DOT’s National airport beyond perimeter slot awards face scrutiny

View from the Wing questions DOT’s recent allocation of five beyond-perimeter flight slots at Washington National Airport (DCA), alleging the process violated federal law. The FAA Reauthorization Act stipulated that four slots go to the largest existing carriers at DCA (so called nonlimited incumbents) and one to a smaller incumbent airline (limited incumbent). DOT awarded slots to American, Delta, United, and Southwest as nonlimited incumbents and Alaska as a limited incumbent. However, the decision excluded Spirit Airlines, which qualifies as a limited incumbent under federal rules.

Spirit’s previous operations at DCA and ongoing lease payments legally establish its status as a limited incumbent. Alaska’s selection also ignored its partnership with American, which disqualifies it under DOT regulations. Legal experts suggest Spirit has grounds to challenge the decision, arguing the agency misapplied statutory definitions to favor larger carriers. This controversy highlights the influence of congressional lobbying on DOT decisions.