The race is on as airlines vie for the opportunity to operate more long-distance flights from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). With Congress recently approving five additional exceptions to the rule limiting flights from DCA to destinations beyond 1,250 miles, airlines are making their bids for new routes.
American Airlines has set its sights on launching nonstop service from DCA to San Antonio International Airport in Texas, while Alaska Airlines is eyeing a new transcontinental flight from San Diego International Airport. Southwest Airlines has also thrown its hat into the ring, hoping to launch a new flight to Las Vegas.
The U.S. Department of Transportation will ultimately decide which airlines and cities will receive the additional beyond-perimeter slots at DCA. The recent FAA bill granting five more slots has sparked controversy, with concerns raised about increased congestion and delays at the already busy airport.
Airlines like American, Alaska, and Southwest are already lobbying for slots to cities like San Antonio, San Diego, and Las Vegas. Delta Air Lines is also considering options for the new slots, aiming to create more competition at Reagan.
With the DOT set to receive applications and make a decision in less than 60 days, the competition among airlines for these coveted slots is heating up. It remains to be seen which carriers will secure the rights to operate new long-distance flights from DCA, but one thing is for certain – passengers can look forward to more flight options from the airport closest to the nation’s capital in the near future.