The DMV area is finally getting a fourth airport, in Manassas. The small airport will provide an alternative, cheap option for passengers flying regionally. The plan is to have commercial airlines flying there in the next two years, but could be as early as 2025.
Wait, I Need Some Background
D.C. is renting out an old private aviation facility in Manassas to a private airport company – Avports – on a 40-year lease. Avports is converting into a hub for actual airline flights for customers – adding fire services, security, stuff like that.
The Manasssas City Council voted unanimously to approve the deal; the only concern comes from neighbors near the airport who are worried about traffic and noise disturbances. But that’s nothing new to DMV airports.
Preliminary rendering of the Manassas Airport. (Courtesy of Avports)
Why Do We Need Another Airport?
Manassas Airport will not be a direct competitor to the DMV’s three others: Baltimore, Dulles, and National. It will be much smaller, with far fewer flights, and will cater to domestic travelers looking for a budget-friendly option.
How Big Are We Talking?
During the first phase, the airport will operate 10 - 15 commercial flights a day. Then, it’ll ramp up to 30 - 35 flights a day in the next couple of years if everything is successful. It’s a small operation, but it will have everything a normal airport would, from check-in to lounges to TSA.
Preliminary rendering of the Manassas Airport waiting area. (Courtesy of Avports)
Where Can I Fly To From Manassas?
It will serve as a regional flight hub. While routes haven’t been formally announced, it’s expected to have flights to vacation destinations in the southeast, as well as places like Florida, Georgia, Orlando, and Myrtle Beach. Think of it as a replacement for fairly short flights you’d expect from budget carriers like Breeze or Spirit.
Sounds good, but how will this affect D.C.’s other airports?
