Governor Youngkin, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and airports around the nation are latest to join nearly 200 groups and public officials that oppose adding more flights to one of the country’s most delayed airports
Delta Airlines’ selfish push to change DCA’s slot and perimeter rules threatens passenger safety and convenience at National Capital Region’s two-airport system while jeopardizing FAA Reauthorization
(WASHINGTON D.C., JUNE 15, 2023) – While Delta Airlines jeopardizes passage of the FAA Reauthorization bill, national support for maintaining DCA’s slot and perimeter rule continues to grow. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and U.S. Senators Warner and Kaine are the latest to voice strong opposition, along with nearly 200 groups and public officials, to adding more flights to one of the country’s most delayed airports. As Congress debates FAA Reauthorization this week, the chorus of opposition now includes 80+ members of the Coalition to Protect America’s Regional Airports (CPARA), 43 airports and airport operators, 33 chambers of commerce and economic development entities, 7 industry associations, 5 unions, 3 major airlines, and many others.
“Don’t be fooled: Delta’s ‘DCA delay’ bill won’t do anything for consumers but increase delays and disruption and bring the busiest runway in America to a standstill. The FAA and Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) have made it perfectly clear that DCA is at capacity, and Delta recklessly pushing for more flights raises serious safety concerns for passengers.” – CPARA
In 2012, changes were made to the slot and perimeter rules, but despite promises of significantly expanded flight options out west, only Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Denver secured additional flights while a weakened Dulles saw direct flights disappear to several locations, including Albuquerque. That is why opposition to changing DCA’s slot and perimeter rules stretches across 30+ states and the District of Columbia, from organizations inside and outside of the perimeter, as the consequences for regional airports and communities across the nation become increasingly clear.
The 184 notable organizations and individuals who publicly oppose changes to DCA’s slot and perimeter rules include:
| The FAA which found that additional flights would increase congestion and delays at DCA. |
| 43 airports and airport operators including MWAA, 17 additional regional Virginia airports and airport operators, Akron-Canton Regional Airport, Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport, Portland International Jetport, and Northwest Arkansas National Airport. |
| 33 chambers of commerce and economic development bodies including the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce, Colorado Competitive Council, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Maryland Chamber of Commerce, Newark Regional Business Partnership, Roswell-Chavez County Economic Development Corporation, Vermont Chamber of Commerce, and Virginia Chamber of Commerce. |
| 7 industry associations including the Associated Industries of Missouri, Illinois Manufacturers Association, and the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, and Tourism Association. |
| 5 unions including the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, the Communications Workers of America, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and the Transport Workers Union of America. |
| 9 community organizations including the Montgomery County Quiet Skies Coalition. |
| 3 major airlines including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines. |
About The Coalition to Protect America’s Regional Airports
The Coalition to Protect America’s Regional Airports (CPARA) strongly believes that airport authorities – working with local communities and lawmakers – are best placed to make operational decisions at our airports, which will lead to safer, more convenient, and sustainable air travel.
We oppose any changes to the High Density (“slot”) and perimeter rules at Reagan National Airport (DCA). DCA is currently at capacity and at risk of being seriously overburdened should there be changes to the slot and perimeter rules. Adding more flights from DCA could create unnecessary gridlock, threaten jobs and local businesses, risk connectivity for countless communities, and increase congestion, delays, and noise.
