Maryland and Virginia Senators Blast Measure to Add Long-Haul Flights at Reagan Airport

A quartet of senators from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area have advanced a potential provision that would add a number of long-haul flight slots at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) as part of the upcoming reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). ). ).

Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) criticized the plan released by congressional negotiators Monday morning on Friday that would add 10 slots at DCA, or five round-trip flights, arguing that the airport is already full.

“We are deeply frustrated that the leadership of the Committee with jurisdiction over the FAA Reauthorization Act – none of whom represent the Capital Region – has decided to ignore the red warning light of the recent near-collision of two aircraft at DCA and block even more flights on the busiest track in America,” said the four senators, pointing to a near miss that occurred at DCA almost two weeks ago.

“It goes without saying that the safety of the traveling public should be a higher priority than the convenience of some lawmakers who want direct flights home from their preferred airport,” they said. “We will continue to fight this ridiculous and dangerous provision.”

Senators from Virginia and Maryland vehemently opposed the potential provision for much of the last year.

DCA is considered a short-haul airport that largely limits flight distances to 1,250 miles, although there are 11 exceptions to this perimeter. Lawmakers, including many from remote parts of the country, have called for more flights to the nation’s capital. Many prefer to fly in and out of DCA rather than Dulles International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, both of which are better suited for long-haul flights but are further from DC

Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines is one of the main supporters of this initiative, while United Airlines is against it. Dulles is a United hub and would bear the brunt of diverted flights.

Despite the negotiated deal, lawmakers in Maryland and Virginia are going to the mat to try to eliminate the potential new rule. They cited FAA statistics that show adding five more round-trip flights would add more than 700 minutes of airport delays.

“We understand the senators’ desire to shorten the commute home, but this proposal would benefit few and impact many, primarily in security, but also in delays and reduced economic competitiveness of smaller destinations within the perimeter,” they wrote in a letter to your colleagues. “The senators who represent the region and the people who use this airport the most stand against a provision negotiated without us that will guarantee more unacceptable delays and compromise passenger safety.”

The FAA reauthorization effort comes ahead of the May 10 deadline, marking the last significant legislative item expected to pass on the Congressional calendar until September, when lawmakers are expected to fund the 2025 fiscal year.

The bicameral package would keep the pilot retirement age stable at 65, rather than raising it to 67, as well as include other items aimed at preventing aircraft collisions and increasing air traffic control staffing.

One item that was eliminated from the package would have allowed members of Congress, judges and Cabinet members to receive security escorts if they faced credible threats. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) was a leading supporter of this provision.