More flights slated for Reagan National Airport

By Julie Vallese
CNN

WASHINGTON -- More flights will fly into and out of Reagan National Airport and tighter security measures will be enacted when the second phase of the reopening of that airport goes into effect October 26, authorities said Thursday.

"Reagan National Airport is an important symbol of the enduring strength of our nation," said Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta. "The Bush administration will continue to work with aviation and law enforcement officials to ensure the safety and stability of flight operations at DCA, and we look forward to further operation expansions."

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The Department of Transportation announced an additional 18 airports will be added to the Reagan National's service area. The total number of airports with service to Reagan National at the completion of Phase II will be 26.

The airport had been shut down for more than three weeks following last month's terrorist attacks. The airport's proximity to the Pentagon and government buildings in Washington had caused considerable worry among authorities about reopening the airport.

A spokesman for DOT said details of the increased security would not be released, but said they would build on earlier announced restrictions and identification checks.

The announcement comes one week in advance of the opening of Phase II to give airlines time to advertise the opening of the new routes. The October 26 date is the one originally set when the White House first announced the reopening of the airport.

The DOT spokesman said there could be a further expansion of service in another phase, but he had no details of what that might include.