As the FAA Reauthorization bill moves through Congress, key policymakers are highlighting the safety concerns of a provision adding ten flights to an already at-capacity and overburdened DCA.
[WASHINGTON D.C., MAY 1, 2024] – As a final FAA Reauthorization bill is considered by the Senate, there is a growing chorus of opposition to language in the current iteration of the bill that adds ten flights to already at-capacity Reagan National Airport (DCA). Warning of negative impacts on passenger safety and convenience at DCA, key policymakers – from the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to Senators on both sides of the perimeter – are raising their voices to condemn misguided attempts to the change DCA’s slot and perimeter rules.
- During Tuesday’s House Appropriations Subcommittee budget hearing, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg testified that the Department of Transportation “would be concerned about the pressure” that the additional flights at DCA could put on the system.
- A recent near collision at DCA prompted Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) to reassess his original endorsement of adding extra slots: “I was…totally on board until the incident here a week or so ago. It’s made me have second thoughts … We do not want to make it unsafe.”
- On Monday, Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) issued a statement vehemently opposing additional flights at DCA that would “jeopardize passenger safety and increase delays and cancellations.” He also warned that additional flights would “weaken access to small- and medium-sized communities within DCA’s perimeter, including those in West Virginia who rely on this airport for tourism and economic opportunities.”
“The Coalition to Protect America’s Regional Airports (CPARA) and its 150+ members from across the nation commend Secretary Buttigieg and lawmakers for emphasizing the critical need to consider the safety and passenger experience of the flying public. As Congress works towards finalizing and passing a long-term FAA Reauthorization bill by May 10, it’s critical that lawmakers prioritize the experts’ data and consider the reality that DCA is already at capacity and cannot handle any more flights.” – CPARA
Protect the best interest of passengers: – get the facts. To promote safe, convenient travel to and from the nation’s capital, take action at: https://www.protectregionalairports.com/take-action/.
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.
Our 150+ member coalition opposes 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.
