ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Ithaca Tompkins International Airport announced on Friday, Dec. 20th that the airport is adding a new route to the nation's capitol starting on March 30th. That means two flights will fly daily directly to Washington Dulles International Airport, with a third flight set to be added in August. 

"Tompkins County may be centrally isolated, but we want and need to be connected to the world. Having a direct flight to Washington, DC will provide economic benefit and improved travel options for Tompkins County and for our region. I believe these flights will be very popular," said Dan Klein, chair of the Tompkins County Legislature in a prepared statement. 

The route will fly on 50-jet seats, and will give residents in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes access to United's global network. Currently, United Airlines runs 250 daily flights from Washington Dulles, including to Mexico City, Tokyo and Paris. 

“We are excited to welcome United Airlines’ direct service to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). These new flights will offer our travelers more consistent and convenient connections to the nation’s capital and United’s extensive global network. This route is a significant step forward in enhancing connectivity for our community," said Roxan Noble, director of the Ithaca Tompkins International Airport in a prepared statement.