United Airlines to launch direct service between Ithaca Tompkins International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport 

Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (ITH) is thrilled to announce the return of direct flights to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) starting March 30. United Airlines will offer twice-daily service on 50-seat jets, perfectly timed to allow travelers seamless same-day trips to Washington, DC, and connections to hundreds of global destinations through United’s growing hub at Dulles. A third daily flight is planned to be added in August 2025, further enhancing connectivity for the region. 

The reintroduction of this key route marks the first direct service to Washington, DC since 2022. Travelers can now experience greater convenience, with Dulles International Airport’s recently opened Metro rail line providing quick and affordable transportation to downtown Washington, DC. 

“Tompkins County may be centrally isolated, but we want and need to be connected to the world. Having a direct flight to Washington, DC will provide economic benefit and improved travel options for Tompkins County and for our region. I believe these flights will be very popular,” said Dan Klein, Chair of the Tompkins County Legislature. 

United Airlines operates 250 daily flights from Dulles and will expand to 280 daily flights by April 2025, providing unparalleled domestic and international connectivity. 

“We’re thrilled that ITH will be offering these new direct flights to Washington, DC, providing travelers from Tompkins County and surrounding areas with greater options for connectivity and convenience,” said Lisa Holmes, County Administrator. 

Flight Highlights: 

• Route: Twice-daily service between Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (ITH) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) beginning March 30, 2025. Third-daily flight beginning August 2025. 

• Aircraft: 50-seat regional jets operated by United Airlines. 

• Connections: Convenient access to United’s growing domestic and international network, including over 280 daily flights by April 2025.

“We are excited that Ithaca marks the 15th new domestic destination announced for Washington Dulles this year. IAD is becoming the best connecting airport on the east coast and this twice-daily service provides Central New York travelers with seamless access to both our nation’s capital and United’s robust global network,” said Ben Sanchez, United Airlines Managing Director of Domestic Planning. 

Travelers flying into Dulles will also enjoy the new Silver Line Metro rail service, which opened in 2023. The Metro station, conveniently located inside the airport’s departure hall, allows passengers to reach downtown DC in under an hour, with trains departing every five minutes.

“We are excited to welcome United Airlines’ direct service to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). These new flights will offer our travelers more consistent and convenient connections to the nation’s capital and United’s extensive global network. This route is a significant step forward in enhancing connectivity for our community,” said Roxan Noble, Director of Ithaca Tompkins International Airport.

“Restoring United Airlines service to Washington, DC provides convenient connections for the most frequently traveled destinations in the United States and over 105 international connections. Thanks to the dedicated staff at ITH, United’s new service will not only increase connectivity for local travelers, but also increase revenue to the airport, which like many other regional airports, have struggled to regain market share post-Pandemic,” added Heather McDaniel, President of Ithaca Area Economic Development. 

Washington Dulles International Airport serves as a vital gateway to the world, offering direct flights to over a dozen world capitals, including Rome, Barcelona, Paris, Dublin, Mexico City, and Tokyo.