Breaking Barriers: San Antonio’s Long Road to Nonstop Access to Ronald Reagan National Airport

San Antonio has been working for a long time to secure nonstop air access to Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C. Despite the city’s efforts spanning multiple presidential administrations, hope may finally be achieved with new legislation being considered by Congress. The Perimeter Rule, established in 1966 to prioritize traffic to Washington Dulles International Airport, has long been a barrier for San Antonio. However, Mayor Ron Nirenberg and others argue that this rule has created an economic divide between the two regions.

Currently, the FAA Reauthorization Act legislation being considered by Congress includes provisions for five new slots for flights to and from DCA. U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro of San Antonio is hopeful that this expanded access will be approved by his colleagues in the House. If not, it could be years before the Perimeter Rule is revisited again.

San Antonio is the largest U.S. city without nonstop flights to DCA, despite much smaller markets like Tulsa, Akron, and Cedar Rapids having access. Castro believes that the city has a strong case for securing a route to Reagan National and is optimistic about the possibility of finally achieving this goal.

In conclusion, San Antonio has been working hard to secure nonstop air access to Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C., but it has not been an easy task due to the Perimeter Rule established in 1966 which prioritized traffic to Washington Dulles International Airport over other nearby airports such as Reagan National airport in Arlington Virginia.