Looking Inside an Abandoned Air Traffic Control Tower at Washington Dulles International Airport

Ryan Ewing

Wednesday, November 01, 2017 at 10:03 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

Dulles' iconic tower seen from the A/B concourse (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Ryan Ewing)

Key Takeaways:

The tower at Washington Dulles International Airport is an iconic structure, designed by architect Eero Saarinen in the 1950s.
Historically, it managed a range of famous aircraft, from Concordes to SR-71 Blackbirds, and included an observation deck.
It ceased operation as an FAA facility in 2007, superseded by a new facility near the C/D concourse.
Although no longer active, the old tower still serves as a landmark, symbolizing the glory days of air travel and its 1950s-era design.

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Standing on top of the airport’s main terminal, the tower at Washington Dulles International Airport is perhaps one of the most iconic in the U.S. It’s design was spearheaded by architect Eero Saarinen who designed the main terminal in the 1950s.

The tower landed everything from Concordes to SR-71 Blackbirds in its heyday and even featured an observation deck at its base. Today, though, this landmark is a hollow shell of its former self.

It was put out of operation in 2007 after the FAA dedicated the new facility near the C/D concourse on Sept. 17.

Even though it no longer operates as an FAA facility, the old tower still serves a purpose while reminding people of air travel’s glory days along with 1950s-era design.

Photos by AirlineGeeks’ Ryan Ewing

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.