Airport Alert: DOT Indicates EAS Funding Available Through November 18

October 29, 2025

In a notice issued this afternoon, the Department of Transportation indicated that it has secured additional funding to support the Essential Air Service and Alternative Essential Air Service programs and maintain subsidy and grant reimbursements through November 18. This is an update from a previous notice that stated the agency had funding for those programs through November 2.
 
Today's notice states again that air carriers and communities must continue to fulfill all obligations under their EAS contracts and AEAS grant agreements until DOT notifies them otherwise. It also indicates that should the government shutdown continue beyond November 18, DOT will provide additional notice to air carriers and communities