Today, Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) voted for the final passage of a 5-year FAA reauthorization package. Under federal law, direct flights to and from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) are limited to a perimeter of 1,250 miles outside the airport, unless the federal government makes an exception. This legislation includes a provision that will make an exception to the rule by adding 10 slot exemptions for DCA, which positions San Antonio International Airport to secure a direct flight to Washington, D.C.

“A direct flight from San Antonio to Washington, D.C. has been a top priority of mine in Congress. San Antonio is America’s seventh-largest city and is home to several key military installations—including Joint Base San Antonio, which employs over 82,000 active-duty military and civilian employees. Today’s legislation opened the door to directly connect San Antonio to the Nation’s Capital—I am proud to see this legislation make it across the finish line,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales. 

During a House Appropriations Committee hearing, Congressman Gonzales brought the need for a direct flight from San Antonio to Washington, D.C. to the attention of U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg. 

In July 2023, Congressman Gonzales supported legislation that would add new slots to DCA. 

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