Why It Matters

Smaller communities are facing a severe decline in commercial flights. A June 2026 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report reveals that nonhub airports, which handle more than 10,000 annual passenger boardings but represent less than 0.05% of total U.S. commercial traffic, saw average daily departures per route plummet 19% between 2018 and 2024.

Over 70% of nonhub airports that do not receive Essential Air Service (EAS) support suffered departure losses. Meanwhile, the cost to maintain flights in subsidized areas skyrocketed, with EAS subsidy costs rising 31% from 2018 to 2023.

The Big Picture

The decline reflects structural pressures in the regional aviation market. Stakeholders cited pilot and maintenance workforce supply challenges as a market factor contributing to changes in air service to small communities. Stakeholders also cited increased airline operating costs and heightened airline expectations for revenue guarantees as market factors affecting air service to small communities.

The Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP), which provides grants to help airlines establish or restore service to underserved communities, has become less effective as operating costs have risen faster than grant amounts can offset.

Solutions Under Consideration

Stakeholders and recent studies identified increasing aviation workforce supply as an option to improve air service to small communities. Stakeholders and recent studies identified supporting other transportation modes, such as bus service, as an option to improve air service to small communities. Stakeholders and recent studies identified supporting new technologies, such as electric aircraft, as an option to improve air service to small communities.

Stakeholders identified options to change EAS, such as focusing EAS assistance on more remote communities. Others suggested expanding EAS to better ensure small airports do not lose air service. A third group advocated for modifying the Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) in response to rising airline operating costs.

The Bottom Line

In April 2026, GAO made two recommendations to strengthen pilot supply. Specifically, GAO recommended that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) establish and publicly communicate timelines for finalizing two pilot training initiatives provided for in statute. The Department of Transportation agreed with GAO's two recommendations regarding pilot training initiatives.

The Department of Transportation administers federal programs that provide subsidies and grants to help eligible small communities retain a link to the national aviation system.

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