Controversy Surrounds Push for More Long-Distance Flights from DCA Airport

A new lobbying effort by Capital Access Alliance is pushing to relax the perimeter rule at Washington National airport, which limits the distance flights can operate from the airport. The group argues that the rule is no longer needed and that expanding the number of long-distance flights at National could reduce ticket prices by an average of $60 and generate economic benefits. However, United Airlines lobbies aggressively to keep limits in place, and local community groups argue to keep limits because of noise. The new lobbying coalition, which includes Delta Air Lines, doesn't support lifting restrictions entirely, since that would primarily benefit American Airlines.