2017 was a good year for the Washington region’s three airports

The last United Airlines 747 is greeted by water cannons after it makes its final landing at Dulles International Airport October 19, 2017 in Dulles, VA. United is phasing out all of its 747’s, dubbed ÒQueen of the Skies,Ó by Nov. 7. They have been an integral part of its fleet since 1970. (Photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post)

There is good news for the Washington region’s three airports, including beleaguered Dulles International: passenger traffic was up in 2017, mirroring a national trend that saw record numbers of people flying last year.

Dulles was a particular bright spot for officials at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which has focused on wooing new airlines to boost passenger counts. Passenger traffic increased 4.1 percent or nearly 890,000 last year — the highest level of growth since 2007. In all, Dulles served nearly 23 million commercial passengers.

MWAA manages National and Dulles.

The news was even brighter for officials at Baltimore Washington International Marshall Airport. For the third year in a row, the airport broke its annual passenger record with more than 26 million passengers moving through its gates. BWI remains the region’s busiest airport.

“BWI Marshall has broken passenger records for 29 out of the last 30 months, and every single day we seem to be announcing new services to spur growth for our airlines, our cargo shippers, and for the entire BWI business district,” Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) said.

The airport, where Southwest is the dominant carrier, has expanded its international offerings.

National Airport also saw growth in 2017. It served nearly 24 million passengers last year — growth that was largely fueled by an increase in the number of people flying Delta, United and Alaska airlines. Despite its compact size, the airport — a favorite of members of Congress because of its proximity to Capitol Hill — is the region’s second busiest.

“[Last year] marked a record number of passengers traveling through Dulles International and Reagan National airports,” MWAA President and CEO Jack Potter said.  “We look forward to continued growth in 2018 as we welcome new airlines to our Airports, break ground on a multimillion-dollar capital improvement program and continue to provide passengers an outstanding travel experience.”