San Antonio has gotten federal clearance for direct flights to Washington, D.C.

Achievement unlocked.

San Antonio’s decades-long quest to land a nonstop flight to Washington, D.C., has finally ended in success, the Express-News reports, citing an unnamed city official.

The U.S. Department of Transportation on Tuesday afternoon approved American Airlines to fly between San Antonio International and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, according to the daily. That clears the inaugural flight to take place no later than March 17.

San Antonio’s flight was one of five the feds awarded for nonstop, round-trip service to Reagan Washington National. The addition was made possible in May when Congress approved legislation easing restrictions on the number of flights in and out of the D.C. airport.

San Antonio and Texas leaders have lobbied for years to get direct flights between the Alamo City and Washington, D.C., arguing the flights would bolster business opportunities and make for easier travel for members of the armed services. 

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This article appears in Dec 11-17, 2024.