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Dallas Love Field, one of the primary airports serving Dallas alongside Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, has a storied history dating back to its opening in October 1917. Today, it mainly handles short-haul domestic flights. Southwest Airlines is the dominant operator at this facility, with services also provided by Delta Air Lines and JSX. Alaska Airlines serves the airport from Seattle but plans to cease operations there in May.
Over a decade ago, Virgin America was involved in a significant campaign known as 'Free Love Field' following an announcement that American Airlines would have to relinquish its two gates at the airport. This decision was part of a condition set by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) during American's merger with US Airways.
Initially, Delta Air Lines leased these gates from American and even began selling seats for future flights from Love Field. However, the DOJ preferred that a low-cost carrier acquire these gates to enhance competition at the airport. Virgin America expressed interest in acquiring these gates to establish a new base in Texas and expand its operations eastward.
