by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 8:55 AM ET, Thu October 17, 2024
The U.S. Department of Transportation provided a tentative approval for American Airlines to begin a round-trip daily flight between San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) on October 16.
The new route is a nonstop flight and provides easy access between the city of San Antonio in Texas and Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital. American Airlines plans to start the nonstop service within the next few months following full approval.
The application for the route included over 150 letters of support from the San Antonio community, including bipartisan members of the Texas Congressional delegation, advocacy groups, mayors and more.
“American would like to thank the city and community of San Antonio, the San Antonio International Airport, U.S. Senator Cruz and the entire Texas delegation for its strong partnership and support of this effort,” said American’s Executive Vice President, Nate Gatten. “I’d also like to thank DOT for recognizing the overwhelming value this route will bring to a previously unserved market. We look forward to DOT issuing a final order so we can begin connecting more members of Military City USA with our nation’s capital and our industry-leading global network.”
The first flights on the route will use special flight numbers to honor San Antonio: Flight 1718 is named for the year the city was founded, while Flight 1947 commemorates the year the U.S. Air Force was established.
“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 Director of Airports for San Antonio Jesus Saenz. “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. Together with American Airlines, we look forward to sharing more details about the launch of this flight soon.”
In addition to expanding into new routes domestically, American Airlines announced last month its 2025 summer schedule would enjoy new routes to five destinations in Europe, including Edinburgh, Rome and destinations across Greece and Spain.
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