San Antonio International Airport News & Updates

[babysal]

The Department of Transportation has not offered a timeline for when San Antonio could learn its fate.

https://www.bizjournals.com/sananton...s-overdue.html

By W. Scott Bailey
San Antonio Business Journal
Aug 8, 2024

It’s been more than 80 days since President Joe Biden signed into law the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act that includes legislation approving five new round-trip slots at Reagan Washington National Airport.
There is some confusion in Washington now over when the Department of Transportation must decide what airlines and cities will get those long-sought flights.

Multiple congressional leaders believe the DOT had 60 days from the signing of the FAA reauthorization to make those decisions. The agency disputes that timeline. “Applications were due July 8, and then comments on applications were due by July 17. DOT will make a final decision on the slot allocations in a timely manner following the comment deadline,” the agency noted in a statement provided to the Business Journal on July 30.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and a strong advocate for San Antonio receiving one of the five slots, is among those who believe the DOT should have already made its decisions. “The law we passed is clear. The Department of Transportation is required to swiftly initiate the allocation process for these new flights and should award these slots under the 60-day deadline,” Cruz said. “They have missed that deadline.”

American Airlines submitted a proposal to the DOT on behalf of San Antonio for a DCA flight.

But multiple cities are vying for the slots, and at least two carriers have sought to keep San Antonio from landing one. United Airlines has proposed filling one of the slots with a second flight between DCA and San Francisco. Its backup plan is Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, JetBlue Airways Corp. has applied for an additional flight between DCA and San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Delta Air Lines is seeking a slot for a Seattle flight. Southwest Airlines wants a flight connecting Las Vegas and D.C. Asked what its deadline is to award the slots, the DOT’s press office said on Aug. 1 that it had “no further comment.” Said Cruz, “It was the intent of the Congress that San Antonio receive one of the out of perimeter slots at DCA. Any further delay only harms consumers nationwide, especially in San Antonio.”

[DomInSATX]

Looks like Delta will be flying Boston-SAT starting November 11 of this year per the SA Business Journal.
SA Business Journal Link http://https://www.bizjournals.com/s...p-flights.html

[texboy]

Originally Posted by DomInSATX

Looks like Delta will be flying Boston-SAT starting November 11 of this year per the SA Business Journal.
SA Business Journal Link http://https://www.bizjournals.com/s...p-flights.html

Beat me to it! Doesn't shock me at all. All Jetblue did was prove the route. Peace out JB and THANKS DELTA!

[Tornado]

Originally Posted by texboy

Beat me to it! Doesn't shock me at all. All Jetblue did was prove the route. Peace out JB and THANKS DELTA!

saw the flight leaves Boston at 9:50 am and departs SA at 2:00 pm and Delta will be utilizing an A220-100

[texboy]

Originally Posted by Tornado

saw the flight leaves Boston at 9:50 am and departs SA at 2:00 pm and Delta will be utilizing an A220-100

I think the flight will do very well because of this. Gets you in at 6:30/7p local time and gets you out of Boston and back to SAT at 1P local time. Miss me with that 7am BS JB was throwing out.

[JACKinBeantown]

Originally Posted by Tornado

saw the flight leaves Boston at 9:50 am and departs SA at 2:00 pm and Delta will be utilizing an A220-100

Perfect!

[Tyrone Shoes]

Originally Posted by Tornado

saw the flight leaves Boston at 9:50 am and departs SA at 2:00 pm and Delta will be utilizing an A220-100

That didn't take long...I wonder if another airline will add this route, too.

[SAhometown]

Lol Jetblue showing it's true colors...

https://simpleflying.com/delta-air-l...-jetblue-exit/

I like how it's quoted as saying "needs to earn it's way" into the network and has "lessened it's patience for underperforming routes".

I mean who is at fault here? Did Jetblue even continue to foster this route?

[babysal]

Erin Rodriguez, Senior Public Information Officer
San Antonio International Airport

SAN ANTONIO (August 14, 2024) — Volaris announced today it will launch daily nonstop service from San Antonio International Airport (SAT) to Monterrey International Airport (MTY). The ultra low cost airline’s flights are set to begin in early November.

“We’re so happy to see Volaris expand at SAT and offer this option for our travelers,” said Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports, City of San Antonio Aviation Department. “Monterrey shares many important cultural, educational and business ties with San Antonio. This a win-win for our customers.”

• Service begins on November 3, 2024
• Frequency: Once daily, year-round
• Departs SAT at 10:25 a.m.; arrives in MTY at 11:35 a.m.
• Departs MTY at 8 a.m.; arrives in SAT at 9:10 a.m.

“At Volaris we keep our commitment to always provide our clients with the largest and best connectivity on both sides of the border, so that they can be closer to their loved ones, enjoy the attractions that each destination has to offer or strengthen their business activities. We can proudly say that with this new route, the Mexican city of Monterrey, and San Antonio, Texas, will be closer, with a more accessible and efficient air trip option through one of the most modern fleets in the region," said Omar Carrera, Volaris´ Senior Commercial Director.

This addition will represent the third nonstop destination for the airline from SAT. Volaris’ other destinations include Guadalajara and Mexico City. Volaris has been operating from SAT since December 2013.

Viva Aerobus currently offers nonstop service to MTY from SAT up to three times daily. This flight will give travelers in both regions more options to travel quickly between the two cities.

To book a ticket, please visit Volaris’ website.

[@sabydesign]

Hello!

My firm is producing an event at 300 Main on August 29. It's a panel discussion about the state of the San Antonio International Airport.

I have set aside 10 free seats for members of this forum.

RSVP link here: https://www.simpletix.com/e/cocktail...tickets-181674

Use code "SASKY" for up to 2 free tickets.

We hope to see you there!

- Mario
www.sammisochoa.com
www.centercitysanantonio.com

[Tornado]

Originally Posted by @sabydesign

Hello!

My firm is producing an event at 300 Main on August 29. It's a panel discussion about the state of the San Antonio International Airport.

I have set aside 10 free seats for members of this forum.

RSVP link here: https://www.simpletix.com/e/cocktail...tickets-181674

Use code "SASKY" for up to 2 free tickets.

We hope to see you there!

- Mario
www.sammisochoa.com
www.centercitysanantonio.com

Wish I could make it. Any chance you will record the event and post later for those interested to watch?

[babysal]

City of San Antonio
Erin Rodriguez, Senior Public Information Officer
San Antonio International Airport
8-21-2024

https://flysanantonio.com/business/a...cs-financials/

San Antonio International Airport (SAT) reached a new milestone in July making it the busiest month on record. According to airport passenger data, 1,032,610 passengers flew in and out of SAT – topping the previous monthly record of 1,000,172, which was set in July 2023. That’s a 3% increase in passengers.

“We’re continuing to see record-breaking passenger levels at SAT,” said Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports, City of San Antonio Aviation Department. “We are growing every day with new destinations and flights being added yearly. The more you continue to choose to fly from SAT, the more airlines respond to that demand and add more service.”

Here are some other recent milestones SAT has accomplished:

• July’s record marks the second time the airport has surpassed one million passengers.
• The back-to-back record-breaking monthly streak since May 2023 is still going strong.
• SAT’s busiest year recorded is 2023, with nearly 10.7 million passengers.

Several airlines flew more seats to San Antonio in July compared to July 2023. The airlines with the largest increases include Spirit Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Aeromexico, Frontier Airlines, Volaris, Sun Country, Viva Aerobus, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

On July 10, Spirit Airlines added a new route to its growing portfolio at SAT by launching twice-daily nonstop service to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW). It complements existing service to the Dallas area on American Airlines, which serves DFW and Southwest Airlines, which serves Dallas-Love Field (DAL).

Here’s what to expect over the next few months at SAT:

• United Airlines will add a second daily flight to San Francisco (SFO) starting on September 26.

• Volaris will launch daily, nonstop service to Monterrey (MTY) starting on November 3. This new service will complement existing service to MTY on Viva Aerobus, which currently operates up to three times daily.

• Delta Air Lines will launch daily, nonstop service to Boston (BOS) on November 11. The new service will represent the seventh nonstop destination served from SAT by the airline and will operate year-round.

• Southwest Airlines will resume its holiday-seasonal nonstop service to Colorado Springs (COS) on November 23. This service is offered on Saturdays through January 5 and nearly daily during the week of Christmas and New Year’s.

• Viva Aerobus will start new, nonstop service to Guadalajara (GDL) on December 2. The service will operate four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Currently, Volaris offers service to GDL from SAT up to two times daily.

For more information, please visit the airport’s website.

[texboy]

Originally Posted by babysal

City of San Antonio
Erin Rodriguez, Senior Public Information Officer
San Antonio International Airport
8-21-2024

https://flysanantonio.com/business/a...cs-financials/

San Antonio International Airport (SAT) reached a new milestone in July making it the busiest month on record. According to airport passenger data, 1,032,610 passengers flew in and out of SAT – topping the previous monthly record of 1,000,172, which was set in July 2023. That’s a 3% increase in passengers.

“We’re continuing to see record-breaking passenger levels at SAT,” said Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports, City of San Antonio Aviation Department. “We are growing every day with new destinations and flights being added yearly. The more you continue to choose to fly from SAT, the more airlines respond to that demand and add more service.”

Here are some other recent milestones SAT has accomplished:

• July’s record marks the second time the airport has surpassed one million passengers.
• The back-to-back record-breaking monthly streak since May 2023 is still going strong.
• SAT’s busiest year recorded is 2023, with nearly 10.7 million passengers.

Several airlines flew more seats to San Antonio in July compared to July 2023. The airlines with the largest increases include Spirit Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Aeromexico, Frontier Airlines, Volaris, Sun Country, Viva Aerobus, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

On July 10, Spirit Airlines added a new route to its growing portfolio at SAT by launching twice-daily nonstop service to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW). It complements existing service to the Dallas area on American Airlines, which serves DFW and Southwest Airlines, which serves Dallas-Love Field (DAL).

Here’s what to expect over the next few months at SAT:

• United Airlines will add a second daily flight to San Francisco (SFO) starting on September 26.

• Volaris will launch daily, nonstop service to Monterrey (MTY) starting on November 3. This new service will complement existing service to MTY on Viva Aerobus, which currently operates up to three times daily.

• Delta Air Lines will launch daily, nonstop service to Boston (BOS) on November 11. The new service will represent the seventh nonstop destination served from SAT by the airline and will operate year-round.

• Southwest Airlines will resume its holiday-seasonal nonstop service to Colorado Springs (COS) on November 23. This service is offered on Saturdays through January 5 and nearly daily during the week of Christmas and New Year’s.

• Viva Aerobus will start new, nonstop service to Guadalajara (GDL) on December 2. The service will operate four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Currently, Volaris offers service to GDL from SAT up to two times daily.

For more information, please visit the airport’s website.

Great numbers! The slow down in growth is real though. Americans are slowing down on their travel budgets not only because Summer is ending, but also their cash is running out. Business travel is down too. I suspect the end of the year will be flat sadly...

[JACKinBeantown]

Great news about the added flights. I'm still annoyed at JetBlows for first sabotaging (with the early morning time change), and then cancelling the Boston flights.

[satx23]

Airport director gave a budget update yesterday at council B Session

https://www.saspeakup.com/XP24717

[SAhometown]

https://sanantonioreport.org/new-air...-more-parking/
" $40 million already invested for 10,000sq. ft lounge by an air carrier and all 17 new gates already spoken for."

[Tornado]

Originally Posted by SAhometown

https://sanantonioreport.org/new-air...-more-parking/
" $40 million already invested for 10,000sq. ft lounge by an air carrier and all 17 new gates already spoken for."

Finally, I’m betting American for the lounge. Wonder which South American city is the target and which RGV service they are going after.

[texboy]

Originally Posted by Tornado

Finally, I’m betting American. Wonder which South American and RGV service they are going after.

I’m gonna take a guess that it’ll be Valley International in Harlingen, and probably Southwest. Southwest has so far left that market out as well as a west Texas market such as Lubbock or Midland out of their line up that I think would do well.

[texboy]

Originally Posted by Tornado

Finally, I’m betting American for the lounge. Wonder which South American city is the target and which RGV service they are going after.

I'm betting both American and United open a lounge. United already has one on B so I'd assume they won't be dropping their lounge access.

[satx23]

Southwest's 5 permanent route cuts
Southwest's new routes come at the expense of five permanent cuts being filed in conjunction with the schedule extension.

The affected markets are:

Atlanta — West Palm Beach, Florida (first operated in November 2013)
Burbank, California — New Orleans (new route that launched in June 2024)
Burbank — San Antonio (new route that launched in June 2024)
New York — Tampa (first operated in June 2017)
Long Beach, California — Kansas City, Missouri (new route that launched in March 2023)

Southwest didn't share more details about these cuts, including when they'd be made. Seemingly, these routes have been poor performers for the carrier as it more closely examines its network in the face of increased investor scrutiny.

https://thepointsguy.com/news/southw...s-spring-2025/