American Airlines Announces Nonstop Flights to Reagan National Airport from MLB

Momentum in Melbourne continues as American Airlines announces nonstop flights from Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB) to Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C. The twice weekly flights begin May 4, and will continue at least through Labor Day, as the airport makes significant strides to provide nonstop, competitively-priced flights to serve its growing business traveler and tourism sector markets.

The Saturday flights to Washington, D.C. depart MLB at 11:45 a.m. and arrive in Washington at approximately 2 p.m., with flights leaving DCA at 8:45 a.m. and arriving at MLB at 11:06 a.m.   Sunday flights depart Reagan National at 9 a.m., arriving at MLB at 11:18 a.m.; with flights leaving MLB at 11:48 a.m., arriving in Washington, D.C. just before 2 p.m.

This announcement comes just weeks after American announced nonstop flights to Philadelphia (PHL) which begin February 16.  “Nonstop air service was on the top of our Christmas wish list,” said Greg Donovan, A.A.E., MLB executive director.  “Accompanying the increase in tourism, KSC launches and business expansions, area discretionary income is on the rise.  Air service is catching up to our area’s growth, and we couldn’t be more pleased.”

Donovan cited New York, Canada and Washington, D.C. as air service priorities when he took over leadership at the airport back in 2014 then tackled renovating all three runways, building a new air traffic control tower and updating the customs facility to prepare for the targeted air service.

“With many of our tenants’ headquarters located in metro D.C., there’s a hearty appetite for nonstop service,” said Jack L. Ryals, chairman of the Melbourne Airport Authority and local chamber representative.   “Business travelers will gain back a half day of travel, arriving fresh for Monday morning business meetings in our nation’s capital.”