On July 8, 2024, American Airlines submitted a formal application to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to operate daily nonstop service between San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA). This move follows the 2024 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill signed into law in May, which granted five new roundtrip flights serving DCA.

San Antonio, the fastest-growing city in the United States, lacks nonstop service to DCA. As home to a significant number of military bases and the largest U.S. city with a majority Hispanic population without such service, the introduction of this route is highly anticipated. 

Brian Znotins, American's Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning, expressed the airline’s commitment: “American is proud to submit an application to provide the only nonstop service between San Antonio and Washington, D.C. This new service will expand American’s industry-leading domestic network connecting customers to the places they want to visit most.”

This new service will complement American’s more than 25 daily departures from SAT to various U.S. cities. It will not only offer convenient nonstop connectivity between San Antonio and Washington, D.C., but also provide one-stop connections to destinations in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Canada via DCA.

Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports for the San Antonio Airport System, noted the positive impact: “Adding a nonstop route to Reagan National Airport is part of our efforts to expand air operations for the San Antonio region. We’re grateful to American Airlines for their shared vision to improve connectivity and for helping us elevate our service options.”

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg emphasized the strategic importance: “Nonstop access to the nation's capital will strengthen our economic ties with leaders in Washington, D.C. and enable greater collaboration with the Pentagon, other federal agencies and leading research institutions.”

In recognition of San Antonio’s rich history and significant military contributions, American Airlines will use special flight numbers for this route:

- Flight 1718: Departs SAT at 6:35 a.m., arrives DCA at 10:59 a.m. (Airbus A321)

- Flight 1947: Departs DCA at 7:45 p.m., arrives SAT at 10:20 p.m. (Airbus A321)

American’s application to the DOT includes over 150 letters of support from the San Antonio community, encompassing bipartisan policymakers, military organizations, chambers of commerce, and advocacy groups.

Sen. Ted Cruz highlighted the significance: “American’s commitment to delivering the City of San Antonio a direct flight to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport represents an important step not just for the residents of Military City USA, but the entire Lone Star State.”

Sen. John Cornyn and Congressman Joaquin Castro also voiced strong support, acknowledging the benefits for military, business, and leisure travelers.

Congressman Chip Roy added: “American’s partnership with San Antonio International is valuable to the people of our community and the ability for Texans to access a direct flight to our nation's capital.”

American Airlines' proposed nonstop service between San Antonio and Washington, D.C., marks a significant advancement in connectivity for the city’s residents, businesses, and military community. The route promises to enhance economic ties, support military operations, and contribute to the ongoing growth and modernization of San Antonio International Airport.

Source:

Niles, R. (2024, July 9). American Airlines submits application to U.S. Department of Transportation to serve San Antonio International Airport from Washington Reagan National. General Aviation News. Retrieved from http://www.generalaviationnews.com