressive at IAD, with a significant increase in LCC and ULCC presence. How do you balance full-service and low-cost growth?
As the gateway to Washington, D.C., our goal is to offer a broad mix of airline products to serve our diverse community. Over the last three years, we’ve welcomed eight new low-cost carriers. Historically, Washington Dulles had a higher CPE than its peer airports — a challenge for LCCs and ULCCs. Thanks to the work of our CEO and team to reduce our CPE to a 20-year low, we’ve unlocked significant new interest from low-cost operators.
At the same time, our 50+ global airline partners offer an extensive range of full-service options. This balance ensures that IAD continues to meet the needs of the nation’s third-largest metropolitan area with both value and premium service offerings.
How many passengers did IAD handle during the first half of 2025, and how many do you expect by year-end?
2025 is off to a strong start, with Washington Dulles handling over 1.3 million more passengers in the first half compared to the same period in 2024 — a 10.2% year-over-year increase in enplanements. While we’ve seen some softening in inbound travel from Canada and parts of Europe, this has been offset by strong demand from Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and a surge in outbound U.S. travel.
In 2024, we welcomed 27.25 million passengers — breaking a 19-year record. Based on current trends, we anticipate another record-breaking year in 2025.
The multi-billion-dollar IAD terminal expansion and modernisation project is a major milestone. Can you walk us through its current status and what passengers and airlines can expect next?
In 2023, our partners at United Airlines introduced the phrase “Decade of Dulles” — a reflection of the airport’s sustained growth and transformation. In 2024, United added 13 new routes, more than any other carrier at a single hub, and that growth has continued in 2025 with the launch or announcement of 8 more.
Looking ahead, the new 14-gate E Concourse — currently under development — is the first expansion project under the new Use & Lease Agreement and will significantly enhance capacity for United and our other partners. During the groundbreaking ceremony in December 2024, United CEO Scott Kirby stated that the new facility would allow United to double its international service from Dulles. This expansion marks a major investment in the future of IAD and sets the stage for continued success in the years ahead.