Goodlatte says Delta will offer Roanoke to New York City flights

Roanoke Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-6th District) wrote in a news release Firday morning, that Delta has offered to start direct, non-stop flights from Roanoke to New York City.

The move comes after fears that Roanoke Regional Airport would lose its direct flights, following a slot-swap deal at NYC's LaGuardia Airport between Delta and US Airways.  The current set of flights between the Star City and Big Apple are operated by US Airways.

The new flights from Delta are dependent upon approval of the slot-swap deal by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Read the full news release from Rep. Goodlatte's office below:

Today Congressman Bob Goodlatte announced that direct air service between Roanoke and New York will continue.  The Department of Transportation (DOT) previously announced their approval of a “slot-swap” agreement that includes US Air and Delta.  This agreement allows carriers to exchange slots they currently control at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) which affects flight service from Roanoke Regional Airport (ROA) to New York.  Currently, U.S. Airways provides non-stop service between Roanoke and New York.

New direct jet service by Delta Air Lines is contingent upon the completion of the Department of Justice’s investigation of the “slot-swap” agreement between Delta Air Lines and US Airways.

            “I am extremely pleased that Delta has told me that they intend to provide direct jet service between Roanoke and New York,” said Rep. Goodlatte.  “Access to the preeminent financial center of the country has proven vital to the employment base of the Roanoke Valley, the business community and economic development efforts.  Delta’s intention to maintain a direct flight between Roanoke and New York will ensure that this beneficial relationship continues.”   

“We appreciate all of Congressman Goodlatte’s efforts in maintaining non-stop service between Roanoke Regional Airport and New York LaGuardia,” said Jacqueline Shuck, Executive Director of the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission. “Delta’s signal that they intend to provide that service is great news for our entire region.”

Congressman Goodlatte has long been an advocate for maintaining air service between Roanoke and New York.  He has met with representatives of Delta Airlines several times over the last year and he, along with other members of the Virginia Congressional Delegation, has written to Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood about the “slot-swap” agreement and its potential affect on smaller communities like Roanoke.