The dedication of Washington Dulles International Airport marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of air travel in the United States. Serving as one of the major airports for the capital region, Dulles was designed with passenger convenience and efficiency in mind, featuring a then-innovative terminal structure designed by Eero Saarinen. President John F. Kennedy presided over the dedication ceremony on November 17, 1962, acknowledging the airport's role in enhancing national accessibility and connecting the United States to the wider world. Amid the post-World War II increase in air travel, Dulles represented the modernization of American transit infrastructure and a shift towards accommodating larger volumes of travelers.

Kicking off the festivities, Kennedy highlighted the airport’s features and its strategic importance in the context of the Cold War, suggesting that the successful operation of major transportation hubs was vital for both economic prosperity and national security. The event was attended by local dignitaries, aviation experts, and members of the public, drawing attention to the airport's role as an economic engine for the Northern Virginia region. Dulles would soon become one of the primary airports serving the Washington, D.C. area, facilitating not only domestic travel but also international connections as global air travel expanded.

The design of the airport, particularly its stunning curved rooflines and expansive terminal space, captured the imagination of travelers and architecture enthusiasts alike. Dulles was characterized by its spacious layout and the separation of arrival and departure areas, which was a novel concept at that time and designed to improve passenger flow. Over the subsequent decades, Washington Dulles International Airport has seen considerable modifications and expansions to handle the increasing demands of air traffic, adapt to advances in aviation technology, and improve passenger experiences.