The Essential Air Service program, which provides subsidies for passenger flights to over 100 small communities in the U. S. , is facing steep cuts once again under the Trump Administration’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2027. The White House argues that the current spending for the program is “out of control” and that it funds flights from airports that are in close proximity to each other and often have low passenger numbers.
One such community that relies on the Essential Air Service program is Rutland, Vermont, where the Rutland-Southern Vermont Regional Airport is located. Though the airport sees low traffic, local officials and airport advocates believe that the program is crucial for the area’s economy. According to Rutland Mayor Tom Donahue, the program allows for three round-trip flights to Boston every day, providing a vital link for visitors and businesses to the region. This is especially important since Rutland’s airport is the only other commercial airport in Vermont besides the larger Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport, which is 70 miles away.
Mayor Donahue also credits the federal subsidies for keeping ticket prices affordable, with fares starting at $79 for a one-way trip between Rutland and Boston on Cape Air’s nine-seat planes. Jim Marsh, the chair of the Rutland Airport Committee, has been advocating for the expansion and upgrade of Rutland’s airport to accommodate larger planes. He believes that with the growth of the hotel industry and the expansion of the nearby Killington Ski Resort, having another form of transportation besides trains and vehicles is necessary to bring people to the area. Marsh sees the Essential Air Service program as a crucial factor in this equation.
The EAS program was established in 1978 to ensure that small communities have access to scheduled passenger service, particularly after the deregulation of the airline industry. However, this is not the first time that its funding has been targeted for cuts. Last year, Congress rejected the Trump Administration’s proposed cuts and approved $514 million for the program. However, the current budget proposal calls for a cut of $372 million in discretionary funding for the program.
Michael Migliore, the CEO of Cape Air, which provides passenger flights to Rutland and Lebanon, New Hampshire, believes that the EAS program is crucial for connecting small communities to the national transportation network. He notes that in 2025, Cape Air’s Rutland flights served just under 10,000 passengers, with a 7% decrease due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, ridership for the first quarter of 2026 has increased by 1%. While Migliore is concerned about the proposed cuts, he continues to have discussions with communities and the Department of Transportation to ensure that crucial connections are maintained.
In conclusion, the Essential Air Service program, though facing potential cuts, plays a vital role in connecting small communities to the national air system and supporting their economies.