Friday, Oct. 11, 2002 | 11:18 a.m.
WASHINGTON -- Nevada lawmakers are urging Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta to preserve an airline route between Las Vegas and Washington's Ronald Reagan National Airport.
Two "slots" at National Airport -- one takeoff and one landing per day -- had been used by Las Vegas-based carrier National Airlines. But the airline abandoned the route amid financial problems. Other airlines hope to claim the slots after they expire for National later this month, and Nevada lawmakers are afraid another airline might use the slots to connect National Airport to another city.
Six airlines petitioned the Department of Transportation for the slots: US Airways, Delta, Frontier, American and United and America West. US Airways, Frontier and America West have said they would use the slots for flights between Las Vegas and Washington.
Las Vegas can't afford to lose any travelers, the lawmakers said.
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