American, Delta, and United Among Carriers to Score Washington Flights

Key Points

• The Department of Transportation awarded five new long-distance flight slots from Washington Reagan National Airport.
• The FAA bill, which allowed these slots, faced delays due to opposition from local senators and airline lobbying.
• Delta supported the expansion for competition, while United opposed due to its hub at Dulles.

Summary

The Department of Transportation has granted five airlines the right to operate new long-distance flights from Washington Reagan National Airport, a move stemming from a provision in a recently passed FAA bill. The decision faced opposition from local senators and airlines like United, which opposed the expansion due to potential congestion and its hub at Dulles. Conversely, Delta supported the new slots, advocating for increased competition at DCA.