Lawmakers recently passed a major aviation bill that will increase the number of round-trip flights at their favorite airport, Reagan National Airport. The bill will soon be signed into law by President Joe Biden, leading to the question of which destination cities will be selected for the additional flights.
The push to add more flights at Reagan National Airport has been ongoing for over a year, and airlines will now have 60 days to submit applications to the Department of Transportation. The agency will then evaluate and determine which airlines and cities will be granted the extra flights.
While supporters of expanding the perimeter rule aimed for an additional 28 slots, only five were ultimately granted due to opposition from Washington area lawmakers citing concerns about airport congestion and noise disruptions.
The legislation specifies that incumbent air carriers meeting certain criteria will be granted additional flight slots. This includes major airlines such as United, American, Delta, and Southwest, each likely to receive one round-trip flight. The remaining slot will be contested by Alaska and Frontier Airlines.
Preference will be given to flights that enhance nonstop travel options to airports beyond the 1,250-mile limit from DCA, particularly those not currently served by the airport.
Cities like San Antonio and San Diego have been lobbying for nonstop flights from Reagan National Airport. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg expressed gratitude for the efforts to secure a nonstop flight to D.C., while San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria emphasized the importance of obtaining a nonstop flight from the largest market in the U.S. not currently served by the airport.
Lawmakers from various districts have also advocated for nonstop flights to Reagan National Airport. The new legislation aims to provide more convenience and opportunities for families traveling to Washington, D.C.
Additionally, larger markets on the West Coast with limited flights may see new trips added. Currently, there are 20 daily round-trip flights operating beyond the perimeter from DCA to 10 cities, including Austin, Portland, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and San Juan, each with only one round-trip flight each day.
