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Travel Radar - Aviation News > News > Aviation > Airline Economics > US Shutdown Threatens Essential Air Service as Rural Air Travel Faces Cuts
Airline EconomicsAirlinesAviation

US Shutdown Threatens Essential Air Service as Rural Air Travel Faces Cuts

Harmia Amadi
Last updated: 7 October 2025 04:58
By Harmia Amadi
3 Min Read
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U.S. Capitol building chained off with a “Closed Until Further Notice” sign, symbolizing a government shutdown affecting Essential Air Service funding and rural air travel across the U.S.
U.S. Capitol building chained off with a “Closed Until Further Notice” sign © Kaz Vorpal
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Funding for the Essential Air Service (EAS) program which allows US airline subsidies to keep commercial flights running in small and remote part of the country, could run out from Sunday, the US Department of Transport has warned. The shortfall caused by the ongoing government shutdown, threatens vital links rural air travel across the country.

Cape Air regional aircraft taking off over a small airport, illustrating the role of Essential Air Service in supporting rural air travel and the impact of US airline subsidies on regional airlines.
Cape Air regional aircraft taking off over a small airport © Cape Air

Vital Air Links Under Threat

The Essential Air Service program provides around $600 million in annual funding in 2024, up to $300 million in 2018, reflecting a post-pandemic increase in support.

As of 2024, the EAS supports 177 communities, including 65 in Alaska and 112 across the rest of the U.S. mainland, Alaska an Puerto Rico. It typically funds two daily round trips to larger hub airports, often using 30 to 50 seater aircraft, though some smaller carrier operate with fewer seats.

On October 6. 2025, U.S. Transport Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that the EAS program would run out of funding by Sunday 12, due to the ongoing government shutdown.

Duffy said:

“There is many small communities across the country that will no0w no longer have the ressources to make sure they have air service in their community.”

Duffy added that the shutdown triggered on October 1 after U.S. Congress failed to pass spending legislation. He said, the situation was also adding complication to the air traffic control system, warning that the effects go beyond the Essential Air Service funding cuts and could impact regional airlines across the U.S.

Cape Air headquarters and aircraft parked outside, representing a regional carrier supported by the Essential Air Service program that connects rural U.S. communities through airline subsidies.
Cape Air headquarters and aircraft parked outside © Larry D. Moore

The impact of US shutdown on regional airlines

Regional carriers like SkyWest, Cape Air, and Boutique Air could be forced to suspend or scale back flights in the program ceases. The EAS funding cuts have reignited debate over the cost of supporting low-traffic routes, especially as operators warn of the impact of the US shutdown on regional airlines and passenger access.

The program has long enjoyed bi-partisan support, particularly among Republican lawmakers representing rural areas. However the supported slightly eroded earlier this earlier, marked by the Trump administration proposing a budget reduction of $308 million, putting more pressure on small airports already struggling yo maintain scheduled service.

Learn more on the FAA furloughs and the ripple effects on US airline employees (here).

Given the U.S. government’s budget pressures, is reducing funding for the Essential Air service the right decision, or does it risk leaving rural communities and regional airlines without vital support? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Harmia Amadi
ByHarmia Amadi
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Aviation Reporter - A cabin manager with a background spanning aviation, geopolitics, human rights, the arts and a passion for storytelling. With years in the skies and hands on experience reporting on geopolitics & European markets, I am curious to write from both inside & outside the aviation industry, with an eye on how travel reflects wider trends ✨
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