As the federal shutdown drags on and Trump’s Department of Transportation prepares airlines to “walk away,” the fate of the Essential Air Service program is suddenly in serious jeopardy.
Meanwhile, DOT has issued a notice to airlines that, beginning October 13, it will no longer guarantee subsidy payments under EAS contracts if funding isn’t restored. Carriers operating EAS flights beyond that date may face nonpayment or contract relief, meaning they fly at risk.
This program is beloved by members of Congress who can boast about bringing air service to their districts, but maybe it’s time to rethink this entire program altogether. And as the Trump administration tries to reorient federal spending, could we see this program die altogether?
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Live and Let's Fly.
