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Southwest Airlines asking for approval to bring nonstop flights from DCA to Las Vegas

This could be made possible as one of the five new round-trip options available at DCA through the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.

ARLINGTON, Va. — Nonstop service to Las Vegas could be in the future for the DMV with Southwest Airlines applying to bring the service to DCA.

Southwest is applying to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to bring new, daily nonstop flights between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas (LAS). This could be made possible as one of the five new round-trip options available at DCA through the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.

The service would provide another option to the DCA to LAS nonstop route, which currently only has one flight per day by another airline. If awarded the route, Southwest projects they will provide significantly lower average fare rates from DCA to Las Vegas. At LAS, Southwest offers more than 260 departures a day this summer, which could also create connecting opportunities to other locations, including Hawaii.

"We believe Southwest's proposed new DCA-LAS nonstop service will lower fares and increase access for the nation's capital, Las Vegas, and western states," Bob Jordan, President & Chief Executive Officer at Southwest Airlines said. "Customers in both markets will benefit from competitive airfares and nonstop, hassle-free transportation aboard the airline that invented friendly, reliable flying."

In the airline's upcoming application, it will also propose the only one-stop, same-plane/no change service between DCA and Sacramento International Airport (SMF) via LAS. 

U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV), who is the chair of the subcommittee overseeing tourism and a member of the aviation subcommittee, says she supports Southwest's application to provide the nonstop service because it provides more flights to Nevada and helps sustain critical tourism jobs.

"Providing this much-needed service between the nation's capital and the sports and entertainment capital of the world will open up new opportunities for all travelers," said Rosemary Vassiliadis, Clark County Director of Aviation. "Southwest Airlines continues to be the largest commercial carrier at LAS, accounting for more than 34% of our annual passengers. The potential to expand this critical service to and from DCA will provide business and leisure travelers with more convenient options and accessibility for nonstop service that hasn't been available in the past."  

Southwest plans to operate the proposed service seven days a week on a Boeing 737 aircraft with 175 seats.

RELATED: San Diego, San Antonio are expected to be among cities chosen for new nonstop flights to Reagan National Airport

Not everyone is on board with the plan to bring more flights to the airport. Sen. Tim Kaine took the fight to the House floor earlier this month.

"The near miss two weeks ago is a warning light," said Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) pointing to a chart highlighting a recent close call on America's busiest runway, Runway 1/19 at DCA. "Those who are charged with operating these airports every day are saying don't do this! They're essentially saying the same thing, that this air traffic controller was saying. 'Stop. Stop!'" 

RELATED: Virginia senators say latest close call at DCA means airport can't handle more flights

Watch Next: 5 new round-trip flights may be coming to Reagan National Airport after Senate approves bill

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