Delta Airlines wants to expand its presence at Dallas Love Field now that American Airlines is giving up two gates as part of its merger with US Airways.

In a statement today, Delta says it has asked the U.S. Justice Department to allow it to bid on the Love Field gates.

If Delta gets them next year, it plans to add 18 daily nonstop flights to five destinations, including LaGuardia Airport and Los Angeles International.

Delta currently provides daily non-stop service from Love Field to Atlanta using its Express Jet service – small 50-seat planes.