SAN ANTONIO – After a long wait, San Antonio will soon have a direct flight to the nation’s capital.
American Airlines received federal approval on Wednesday to begin a nonstop flight from San Antonio International Airport to Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C., according to officials and American Airlines.
“We are thrilled with this announcement, SAT to DCA nonstop service via American Airlines will have so many positive impacts to our city and the entire South Texas region,” said Jesus Saenz, director of airports for San Antonio, in a release. “This is historic and meaningful to San Antonio and our surrounding communities, a true reflection of our partnership with American Airlines along with the countless number of community leaders that have long deserved nonstop service from San Antonio International Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.”
The Transportation Department tentatively awarded room for five new daily long-haul flights at DCA to five of the nation’s biggest airlines. DCA is the only airport in the country that has a strict regulation and cap on the number of flights in and out as well as a perimeter rule that has prevented San Antonio from having a direct flight.
The routes were announced on Wednesday.
Republican Sen. Ted Cruz was one of the lead authors of the $100 Billion aviation bill, which was designed to improve air travel safety. The bill also included a provision to add five long-haul flights a day to and from DCA. It was signed into law in May.
In July, Cruz and Reps. Chip Roy and Joaquin Castro led a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers in urging the DOT to award a direct flight for the proposed SAT-DCA route.
“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,” Cruz said in a news release. “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. I am thankful to the many city leaders, partners, and stakeholders across the greater San Antonio region who entrusted me with this responsibility and united behind our effort to deliver for Military City USA. I am looking forward to soon celebrating with my friends in San Antonio as we step foot onto the very first direct flight from SAT to DCA.”
American Airlines will have the nonstop flight ready in the coming months, but the release did not announce a specific date.
“Today marks a significant milestone for San Antonio as we get one step closer to securing a nonstop flight between SAT and DCA,” San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg in the release. “This connectivity between San Antonio and our nation’s capital is long overdue and will benefit our community in many ways. I’m grateful for the unwavering support of our local leaders and the bipartisan backing of our congressional delegation. We are excited about the opportunities this will bring for economic growth, boosting both our business and military communities.”
American will use unique flight numbers to honor the city’s history and the region’s “strong ties” to the military, the release said. Flight 1718 will commemorate the year the City of San Antonio was founded while Flight 1947 will be used to reflect the year the United States Air Force was established.
“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,” Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn said in an emailed statement, in part.
“For years, I’ve been working with my colleagues in the San Antonio delegation to get our city a direct flight to the nation’s capital,” Democratic U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro said in an emailed statement. “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. I appreciate the Biden-Harris administration’s decision to bring these flights to San Antonio and I look forward to welcoming new travelers to my hometown.”
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