Austin News

U.S. Senator John Cornyn has expressed his approval following the U.S. Department of Transportation's decision to establish a direct flight route between San Antonio and Washington D.C.'s Ronald Reagan National Airport. This route will be serviced by American Airlines, which is based in Texas.

"As a proud native of San Antonio, I am pleased with the DOT’s decision to establish a direct route between San Antonio and the District of Columbia, and glad to hear that it will be served by DFW-based American Airlines," stated Sen. Cornyn. "This new route will make travel more efficient for military personnel, business travelers, or simply families visiting their nation’s capital, and I was proud to work with Senator Cruz and countless others to make this major win for ‘Military City, USA’ a reality."

The establishment of this direct flight comes after the passing of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act in May, which includes various reforms aimed at improving public safety and efficiency in air travel. The legislation also permits the creation of this new direct route from San Antonio.

In July, Sen. Cornyn collaborated with Senator Ted Cruz and Representatives Chip Roy and Joaquin Castro in sending a letter to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. The letter advocated for allocating one of the new long-haul flights from San Antonio International Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport as allowed under the FAA reauthorization legislation.