San Antonio's airport connectivity is set for an upgrade, with American Airlines announcing it will begin the only nonstop flights between San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and Reagan National Airport (DCA) starting March 2, 2025. According to a release from the City of San Antonio official website, tickets will become available starting on Monday, purchasable through the airline's website and mobile app.
Brian Znotins, American Airlines’ Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning, expressed pride in offering the new route, which will provide San Antonians easy access to the nation's capital and connect them to the global network. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg emphasized the convenience for travelers and its potential for economic growth, while City Manager Erik Walsh noted the route will serve the needs of the military, business, education, and research sectors in the growing city.
In a statement obtained by the City of San Antonio, Mayor Nirenberg said, "We are proud to have finally secured a nonstop flight between SAT and DCA with American Airlines as our partner. This long-awaited connection to our nation’s capital is a game changer for our community, opening doors to countless opportunities for travel and economic development. I’m grateful to those who have championed this effort and for the bipartisan support of our representatives in the Senate and House, whose advocacy was instrumental in making these flights a reality. We look forward to the positive impact this nonstop service will have for years to come." San Antonio's City Manager, Erik Walsh, also remarked that the airport has seen record-breaking passenger numbers throughout 2024 and expects that the new service will boost economic opportunities for the region.
Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports for the San Antonio Airport System, called the announcement a historic moment for the community, highlighting the improved connectivity it offers. He credited the milestone to the efforts of local leaders and the partnership with American Airlines. San Antonio, home to one of the largest U.S. military bases and a majority Hispanic population, had been lacking nonstop service to DCA, a popular airport for access to Washington, D.C.
American Airlines has also provided a nod to San Antonio's history and military presence by numbering the flights 1718 and 1947, marking the year of the city’s founding and the establishment of the U.S. Air Force, respectively. The new route will consist of an Airbus A321 departing SAT at 6:35 a.m. to arrive at DCA by 10:41 a.m., with the return flight leaving DCA at 7:45 p.m. and landing in SAT at 10:43 p.m.
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