Alaska Airlines Gains Approval for DCA, Other Routes

The U.S. Department of Transportation has approved Alaska Airlines' proposal to offer nonstop flights from San Diego International Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, addressing a significant gap as San Diego was the largest U.S. market without direct service to DCA. This approval follows the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which allowed additional flights to the heavily regulated airport, requiring special permission for destinations beyond 1,250 miles due to a perimeter rule. The new nonstop service is expected to benefit San Diego's defense, biotech, and communications sectors by providing efficient access to Washington, D.C., the closest airport to the capital. Additionally, the DOT granted new daily roundtrip slots to other major U.S. cities, including San Francisco and Atlanta, supporting increased competition and connectivity. The decision faced objections from airlines like Frontier and JetBlue, but it is seen as a milestone for aviation and regional connectivity. The new routes are set to commence by March 2025, enhancing travel convenience and contributing to regional economic development.