NEWS: Congressman Greg Casar Celebrates Authorization of New Direct Flights to DC

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas) released the following statement commending the addition of new direct flights to Washington, DC as part of the U.S. House’s reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration. 

San Antonio is the largest city in the United States without a direct flight into Washington, DC. The new legislation will officially add five long-haul, round-trip flights a day at Washington National Airport (DCA), and San Antonio is anticipated to be chosen by airlines as one of the five new destinations for direct flights. 

“After years of effort, we’ve now passed a bill that will open up the slots necessary to create a direct flight from San Antonio to Washington, DC,” said Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas). “After the President signs this bill, it only makes sense for an airline to add a direct flight from DCA to the largest city in the nation without one. Military City USA has long deserved a direct connection to our nation’s capital.” 

Throughout his first term in Congress, Casar has advocated for a direct flight from DCA to San Antonio. In April 2023, he sent a supportive letter with other members of the Texas delegation to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. In July 2023, Casar voted in favor of the House amendment to authorize new direct flights out of DCA. He’s been a strong proponent of safe staffing levels and FAA grants for the San Antonio International Airport (SAT). 

“The Greater San Antonio Chamber is so proud of the effort from our community over many years and grateful for the support from Congress to secure this opportunity for a direct flight to DCA,” said Katie Ferrier, vice president of public policy, education, & workforce development for the Greater San Antonio Chamber. “The fight is not over for us, and we look forward to sharing more good news when we secure an airline carrier for the route.”

“The passage of the FAA Reauthorization Bill by Congress brings us one step closer to accessing nonstop flights to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) in the nation’s capital. San Antonio is the nation’s largest city without direct air service to Washington, D.C., and it is our most underserved domestic market. Connecting the two cities with a nonstop flight would create greater opportunities for our region. Direct air service is critical to our business community, particularly the cybersecurity, defense contracting, financial services, and aerospace sectors,” said Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, president and CEO of greater:SATX. “Now comes the work of making sure that San Antonio secures one of the five slots opened by Congress. We look forward to working with our partners at City Hall and mobilizing the business community to get it done.”  

“With the San Antonio metro area projected to reach 4 million by 2050, increased passenger demand will boost the regional economy. This region supports a vital defense community, small and middle-market businesses, and diverse industries, including cyber command and advance manufacturing expansion in central/south Texas and growth through Mexico Trade and the IH 35 corridor,” said Brett Finley, president and CEO of the North San Antonio Chamber. “A nonstop flight from SAT to DCA will enhance economic opportunities and San Antonio’s status as a vibrant metro area. The North San Antonio Chamber appreciates the strong support of our Congressional delegation, including Congressman Greg Casar."

"The introduction of a direct flight from San Antonio to Washington, DC holds special significance given San Antonio's status as a prominent military hub within the United States," said Luis A. Rodríguez, president and CEO of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "This new connection not only enhances convenience for travelers but also underscores the importance of our city's role in national defense. By strengthening the link between these two key locations, we are facilitating travel while reinforcing the essential partnerships and alliances crucial to our nation's security and prosperity."

“Visit San Antonio appreciates Congressman Greg Casar and the Texas delegation for their part in passing the FAA authorization that could lead to San Antonio International Airport finally being connected to Reagan National Airport,” said Marc Anderson, president and CEO of Visit San Antonio. “As the nation’s seventh largest city and fastest growing large city, drawing over 36 million visitors annually, connecting SAT and DCA will be a great tool to continue developing leisure, convention and business travel to San Antonio.”

The FAA reauthorization also includes new rules, such as: 

• Automatic refunds for passengers when a flight is significantly delayed or canceled (beyond three hours for a domestic flight and six hours for an international flight).
• Fee-free family seating, so airlines can’t charge families extra to sit together. 
• Requirements for airline personnel to be trained in handling motorized wheelchairs.
• Measures to maximize the hiring of new air traffic controllers.  

The full bill is available here. 

###

Congressman Greg Casar represents Texas’s 35th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, which runs down I-35 from East Austin to Hays County to the West Side of San Antonio.  A labor organizer and son of Mexican immigrants, Casar serves as the Whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus for the 118th Congress. He also serves on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability and the Committee on Agriculture.