FORT WORTH- The USDOT has given American Airlines (AA) exclusive rights to operate nonstop flights between San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
The airline will begin ticket sales on December 23 via its website and mobile app, with flights beginning in March.
American Airlines Washington to San Antonio
Brian Znotins, Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning at American Airlines, stressed the strategic significance of the new route.
The route provides direct capital access to San Antonio locals while growing the airline’s worldwide connectivity network. Znotins recognized the critical assistance provided by political authorities and community members throughout the application process.
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg described the development as revolutionary for the region’s tourism and economic landscape.
The mayor emphasized the bipartisan congressional support that permitted the route’s approval, as well as the projected long-term benefits to the city.
San Antonio City Manager Erik Walsh expects major economic benefits from American Airlines’ new nonstop service between San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
The service will launch when SAT experiences record passenger levels in 2024, meeting key travel demands for the military, commercial, educational, and research sectors.
Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports for the San Antonio Airport System, underlines the historical significance of this development.
The route provides a direct link between the nation’s capital and San Antonio’s growing airport infrastructure, which is currently undergoing Terminal Development.
Flight Schedule
| Flight | Departure Airport | Departure Time | Arrival Airport | Arrival Time | Aircraft Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1718 | SAT | 6:35 a.m. | DCA | 10:41 a.m. | Airbus A321 |
| 1947 | DCA | 7:45 p.m. | SAT | 10:43 p.m. | Airbus A321 |
Fastest Growing City
San Antonio is America’s fastest-growing metropolis, with one of the country’s greatest concentrations of military installations.
The city is now Texas’ largest metropolitan area without DCA nonstop service, as well as the largest city in the United States with a majority Hispanic population with no direct flights to Washington’s most centrally located airport.
American Airlines’ new route shortens travel time compared to existing connecting flights and other Washington D.C. airports.
The airline’s flight numbers reflect San Antonio’s history: Flight 1718 celebrates the city’s founding year, while Flight 1947 commemorates the formation of the United States Air Force.
San Antonio is the second-largest unserved market from DCA, with 154 daily passengers each way and 56,000 annual origin/destination trips by 2023.
American Airlines reported 221,000 yearly origin/destination passengers between San Antonio and the Washington, D.C. region airports (DCA, IAD, BWI) in the same year.
The airline stated that United Airlines (UA) and Southwest Airlines (WN) are now charging the highest costs on itineraries linking SAT to IAD and BWI, respectively.