SAN ANTONIO – Mayor Ron Nirenberg and other city leaders held a press conference on Monday to update the ongoing process of fulfilling a long-term goal for a direct flight between San Antonio and Reagan National Airport.
Community members were asked to participate in the next phase of the process to show public support and increase the chances of securing the flight route.
American Airlines partnered with the city to pursue the flight route and is in the process with the U.S. Department of Transportation to initiate the service.
Nirenberg said city leaders have worked diligently for the past decade to acquire nonstop flights to DCA.
A nonstop flight to the nation’s capital would save thousands of person-hours for San Antonio military personnel, Nirenberg stated in the press conference.
“We’re calling upon the San Antonio community to get this thing into the endzone. Success for this airport means success for San Antonio,” Nirenberg said.
Court Van Sickler, vice president of Honor Flight, said the direct flights would help local veterans realize their dreams of visiting the nation’s capital. In the past, the nonprofit has made several stops en route to Washington, D.C., during trips.
Sickler pleaded for the community to vouch for the program, which would increase traveling efficiency to DCA by saving time and money.
“It’s about connecting Military USA to Washington-Reagan National,” said Jesus Saenz, director of airports for the City of San Antonio’s aviation department.
The Monday conference followed a joint press conference in May where Sen. Ted Cruz, Rep. Chip Roy and Rep. Joaquin Castro joined Nirenberg to celebrate the “next step” in fulfilling the direct flight.