What Happened at Dulles Airport? 18 Injured After People Mover Crash in Concourse D

More than a dozen people were injured after a people mover crashed while docking at Dulles International Airport in Virginia on Monday, November 10, 2025. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) confirmed that the mobile lounge collided with a dock at an angle around 4:30 p.m.

The incident occurred near Concourse D, one of the airport’s busiest terminals. Officials said the mobile lounge, which carries passengers between the main terminal and gates, struck the platform unexpectedly during its approach. The crash prompted an immediate emergency response from MWAA Fire and Rescue teams.

Officials Confirm 18 Injured After Dulles Airport Crash

According to MWAA spokesperson Crystal Nosal, all passengers on board were safely evacuated using an external stairway. Eighteen people were transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while others were assessed on-site for minor complaints. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but authorities confirmed that airport operations have not been disrupted.

“The airport is open and operating as normal,” MWAA said in a public statement. Rescue teams quickly cleared the affected area, allowing flights to continue on schedule. As of Monday evening, maintenance personnel had removed the damaged people mover for inspection and repair.

The mobile lounges at Dulles Airport, often referred to as “people movers,” have been in service since the airport’s opening in the early 1960s. Each vehicle can carry more than 100 passengers and connects terminals before boarding gates were directly accessible by concourses. Despite being seen as outdated, these vehicles remain an active part of Dulles operations.

Dulles Airport’s Mobile Lounge

Background on Dulles Airport’s People Movers

Dulles International Airport currently operates 19 mobile lounges. While the AeroTrain — an underground automated train — handles most passenger transfers for newer concourses, these iconic vehicles still service older terminals such as Concourse D.

In 2023, MWAA awarded a rehabilitation contract to modernize the fleet and improve safety systems. Monday’s incident may prompt renewed discussions about accelerating upgrades or expanding AeroTrain service to replace the aging people movers altogether.

Reactions and Ongoing Investigation

Passengers who witnessed the crash described a sudden jolt followed by a brief panic before crews arrived. Airport officials have not reported any major structural damage to the dock. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing the vehicle’s operator to determine whether mechanical failure or human error caused the collision.

Travelers are being advised that Dulles remains fully operational. However, some gates near Concourse D may experience temporary delays while safety assessments continue. Federal aviation safety inspectors are expected to assist in the review process.

The Dulles Airport crash highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining legacy transportation systems within modernized airports. MWAA said it will release further updates once the cause is confirmed.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What happened at Dulles Airport today?

A Dulles Airport people mover crashed while docking at Concourse D, injuring 18 people. All injuries are non-life-threatening.

Q2: Is Dulles Airport still open after the crash?

Yes. MWAA confirmed that Dulles Airport remains open and fully operational despite the incident.

Q3: How many people were injured in the Dulles Airport crash?

Officials said 18 people were hospitalized, and several others were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Q4: What caused the Dulles Airport people mover crash?

The cause is still under investigation. Authorities are reviewing possible mechanical issues or operator error.

Q5: Are Dulles Airport people movers being replaced?

Some older lounges are being updated, but MWAA plans to keep the system alongside the AeroTrain for now.