Updated: October 2, 2025
The federal government retains ownership of the leasehold, but daily operations are leased to and managed by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA). In 1987, Congress transferred Washington National and Dulles to MWAA under a long-term lease authorized by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-500).
MWAA operates, maintains, and develops the airport using airport revenues (rates/charges, concessions, parking), revenue bonds for capital projects, and applicable federal grants. MWAA regularly issues airport system revenue bonds for Reagan National and Dulles capital programs.
The primary law-enforcement agency is the MWAA Police Department, a full-service force that enforces Airports Authority regulations and Virginia law on the airport. TSA is responsible for passenger/baggage screening and federal aviation security functions, including the Federal Air Marshal Service. Adjacent parkland along the George Washington Memorial Parkway falls under National Park Service jurisdiction (U.S. Park Police).
Yes. Because DCA is close to Capitol Hill and downtown, congressional and executive-branch travelers frequently use scheduled commercial flights here. Diplomatic and foreign-state aircraft movements follow U.S. Department of State diplomatic aircraft-clearance procedures and must comply with National Capital Region airspace and airport restrictions.
Yes—primarily the U.S. Coast Guard. Coast Guard Air Station Washington is located on the DCA field and supports National Capital Region security and executive transport for DHS/USCG leadership.
Typically, no. Presidents almost always depart/arrive at Joint Base Andrews (ADW), home to the VC-25 fleet (commonly called “Air Force One”) and the 89th Airlift Wing, for security and logistics. DCA can host certain VIP movements (cabinet, congressional, diplomatic) on scheduled flights or specially authorized operations. General/business aviation access is strictly controlled under TSA’s DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP), which requires pre-authorization, a gateway departure, and an onboard Armed Security Officer.
The MWAA Police Department provides law‑enforcement at DCA, including patrols of garages, lots, and curb areas. Non‑emergency line: (703) 417‑2400. For emergencies, dial 911.
For statistics, consult MWAA Police public reports and Airports Authority board materials, which summarize incidents and safety initiatives. Travelers should stow valuables out of sight, lock vehicles, and photograph the garage level/row marker as a reminder.
Context: The Airports Authority does not publish a monthly, airport-specific crime table for public download. To give travelers a sense of the area trend, here is the most recent District-wide snapshot from MPD (not airport-only):
| Offense (District-wide) | 2024 (year-end) | Change vs. 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Violent crime (total) | 3,469 | -35% |
| Robbery | 2,113 | -39% |
| Theft from auto | 6,698 | -14% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 5,139 | -25% |
| All crime (total) | 29,348 | -15% |
Source: Metropolitan Police Department “Crime Data at a Glance,” year‑end 2024 (District of Columbia); airport precinct data are handled by MWAA Police.
On‑airport assistance: MWAA Police non‑emergency (703) 417‑2400; emergencies 911. File a non‑emergency report via the MWAA online reporting portal.