Southwest to offer nonstop to D.C. out of Hobby

Southwest says the new flights won't affect its service into and out of Baltimore-Washington International. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, file) Southwest says the new flights won't affect its service into and out of Baltimore-Washington International. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, file) Photo: Charles Dharapak, STF Photo: Charles Dharapak, STF Image 1 of / 20 Caption Close Southwest to offer nonstop to D.C. out of Hobby 1 / 20 Back to Gallery

Southwest Airlines will offer a nonstop round-trip flight from Houston to Washington, officials said.

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Tuesday that it would award Southwest Airlines two slot exemptions to operate the new service, which will be the first nonstop service from Hobby Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport just outside the capital, according to a statement.

The department's order requires Dallas-based Southwest to start the new service by Aug. 5.

United Airlines is currently the only airline that provides nonstop service to D.C. from Bush Intercontinental Airport.

The slots became available when Spirit Airlines moved its Washington-area service to Baltimore-Washington International.

"Southwest's service will provide air travelers with a new, low-cost option when they fly between Reagan National and Houston," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement.

The new flights will not affect Southwest's service into and out of Baltimore-Washington International, airline spokesman Brad Hawkins said. No details were announced on flight schedules for the Hobby to Reagan service.

By law, the government can provide a limited number of exemptions to slot limitations at Reagan National to promote competition and enhance air service to the capital.

One slot or slot exemption is needed for one daily takeoff or landing, and two are required for one round-trip flight, the Transportation Department statement said.