As the second-largest city in Texas and home to multiple military bases, San Antonio has experienced the largest population growth in what is already the fastest-growing state in the country.
U.S. Census data shows that between July 2022 and 2023, the city welcomed more than 22,000 new residents to a population now just under 1.5 million people, though even higher numbers are expected when 2024 data is calculated in the coming months.
Related: Petition to launch flight from Dallas is gathering thousands of signatures
With increasing numbers of people traveling out of town or coming to visit, airlines are also seeing business potential: this week, American Airlines (AAL) announced that it is requesting permission from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to launch a flight between the city and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Washington, DC.
This is why American Airlines needs to ask for permission to operate this flight
While in other cases the airline could have simply launched the flight directly, the smaller airport closest to the center of the country's capital is subject to The DCA Perimeter Rule. The law, which has been in place in various forms since 1966, requires special government approval for any nonstop flight originating from a distance greater than 1,250 miles. The rationale behind this law is based on security and the possibility of unknown flights getting too close to the Pentagon.
More trips:
- A new travel term is sweeping the Internet (and reaching airlines and hotels)
- Top 10 Airline stocks to Buy Now
- Airlines see a new type of traveler at the front of the plane
“American Airlines is proud to apply to offer the only nonstop service between San Antonio and Washington, DC,” Brian Znotins, American Airlines’ senior vice president of network planning and schedules, said in a statement. “This new service will expand American Airlines’ industry-leading domestic network, connecting customers to the places they want to visit most.”
If approved, the new route would be the only nonstop service between DCA and San Antonio and would operate daily on an Airbus A321. (EADSF) .
Related: Get the best cruise tips, deals and news from our cruise experts.
These are the details of the proposed San Antonio-DCA route
The outbound flight from San Antonio to DCA will depart at 6:35 a.m. and arrive at 10:59 a.m. local time while the return flight from DC will depart at 7:45 p.m. and arrive at 10:29 p.m. Texas time.
The proposed names for the two flights, 1718 and 1947, are a nod to San Antonio’s founding year and the establishment of the U.S. Air Force after World War II. Because of the large number of bases and residents with ties to various military branches, San Antonio is also known by the nickname “The Military City.”
San Antonio locals and lawmakers have been eager for this route, as it would help attract tourists to the city and allow people to fly into downtown DC without having to transfer or take transportation from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Virginia.
“Adding a nonstop route to Reagan National Airport is part of our efforts to expand air operations in the San Antonio region,” Jesus Saenz, who heads the San Antonio Airport System Airports, said in a statement. “We are grateful to American Airlines for their shared vision of improving connectivity and for helping us elevate our service options with a route that will be especially beneficial to our business and military communities.”
Related: Veteran fund manager picks his favorite stocks for 2024
