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Rural Flights at Risk as EAS Funding Faces Cuts

10/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Essential Air Service (EAS) program faces funding expiration tied to a government shutdown, risking rural flights.
Established in 1978, EAS serves 177 markets with two daily round trips.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says all states will be affected by the cut.
In 2024, EAS subsidies totaled $591.7 million for 177 communities, and President Trump previously proposed cutting $308 million.

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Story summary

The Essential Air Service (EAS) program faces funding expiration tied to a government shutdown, risking rural flights.
Established in 1978, EAS serves 177 markets with two daily round trips.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says all states will be affected by the cut.
In 2024, EAS subsidies totaled $591.7 million for 177 communities, and President Trump previously proposed cutting $308 million.