Actually it is not off topic, if you'll notice I put it in the key words indexing this thread. Yes the Wright amendment is in place and allows nonstop flights only to US states contiguous to Texas plus Kansas and Mississippi. If the Wright amendment were repealed AA would have to operate some flights from DAL rather than DFW. Diverting traffic away from DFW would decrease the number of potential connections to international flights. DFW has considerably more international air service than the origin and destination traffic to and from the D/FW metroplex would warrant. It is only justifiable for DFW to have the level of international air service it has based on passengers connecting there from other cities. Those who wish to do away with the Wright amendment should be careful about what they ask for.
Thanks.
I agree with your statement that those who wish to do away with the Wright Amendment should be careful what they wish for. It is not a simple matter.
One thing that bothers me -- nothing to do with business, just ethics -- are the promises made when DFW International was built. For the new airport to thrive, it was essential that the major airlines relocate there. Both cities agreed on that. As I recall, the FAA was also pressuring Dallas to move air traffic from Love Field for safety reasons. It is closely surrounded by city, very little room for error in takeoffs and landings. Increasing the number of flights out of Love was dangerous then, and it still is today.
I just think that promises are promises, and that they should be kept even though 30+ years have passed.
If Southwest wants to fly long haul, they should just move those flights to the available empty gates at DFW and play with the big guys.
I don't see why it would be a problem. AA wouldn't HAVE to offer service there. I guess the model I look at is Chicago - Midway appears to be functioning very well and, AFAIK, is not really an international airport.