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.
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.
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.
