Americans React To New Direct Flights To & From Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
In case you missed it, the U.S. Department of Transportation tentatively announced five new nonstop routes to and from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). These new flights were authorized in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization bill, which passed in May with overwhelming bipartisan support. The flight routes, which are expected to be finalized as proposed, represent a victory for consumers nationwide who will benefit from increased affordable access to the nation’s capital.
The new routes include:
Here’s what people are saying about the new flights and how they will positively affect competition and access for Americans across the country:
“I’m proud to have led Republicans and Democrats in delivering a landmark victory not just for the City of San Antonio but the entire Lone Star State. The new American Airlines SAT-DCA flight is the culmination of a years-long effort to connect our nation’s capital with the fastest-growing city in the country. My bipartisan provision adding five long-haul slots in this year’s FAA reauthorization bill overcame fierce, well-funded opposition.”
U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (NV):
“Travel and tourism are critical for the Las Vegas economy, which is why I’ve been working to increase transportation options and bring more visitors to our city … I’m proud to announce that I helped secure a new direct flight route to Las Vegas from Ronald Reagan National Airport. The addition of this flight will bolster Nevada’s travel and tourism economy that sustains thousands of good-paying jobs.”
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (TX):
“As a proud native of San Antonio, I am pleased with the DOT’s decision to establish a direct route between San Antonio and the District of Columbia, and glad to hear that it will be served by DFW-based American Airlines…This new route will make travel more efficient for military personnel, business travelers, or simply families visiting their nation’s capital, and I was proud to work with Senator Cruz and countless others to make this major win for ‘Military City, USA’ a reality.”
Toshiko Hasegawa, Vice President, Port of Seattle Commission:
“The new flights to [Reagan] will allow Pacific Northwest residents to have more travel options to our nation’s capital and will deliver much-needed access and affordability for travelers in our region.”
U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro (TX-20):
“Today’s announcement is a long-sought win for travelers, businesses, and the military families that call our city home … When finalized, these direct flights will make it easier for San Antonio’s business sector, including our growing cybersecurity industry, to work directly with the federal government to support job growth and economic development at home.”
Jesus Saenz, Airports Director, San Antonio Airport System:
“The City of San Antonio has been fighting for a direct flight to Washington, D.C. for decades. Today’s announcement from the Department of Transportation is tremendous news for San Antonians and Texans and would not have been possible without the strong leadership of Senator Ted Cruz and Representatives Chip Roy and Joaquin Castro. San Antonio is excited for American Airlines to begin flying from Military City USA to Washington, D.C. very soon.”
Former U.S. Representative Lamar Smith (TX-21):
“Today’s announcement that the Department of Transportation will award a direct flight from Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National Airport to San Antonio is a tremendous win for Texans, and especially for the people of San Antonio … This new, direct flight will help provide lower prices for consumers, bolster Military City USA’s connection to D.C., and grow the region’s leadership in healthcare, science, and defense sectors, and that is something we can all be proud of.”
Kimberly Becker, President & CEO, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority:
“Leadership from all industry sectors and communities across the San Diego region have spoken up in support of nonstop air service between DCA and SAN. We appreciate that DOT’s thoughtful analysis supports restoring service between the nation’s largest unserved aviation market. We look forward to the final order to cement the service that both San Diego and Alaska Airlines have been advocating for more than ten years.”
“With the largest concentration of military assets in the world and the largest national defense workforce in the country, a top-tier biotech and innovation economy – and as the center of binational business with Mexico – this nonstop flight will be a major boon to those doing important business in our nation’s capital.”
U.S. Representative Dina Titus (NV-01):
“The U.S. Department of Transportation decision to approve Southwest Airline’s application for service between Harry Reid International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is a milestone in connecting Southern Nevada with our nation’s capital. Currently, there is only one direct Southwest flight from LAS to the East Coast and that is to Baltimore. Southwest accounts for over one-third of passenger volume to LAS every year and providing greater access on the East Coast will only drive tourism and convention attendance to Southern Nevada. This decision opens the door to bringing more people to experience everything we have to offer in Las Vegas.”
Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, President & CEO, greater:SATX:
“Today is monumental for San Antonio with the approval of a new nonstop route from San Antonio International Airport (SAT) to Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C. We are grateful to Senator Ted Cruz who championed this effort and to the Texas congressional delegation. San Antonio – previously the largest U.S. city without nonstop DCA service – now gains critical access to D.C. and Northern Virginia. This route will boost corporate retention, expansion, and recruitment, supporting San Antonio’s rapid growth and future development.”
Rolando Pablos, 111th Texas Secretary of State
“[C]ongratulations to San Antonio – We now have all the tools needed to attract investment from our nation’s capital…Let’s make sure we keep this flight busy – in both directions!”
“Once the DOT grants its final approval, the five new DCA flights will greatly increase connectivity between Washington DC and the West Coast. The new Alaska Airlines route will be the only nonstop flight between DCA and San Diego, and the American Airlines route will offer the only direct service between DCA and San Antonio, Texas.”
WUSA-TV (CBS) Washington D.C.:
“In a significant expansion of flight options at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has granted five new nonstop roundtrip flight routes to major U.S. carriers. These new routes are made possible through the FAA Reauthorization Act, which includes provisions for expanding services at airports across the country to enhance connectivity and competition.”
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