The U.S. Department of Transportation provided notice yesterday to carriers and communities that additional funding has been secured for Essential Air Services (EAS). This additional funding will allow the Department to continue funding EAS through November 18th, 2025.
EAS funding is congressionally appropriated, and full funding is affected by the current government shutdown. The DOT has been able to secure additional budgetary resources to maintain program operations longer than expected. Funding for EAS was originally expected to run out on November 2nd, which has now been extended by yesterday’s notice.
The DOT said in its notice it will continue to monitor the availability of budgetary resources as November 18, 2025, approaches and will provide further updates as needed if a government shutdown remains.
SkyWest Airlines Inc., marketed as United Express (SkyWest), currently provides Essential Air Service to Fort Dodge. The current subsidy term extends to March 31st, 2027.
