FORT WORTH- American Airlines (AA) has formally applied to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to launch daily nonstop flights between San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA).
The 2024 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill, signed into law in May, includes five new roundtrip flights to DCA.
American Airlines San Antonio Flights
San Antonio, the fastest-growing city in the U.S., hosts numerous military bases and is the largest city in Texas without nonstop service to DCA. It is also the largest U.S. city with a majority Hispanic population lacking nonstop service to DCA, the most convenient airport for Washington, D.C. visitors.
American’s proposed SAT-DCA service will complement its 25+ daily departures from SAT to seven U.S. cities. This service will provide convenient nonstop travel between San Antonio and Washington, D.C., and offer one-stop connections via DCA to destinations in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Canada.
For the only nonstop service between SAT and DCA, American Airlines will use special flight numbers to honor San Antonio’s rich history and military contributions.
Flight 1718 marks the year San Antonio was founded, while Flight 1947 celebrates the establishment of the U.S. Air Force. The proposed operation details are as follows:
| Flight | Departure Airport | Departure Time | Arrival Airport | Arrival Time | Aircraft Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1718 | SAT | 6:35 a.m. | DCA | 10:59 a.m. | Airbus A321 |
| 1947 | DCA | 7:45 p.m. | SAT | 10:20 p.m. | Airbus A321 |
Executive Remarks
“American is proud to apply for the only nonstop service between San Antonio and Washington, D.C.,” said Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning.
This new service will enhance American’s leading domestic network, connecting customers to their most desired destinations.”
“Adding a nonstop route to Reagan National Airport is part of our efforts to expand air operations for the San Antonio region,” said Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports for the San Antonio Airport System.
We’re grateful to American Airlines for their shared vision to improve connectivity and elevate our service options, benefiting our business and military communities. This step aligns with our commitment to modernize our airport and enhance the traveler experience.”
“We have a historic opportunity to increase San Antonio’s access to the nation’s capital, crucial for our military community’s operational needs,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg.
Nonstop access to the nation’s capital will strengthen our economic ties with Washington, D.C., and facilitate collaboration with the Pentagon, federal agencies, and leading research institutions. We appreciate American Airlines’ partnership in establishing this nonstop route, which will significantly boost our city’s prosperity.”
More People Moving to San Antonio
American is prepared to make necessary schedule adjustments to ensure the safe and efficient integration of its SAT-DCA service into operations at DCA and the broader Washington, D.C. metropolitan area airspace.
American’s DOT application includes over 150 letters of support from the San Antonio community, including bipartisan policymakers, mayors, military organizations, chambers of commerce, advocacy groups, and nonprofits, all expressing strong support for the SAT-DCA route.
“American’s commitment to providing San Antonio with a direct flight to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is a significant step for Military City USA and the entire Lone Star State,” said Sen. Ted Cruz.
I’m proud to have led the effort to secure the five long-haul slots in this year’s FAA reauthorization bill, and I will continue to urge the DOT to swiftly approve American’s application for the San Antonio route.”
“San Antonio, the seventh-largest city in the U.S., saw the highest population growth last year,” said Sen. John Cornyn. “After years of work from the Texas delegation in Congress and leaders in Military City, USA, nonstop flights between San Antonio and Washington, D.C., could soon be a reality. I look forward to American Airlines serving this route for visitors, businesses, and our military.”
“In May, I was proud to help authorize more direct flights to Washington, D.C., paving the way for a nonstop flight from San Antonio,” said Congressman Joaquin Castro.
American’s proposed direct flight will simplify travel for thousands of military, business, and leisure travelers and create new jobs for our workforce. San Antonio is a world-class city, and the FAA’s approval of this direct flight to our nation’s capital would be a crucial step for our city’s growth.”
“San Antonio is home to 82,000 active-duty military and civilian support personnel, tens of thousands of veterans, and is the seventh-largest city in the U.S.,” said Congressman Chip Roy.
American’s partnership with San Antonio International is valuable to our community, providing Texans with direct access to our nation’s capital.”
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