DoT Grants Slot Exemptions for New Routes from DCA

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has tentatively approved two slot exemptions at Washington National Airport (DCA) for Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines to introduce new nonstop roundtrip services, reported ch-aviation.com.

Alaska Airlines has been authorized for daily nonstop service to San Diego International, utilizing 159-seat B737-800 or B737-8 aircraft. The airline expressed eagerness for the DOT to finalize this approval, highlighting the route as the only nonstop service between the two significant markets.

American Airlines received approval for daily nonstop service to San Antonio International with its A321-200 fleet. Executive Vice President Nate Gatten noted the airline’s commitment to connecting Military City USA with the nation’s capital and looks forward to the final order from the DOT.

Delta Air Lines will establish one daily nonstop roundtrip to Seattle Tacoma International, using 194-seat A321-200NX aircraft. The airline emphasized Seattle as a key market and a vital hub for Delta.

Southwest Airlines plans to operate nonstop roundtrip flights to Las Vegas Harry Reid with either B737-800 or B737-8 aircraft featuring 175 seats. The airline aims to provide lower average fares and greater choices for travelers between these significant markets.

United Airlines requested two slot exemptions to operate daily nonstop flights to San Francisco with a B737-8 aircraft featuring 166 seats. While this request was granted, the airline’s proposal to serve Los Angeles International was denied. United stated its strong position to meet the demand for air travel between DCA and San Francisco.

Other carriers, including JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines, and Frontier Airlines, were not granted slot exemptions for new domestic services from DCA due to various eligibility criteria not being met.

The five approved airlines must commence their new flights within 90 days following the service of the final order.

Related news: https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/airport-business/

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com