US DoT Secures $41 Million to Keep Essential Air Service Running
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has secured USD 41 million in emergency funding to sustain the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, ensuring that federally subsidized flights to rural and remote communities continue despite the ongoing government shutdown.
In a statement released on October 8, Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy confirmed that the newly allocated funds would keep the program operational at least through early November, averting what could have been a major disruption for dozens of small towns that rely on EAS for vital air connectivity.
“The Essential Air Service program is a critical lifeline for communities that would otherwise lose reliable access to the national air transportation network,” Duffy said. “This funding will help ensure that Americans in rural areas continue to have access to jobs, healthcare, and commerce while Congress works toward a longer-term resolution.”
The EAS program, established after the airline deregulation of 1978, provides subsidies to carriers operating routes that are not commercially viable on their own. It supports service to more than 100 small and medium-sized communities across the United States, allowing residents to connect to major hubs for work, education, and essential goods.
Without the additional funds, the DOT warned that the program could have exhausted its budget by mid-October. On October 6, the agency notified EAS-participating carriers and communities that a shortfall might cause a suspension of service after October 12, 2025, if new funding was not approved in time. The emergency allocation now ensures that existing EAS contracts remain active while Congress continues to debate broader budget measures.
Airlines participating in the program, which include small regional carriers operating aircraft such as Cessna Caravans, Beechcraft King Airs, and regional jets, welcomed the funding as a crucial stopgap measure. Many of these carriers serve destinations in Alaska, Montana, the Dakotas, and other states where road or rail travel alternatives are limited or impractical.
The latest funding move highlights the fragility of programs that depend on federal appropriations during political gridlock. While the DOT’s quick action has prevented an immediate disruption, aviation stakeholders warn that continued uncertainty could discourage carrier participation in future contracts if longer-term stability is not restored.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com