American, Alaska, Southwest Vie for New Slots at Reagan National Following FAA Reauthorization
Following the signing of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 by President Joe Biden on May 17, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Southwest Airlines are among the major carriers seeking to secure new flight slots at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The act introduces an additional five inbound and five outbound slot exemptions, specifically for flights connecting to airports beyond the existing 1,250-mile perimeter rule.
American Airlines has quickly announced plans to utilize the new slots to establish a direct service from San Antonio International to Washington, D.C. Nate Gatten, American’s Executive Vice President of Corporate Real Estate and Chief Government Affairs Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion: “With Congress increasing the number of long-distance flights at DCA, American is thrilled to announce its intent to apply to serve San Antonio International Airport from DCA.”
Alaska Airlines also intends to apply for one of the new slot pairs to start service from San Diego International to Reagan National, adding to its existing connections from DCA to Seattle Tacoma, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles International Airports.
Southwest Airlines has confirmed its interest in acquiring slots for new DCA services, though specific route plans remain undisclosed. “Today, we’re proud to provide nonstop DCA service from Austin-Bergstrom International, Dallas Love Field, and Houston Hobby,” a spokesperson added, highlighting the airline’s ongoing commitment to expanding its network.
The legislation stipulates that the ten new slots should be awarded within 60 days of its enactment, with each eligible carrier allowed to operate no more than two of the newly authorized slot exemptions.
American Airlines currently dominates the weekly capacity at Washington National, holding a 53.26% share with 1,702 weekly frequencies, according to the ch-aviation schedules module. The perimeter rule, which restricts certain long-distance flights from Reagan National, has been a federal regulation since 1966, originally introduced when jet aircraft began operating at the airport.
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in a 387-26 vote, also addresses several key issues beyond the slot exemptions. It includes directives for the FAA to increase air traffic controller hiring, establish an ombudsman for aviation-related inquiries, and raise the commercial airline pilot’s retirement age from 65 to 67, among other initiatives aimed at ensuring a robust general aviation sector.
As the process to award the new slots begins, other airlines such as United, Delta, JetBlue, Frontier, and Spirit have also been contacted for their interest in applying for the new Reagan National Airport slots, although responses are pending.
This expansion at Reagan National is part of broader efforts to enhance infrastructure and safety at airports nationwide, promising significant developments in U.S. air travel connectivity and efficiency.