American Airlines will become the only carrier offering nonstop flights between Washington’s Reagan National Airport and San Antonio International Airport from March 2025.
The U.S. Department of Transportation approved American’s application to operate the route, with tickets going on sale from December 23.
Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning, said the new service would provide convenient access to the U.S. capital.
“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,” Znotins said.
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg called the new route a “game changer” for the community.
“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,” Nirenberg said.
San Antonio is currently the largest city in Texas without nonstop service to Reagan National Airport and the largest U.S. city with a majority Hispanic population lacking direct flights to the capital.
The daily service will operate on Airbus A321 aircraft, with flight 1718 departing San Antonio at 6:35 a.m. and arriving in Washington at 10:41 a.m.
The return flight 1947 will depart Washington at 7:45 p.m., landing in San Antonio at 10:43 p.m.
San Antonio City Manager Erik Walsh noted the city’s airport had 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,” Walsh said.
