Southwest Airlines Making Bid to Secure Reagan National Airport Slot for Flights to Las Vegas
Southwest Airlines aims to compete with American Airlines for one of five long-distance terminal slots at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in DC. If successful, Southwest plans to use the route to connect Washington DC with Las Vegas.
The new slots became possible due to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024, signed by President Joe Biden. This law increased the number of long-distance flights allowed at DCA from 40 to 45.
Southwest aims to secure one of these new terminal slots to establish a nonstop connection between DCA and Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).
"Southwest has been joining people together for important moments in their lives through affordable fares and exceptional customer service," says Bob Jordan, Southwest's President and CEO. "We know our proposed DCA-LAS service will reduce fares and provide better access for the nation's capital, Las Vegas, and western states."
At present, only American Airlines operates a direct nonstop service from DCA to LAS.
DCA Restrictions
When Washington's Dulles International Airport opened in 1962, Congress intended to make DCA a regional airport. To reduce noise and pollution over the capital, they limited flights to a distance less than 500 miles. This rule was later extended to a maximum of 1,250 miles. Exceptions were also made for certain routes.
These exceptions are highly coveted in the airline industry, as DCA is very popular among local residents and commuters due to its convenient location. However, these limited slots have often resulted in high fares.
American Airlines has one of these slots and currently offers nonstop service to Las Vegas. Southwest and Democratic U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen of Nevada hope to change this scenario.
"I'm happy to support Southwest's application to provide nonstop service between DCA and Harry Reid International Airport," Rosen said. "Having additional flights increases options for visitors to come to Nevada and helps maintain critical tourism jobs."
Southwest is already the dominant force in airline traffic at LAS, serving almost 34% of the passengers. Harry Reid Airport officials also support Southwest's proposal.
"Providing this crucial service between the national capital and the sports and entertainment capital of the world will create new opportunities for all travelers," said Rosemary Vassiliadis, Clark County's director of aviation.
Daily Service
If Southwest wins one of the available nonstop slots, the airline claims it will operate daily flights from DCA to LAS.
Like all Southwest flights, service to Las Vegas would be on Boeing 737 narrow-body aircraft, capable of seating up to 175 passengers.
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Source: www.casino.org
