American Airlines Announces Start Date for New Nonstop Service

Published on December 20, 2024

American will offer the only nonstop flights between San Antonio International Airport and Washington Reagan National Airport.

SAN ANTONIO (December 20, 2024) — American Airlines will soon make it more convenient to travel between San Antonio and Washington, D.C. This week, the United States Department of Transportation formally approved American’s application to become the only carrier operating nonstop service between D.C.’s convenient Reagan National Airport (DCA) to San Antonio International Airport (SAT) on March 2, 2025.

Tickets for the new service will be available for sale starting December 23 through aa.com or American’s mobile app.

“American is proud to offer the only nonstop flights between SAT and DCA starting in March,” said Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning. “This new service will offer convenient nonstop access to our nation’s capital for San Antonians, while helping further connect customers to our comprehensive global network. American thanks the many elected officials and citizens who supported our application, and we look forward to welcoming customers onboard this new service soon.”

“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,” said Ron Nirenberg, San Antonio Mayor. “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."

“This nonstop flight between SAT and DCA will have a transformative impact on San Antonio. We’re eager to capitalize on this opportunity with American Airlines and are committed to maximizing the economic benefits for our region,” said Erik Walsh, San Antonio City Manager. “Serving the fastest-growing city in the country, SAT has achieved record-breaking passenger numbers throughout 2024. This nonstop service to and from DCA addresses a need for our military, business, educational and research communities, among others. It also promotes competition and offers more travel options for passengers flying to and from San Antonio, enhancing connectivity as we continue making progress on the airport Terminal Development Program.”

“We’re thrilled to announce nonstop service between SAT and DCA! This new route is a game-changer, bringing our customers an even more seamless travel experience and strengthening our region's direct connection to the heart of the nation,” said Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports for the San Antonio Airport System. “This is a historic and meaningful development for San Antonio. We are grateful for the partnership we’ve built with American Airlines and for the tireless efforts of our community leaders who have long advocated for this service. We look forward to the inaugural flight in March and starting nonstop daily service from SAT and DCA.”

The City of San Antonio is the fastest-growing city in the United States, is home to one of the largest concentrations of military bases in the country and is proudly known as Military City USA®. Currently, it is the largest city in Texas lacking nonstop service to DCA and the largest city in the U.S. with a majority Hispanic population without nonstop service to DCA, which is the most convenient airport for travelers visiting Washington, D.C.

American’s service will offer convenient time-savings versus existing connecting flights to DCA or alternate airports in the Washington, D.C., area. Commemorating the city’s rich history and significant military contributions, American flight 1718 recognizes the year San Antonio was founded, while flight 1947 celebrates the year the U.S. Air Force was established.