BALTIMORE, Md. — Maryland travelers who rely on Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport or Washington Dulles International Airport may soon face higher ticket prices and airport fees, as a new federal law — the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — changes how the region’s airports operate and pay rent to the federal government.
The legislation, developed by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, requires the federal government to renegotiate its lease with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) every 10 years. This provision would override the signed agreement between MWAA and the U.S. Department of Transportation that had extended the lease through the year 2100.
Under the current lease, MWAA pays $7.5 million annually to the federal government. With the new law in place, that amount will double to at least $15 million beginning in 2027.
MWAA has leased Reagan National and Dulles from the federal government since 1987. The lease, authorized under the Metropolitan Washington Airports Act of 1986, was designed to provide long-term operational stability, support infrastructure planning and maintain predictable financial terms.
Critics say the law unfairly targets the region. “This bill includes several measures that specifically target Virginia, including singling out our local airports to make flying in and out of our region more expensive,” said Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, D-Va., in a statement.
Lawmakers supporting the measure argued that MWAA’s previous lease terms were outdated and did not reflect the current market value of the federally owned land.
Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., introduced an amendment to redirect the increased lease revenue to aviation safety improvements and a permanent memorial for the victims of the January 2025 midair collision near DCA. That amendment was narrowly defeated in a 50-50 Senate vote.
Increased airline operating costs at Reagan National and Dulles could be passed along to passengers through higher ticket prices and facility fees. Maryland travelers who rely on those airports should prepare to see gradual price increases beginning in 2027, when the new lease terms take effect.
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