Restrictions to expire at Love Field, sending Southwest soaring

With the coming expiration of a federal law that restricts airline traffic out of Texas’ Love Field, Southwest Airlines has announced a slew of nonstop flights from that airport, including a flight to Los Angeles International Airport.

The so-called Wright Amendment, championed by U.S. House Speaker Jim Wright (D-Fort Worth) in 1979, was intended to restrict air traffic out of Love Field and direct more growth toward the then-fledgling Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

The amendment, which expires Oct. 13, has had a big impact on Southwest Airlines, the nation’s largest domestic carrier, headquartered at Love Field.

Airline experts say the end of the restrictions may increase competition in the industry and help keep air fares low.

Starting Oct. 13, Southwest will add nonstop flights from Love Field to Baltimore/Washington, Denver, Las Vegas, Orlando and Chicago Midway.

On Nov. 2, the airline will add nonstop flights to Atlanta, Nashville, Washington, D.C. (Ronald Reagan), Ft. Lauderdale, Los Angeles, New York (LaGuardia), Phoenix, San Diego, Santa Ana (John Wayne) and Tampa.

“Goodbye, Wright Amendment. Hello, America,” said Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines president and chief executive.

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