Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C. has long been a goal for San Antonio to secure nonstop air access. The city’s efforts have spanned multiple presidential administrations, but there is now hope that the goal may finally be achieved. Congress is considering new legislation that could open up more slots for flights to and from DCA, and San Antonio has influential supporters in its corner.
U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro of San Antonio believes that the city is closer than ever to gaining nonstop access to Reagan National. He argues that the Perimeter Rule, established in 1966 to prioritize traffic to Washington Dulles International Airport, has long been a barrier for San Antonio. Mayor Ron Nirenberg and others argue that this rule has created an economic divide between the two regions.
The current FAA Reauthorization Act legislation being considered by Congress includes provisions for five new slots for flights to and from DCA. Castro is hopeful that this expanded access will be approved by his colleagues in the House. If not, it could be years before the Perimeter Rule is revisited again.
San Antonio is the largest U.S. city without nonstop flights to DCA, despite much smaller markets like Tulsa, Akron, and Cedar Rapids having access. Castro believes that the city has a strong case for securing a route to Reagan National and is optimistic about the possibility of finally achieving this goal