When aircraft operations at Dulles grew to more than 509,000 in 2005, expanding the current three-runway system became a necessity. The first three runways at Dulles date back to the Airport's 1962 opening date. This project adds a fourth runway and paves the way for a future fifth runway. Both runways were approved by an FAA Record of Decision in 2005. Construction of the fourth runway began in 2006, but fifth runway construction is not yet scheduled.