Airport Alert: DOT Secretary Says Essential Air Service Funds Will Run Out During Shutdown

October 6, 2025

DOT Secretary Sean Duffy announced that Essential Air Service (EAS) program funds will run out as soon as Sunday and not be restored until Congress passes legislation to fund the government. The Secretary indicated DOT would be notifying carriers of the pending lapse in funding for the program. The immediate impact on air service in affected markets is not known at this time.

DOT provided additional details in a Notice of Funding Lapse document, which indicates that a shutdown beyond Sunday, October 12 will result in suspension of subsidy payments for the EAS program and relieve carriers of their obligations under EAS contracts until funding is restored. Carriers can choose to operate at their own risk during the funding suspension. If air carriers operate EAS flights during a period without funding, the Department will pay approved claims proportionally according to available overflight fees and other budgetary resources. Once government funding is restored, DOT will resume normal payments and reimbursements. Carriers receive monthly payments for services provided during the preceding month.

We will keep you apprised of further developments and potential impacts to EAS operations.