US Department of Transportation approves new flight slots at Washington Reagan Airport

Delta Air Lines had actively campaigned for increased flight operations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, particularly against opposition from United. The two airlines will now compete on the Seattle route. Meanwhile, American Airlines aims to strengthen its connections with Texas through its new service to San Antonio. Southwest's addition of a Las Vegas flight complements an existing daily service by American Airlines.

Alaska Airlines identified significant potential in the San Diego route due to high passenger demand and lack of direct flights from Washington DC. United's nonstop connection to San Francisco also fills a similar gap in service.

All five airlines have until March 17, 2025, or within 90 days from approval, to commence these services.

The decision faced objections from some carriers not included in the final list. Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Spirit Airlines expressed dissatisfaction with the DOT’s selections. On October 30th, they filed formal objections challenging the decision-making process.

JetBlue criticized what it saw as inconsistency between DOT’s objectives and actions: "At the same time," JetBlue stated, "DOT has inconsistently issued Order 2024-10-11 using a prominent 'case by case' proceeding to reward the country’s five largest airlines with additional prized access... while rejecting applications from... smaller applicants who deliver lower-fare competition."

Washington Reagan Airport operates under a perimeter rule established in 1966 that restricts flight lengths initially set at 650 miles but now extended up to 1,250 miles for select flights including these newly approved slots.

With increased passenger traffic expected due to these new routes starting soon after their launch date next year comes enhanced infrastructure developments such as Capital One’s lounge offering located post-security near Terminal Two’s D Concourse area open daily between early morning hours till late evening providing travelers added convenience before departure times according Vice President Head Travel Jenn Scheurich: “When creating Capital One Landing our goal was reimagining airport experience once again bringing dining excitement anywhere world - not just airports.”