DOT approves new long-distance flights from Reagan National

Five new long-distance domestic flights are set to launch from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The U.S. Department of Transportation has given tentative approval for these routes after extensive discussions among airlines and lawmakers.

The approved routes include American Airlines flying nonstop from DCA to San Antonio International Airport, Alaska Airlines to San Diego International Airport, Delta Air Lines to Seattle Tacoma International Airport, Southwest Airlines to Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport, and United Airlines adding a second daily nonstop flight to San Francisco International Airport.

Reagan National is the closest airport to downtown Washington, making it a highly desirable location for airlines. However, due to space limitations, the Department of Transportation enforces rules that generally prohibit flights beyond 1,250 statute miles. Congress has occasionally allowed exceptions through "beyond perimeter exemptions," permitting certain long-distance routes.