The U.S. Senate has approved a measure that would increase the number of direct flights to the West Coast coming out of Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. This could mean better service for Oregonians.

Currently, travelers can’t take direct flights from Oregon to Reagan National, which is located just across the Potomac River from the nation’s Capitol. Instead, those who want to fly direct must use Dulles International, which is about 40 miles outside the city.

Only a small number of direct flights are allowed to and from Reagan National outside of its 1,250-mile perimeter. But this week’s measure, which would amend the Federal Aviation Administration’s reauthorization act, would allow 10 existing flights within that perimeter to be converted into longer-range flights. It also would allow airlines to propose six new routes. If the airlines — or the FAA — don’t pick Portland, passengers will still have to connect if they want to fly into Reagan National.

‘A very strong case’

“Portland has a very strong case to make for getting one of the new routes” said Julie Edwards, a spokeswoman for Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore.

Merkley and Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., have been pushing for direct flights, saying Reagan National’s proximity to Washington would make it easier to travel to Portland and the rest of the state. That, in turn, could help attract new companies to the state.

Expanding the number of long-range flights to and from Reagan National has proven difficult because of opposition from politicians who represent Maryland and Virginia, like Sen. Benjamin Cardin, D-Md. Cardin believes traffic to airports in his area would suffer if Wyden, Merkley and other Westerners get their way.

While Thursday’s vote was a victory for West Coast travelers, Oregonians shouldn’t start planning their nonstop flights to Reagan National quite yet.

On to the House

“The House now has to pass its own version of the bill, then send it to a conferencing committee, where the differences between the two bills will be worked out,” Edwards said.

Supporters of less-convenient airports in the Washington area could have their way yet.

West Coast representatives say the original reason for the flight restriction — protecting the Reagan National area from the roar of long-haul jet engines — is outdated. Merkley says jet engines have become much quieter in recent years.