News

Southwest Airlines announced today that it will be expanding its Oklahoma City service with a new nonstop flight to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) from Will Rogers World Airport beginning November 4, 2018.  City and business leaders were on hand as Southwest made the announcement regarding one of the City’s most sought-after destinations.

“This new route answers the demands from Oklahoma City travelers who are looking for faster and more efficient ways to reach the heart of Washington, D.C.,” said Juan Suarez, Managing Director, Deputy General Counsel, Southwest Airlines. “As the state’s largest airline, carrying more people for business or leisure, we expect an instant success with the new Capital to Capital route.”

Many factors are considered when an airline makes an air service decision, one of which is the economic health of a community and the potential businesses that would take advantage of the service.  OKC clearly stands out as a city that has connections to the nation’s capital.  

“This flight to Reagan National is a great new connection for Oklahoma City, and it clearly makes sense for all involved,” said Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt.   “As a state capital, we have a lot of interaction with our nation’s capital.  We also have a significant federal presence with Tinker and the FAA.  And we are a business center for the energy, bio and aerospace sectors, all of which will benefit from this connection to Washington.   This additional new nonstop flight continues our city’s momentum and solidifies our status as a place to visit and do business.”

The availability of nonstop flights also factors into decisions by potential businesses looking to relocate to the area or meeting planners selecting convention sites.

“Attracting business or visitors to our market requires excellent air service,” said Roy Williams, president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City of Commerce.  “With our growing aerospace defense sector in particular, nonstop service to Washington Reagan has long been a demand we hear from our companies. And with the new convention center about to be underway, shoring up our nonstop routes will make us even more successful in attracting meetings. Our service to major markets continues to improve and I anticipate this route being heavily supported by business travelers.”

Today’s announcement comes as Will Rogers World Airport is on track for another record year.

“Southwest’s announcement today is one of many great air service announcements we’ve had in the last year,” said Mark Kranenburg, director of airports.  “We continually strive to bring nonstop flights to the places our customers want to go.  DCA is one of those places.  Southwest’s new nonstop greatly enhances OKC’s air service network.”