Thanks to those adjustments , a new 14-gate concourse opened three months ahead of schedule in April 2021 . The new replacement facility contains new jet bridges and a wide array of new concessions and amenities . More than one year into its operation , Terminal E has grown into a favorite spot to enjoy a variety of airport seating concepts and the airport ’ s newest shops and restaurants .
North Checkpoint at Reagan National
Credit : Bong Lee
A few months later , new state-of-the-art security checkpoints opened after a carefully choreographed evening of signage and physical changes throughout the terminal . The new lanes are longer , allowing faster throughput as passengers divest and collect their belongings . High , curvy ceilings in the queuing area complement the architecture of the adjacent terminal building . 580 panels of electrochromic glass around each new building dim incoming sunlight to provide the ideal mix of light in a temperature-controlled environment without interfering with screening operations . The overall result is a calming checkpoint experience for passengers and TSA employees .
National Hall
Credit : Bong Lee
“ Opening the new checkpoints and moving National Hall behind security was the most dramatic change to Reagan National Airport since the mid-1990s ,” said Malandrino . “ The success of this major construction program involved many people and tremendous coordination between the construction team , the airport team , engineering , airlines , communications and others .”
2022 brought a welcome increase in passengers to experience the transformed airport . With the main hall and its large footprint freshly transitioned to post-security space , the airport ’ s next task is to reimagine the space to include larger restrooms , more amenities and new ways for passengers to relax and unwind . Despite the challenges of running a popular airport on a small footprint , the Reagan National team continues finding ways to innovate and delight passengers who will value the airport ’ s convenience for many years to come .
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