San Antonio’s efforts to secure nonstop air access to Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C. have spanned multiple presidential administrations. The city’s influential supporters, including U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro and Mayor Ron Nirenberg, are hopeful that new legislation being considered by Congress will finally bring this goal within reach.
The Perimeter Rule, established in 1966 to prioritize traffic to Washington Dulles International Airport, has long been a barrier for San Antonio. This rule has created an economic divide between the two regions and has been a major obstacle for the city’s efforts to secure a route to Reagan National. However, the current FAA Reauthorization Act legislation being considered by Congress includes provisions for five new slots for flights to and from DCA.
If approved by his colleagues in the House, this expanded access could be a major victory for San Antonio and its residents. The city 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 San Antonio has a strong case for securing a route to Reagan National and is optimistic about the possibility of finally achieving this goal. With Congress considering new legislation that could open up more slots for flights to and from DCA, there is now hope that San Antonio may finally be on its way to gaining nonstop access to Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C., after many years of hard work and determination by its residents and leaders alike.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg has argued that this rule has created an economic divide between the two regions and he believes it should be revisited.
With support from influential figures like Castro and Nirenberg as well as provisions in new legislation under consideration by Congress, there is now hope that San Antonio may finally gain nonstop access to Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, D