Key Takeaways
• The Essential Air Service supports flights to 107 small airports across the lower 48 states.
• FAA’s FY 2025 budget requests $21.8 billion plus $5 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
• New DOT rules mandate automatic refunds for significant flight cancellations starting October 2024.
The United States 🇺🇸 is facing important questions about how to keep smaller cities connected by air. While there is no official “US Department of Aviation,” the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) are the main agencies responsible for aviation policy. Recent government actions, budget plans, and regulatory changes all play a role in shaping air service to what are often called secondary cities—smaller communities that are not major airline hubs but still depend on regular flights for business, family visits, and economic growth.
This article explains the current landscape for air travel to secondary cities, the programs that support these routes, and what recent changes mean for travelers, local economies, and the future of regional air service. We’ll also look at the challenges facing the aviation industry and what steps are being taken to address them.
What’s Happening With Air Service to Secondary Cities?
Who is involved?
The main agencies are the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT). Airlines, local governments, and travelers in smaller cities are also key players.
What’s the issue?
Many secondary cities rely on regular flights to stay connected to the rest of the country. However, airlines often find these routes less profitable, which can lead to fewer flights or even complete loss of service.
When and where is this happening?
This is a nationwide issue in the United States 🇺🇸, affecting airports in smaller communities across the country. The situation is ongoing, with new policies and programs being discussed and updated every year.
Why does it matter?
Without reliable air service, secondary cities can struggle to attract businesses, keep residents, and support tourism. Air travel is not just about convenience—it’s about economic survival for many towns.
How are the government and industry responding?
Through programs like the Essential Air Service (EAS), budget increases for the FAA, and new rules for airlines, the government is trying to keep these cities connected. However, there are debates about whether current efforts are effective or need to change.
The Essential Air Service Program: Lifeline or Limitation?
One of the most important tools for supporting air travel to secondary cities is the Essential Air Service (EAS) program. This program was created after airline deregulation in 1978, when there were fears that airlines would abandon less profitable routes to smaller towns.
How does EAS work?
– The government pays airlines to provide flights to certain small airports that might not otherwise have service.
– As of now, the EAS program supports flights to 107 airports in the lower 48 states.
– These subsidies are meant to ensure that people in smaller communities can still fly to larger cities for work, medical care, or family reasons.
Is EAS working as intended?
– Some experts argue that EAS is a lifeline for small towns, keeping them connected and supporting local economies.
– Others say the program may actually create problems. For example, analysis from Reason.org suggests that EAS can create a “zero-sum air service game.” This means that by supporting some airports with subsidies, the program might make it harder for nearby, unsubsidized airports to grow and attract more flights.
A real-world example:
Duluth, Minnesota is a non-EAS airport. It reportedly loses business because five EAS-subsidized airports are located within 137 miles. This can split up the passenger base and make it harder for Duluth to attract more flights or lower fares.
Key takeaway:
The EAS program is well-intentioned, but it may need changes to ensure it helps as many communities as possible without hurting others.
FAA and DOT Budget Priorities: Investing in the Future
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the main agency in charge of air safety, air traffic control, and airport funding. Its budget decisions have a big impact on all airports, especially those in secondary cities.
What’s in the latest budget?
– The FY 2025 President’s Budget requests $21.8 billion for the FAA.
– There’s an extra $1.0 billion (and $8.0 billion over five years) for a new plan to replace old radar and air traffic control facilities.
– The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law adds another $5.0 billion in advance funding, bringing the total to $26.8 billion.
Where will the money go?
– $13.6 billion is set aside for FAA operations, which is a 14.2% increase from 2023.
– Funding will support new technology, airport research, and programs to help new types of aircraft (like drones) enter the airspace.
– There’s also a push to increase taxes on business aviation (private jets and corporate planes) so that these users pay more for their share of the system.
Why does this matter for secondary cities?
– Many small airports depend on federal grants for repairs, upgrades, and safety improvements.
– Better air traffic control and modern technology can help reduce delays and make flights to and from secondary cities more reliable.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these budget increases could help smaller airports stay open and improve their services, but the impact will depend on how the money is distributed and whether secondary cities are prioritized.
Air Traffic Control Modernization: Will It Help Smaller Airports?
In May 2025, Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced a plan to build a new air traffic control system. The goal is to make flying safer, reduce delays, and improve the experience for all travelers.
What’s changing?
– The plan aims to replace old technology with new systems that can handle more flights and respond faster to problems.
– Some critics, like those at Reason.org, say the plan is more about small updates than a true overhaul.
How does this affect secondary cities?
– If the new system works as promised, it could make it easier for airlines to schedule flights to smaller airports, since delays and congestion would be reduced.
– However, there’s no guarantee that airlines will add more flights to secondary cities just because the system is better. Airlines still have to consider whether these routes make financial sense.
Recent improvements:
– The FAA has started using a new tool called the Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) at 10 air traffic control towers. This helps controllers manage flights more smoothly, which can benefit all airports, including those in secondary cities.
New Rules and Regulations: Protecting Passengers
The DOT has also made some important changes that affect all air travelers, including those flying to and from secondary cities.
Automatic Airline Refunds
– Starting in late October 2024, airlines must automatically refund passengers if their flights are canceled or changed in a big way. Passengers no longer have to ask for their money back—it should happen on its own.
– This rule is a big win for consumers, especially in smaller markets where flight options are limited and cancellations can be more disruptive.
REAL ID Requirements
– Beginning May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require all travelers to show a REAL ID at airport security. This is a special type of driver’s license or ID card that meets higher security standards.
– If you don’t have a REAL ID, you won’t be able to board domestic flights in the United States 🇺🇸.
– For more information on REAL ID and how to get one, visit the official TSA REAL ID page.
Industry Challenges: Staffing, Safety, and Training
The aviation industry is facing several big challenges that affect everyone, but can be especially tough for secondary cities.
Air Traffic Controller Shortages
– As air travel returns to pre-pandemic levels, there aren’t enough air traffic controllers to handle all the flights.
– In February 2024, the FAA started a new training program with colleges to speed up the hiring and training of new controllers.
– If staffing doesn’t improve, smaller airports may see more delays or even lose service if controllers are moved to busier locations.
Safety Concerns
– The DOT’s Office of Inspector General named “Aviation Safety” as a top challenge for 2025.
– Keeping flights safe is always the top priority, but it can be harder for smaller airports with fewer resources.
The Role of the US Department of Aviation: Clearing Up Confusion
It’s important to note that there is no official “US Department of Aviation”. All aviation matters in the United States 🇺🇸 are handled by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is part of the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Why does this matter?
– If you’re looking for information about air travel, airport funding, or airline rules, the FAA and DOT are the agencies to watch.
– The FAA’s website (faa.gov) is the best place to find up-to-date information on regulations, airport grants, and safety programs.
Implications for Stakeholders
Travelers in Secondary Cities
– May see more reliable service if FAA funding leads to airport upgrades and better air traffic control.
– Will benefit from automatic refunds and clearer rules about flight changes.
– Need to make sure they have a REAL ID before May 2025.
Local Governments and Airport Authorities
– Should watch for new grant opportunities and push for their airports to be included in FAA funding plans.
– May need to work with airlines and the community to show that there is enough demand for more flights.
Airlines
– Must follow new refund rules and prepare for changes in air traffic control systems.
– Will have to decide whether to keep serving secondary cities, especially if subsidies or demand change.
Business and Economic Development Groups
– Should highlight the importance of air service for attracting jobs and investment.
– May want to partner with local officials to advocate for continued or expanded flights.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Secondary Cities?
The future of air service to secondary cities in the United States 🇺🇸 depends on several factors:
- How FAA and DOT funding is allocated: Will smaller airports get the upgrades they need?
- Whether the EAS program is reformed: Can it be improved to help more communities without hurting others?
- How airlines respond to new rules and market conditions: Will they keep flying to smaller cities, or focus only on big hubs?
- Industry staffing and safety: Will there be enough air traffic controllers and pilots to support all routes?
Practical steps for readers:
– If you live in a secondary city, stay informed about changes at your local airport.
– Check the FAA and DOT websites for updates on funding, rules, and programs.
– Make sure your travel documents meet new security requirements, like REAL ID.
– If you experience a canceled or changed flight, know that you are now entitled to an automatic refund.
Conclusion
While there is no new “US Department of Aviation” initiative to boost flights to secondary cities, the combined efforts of the Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation, and programs like Essential Air Service continue to shape the future of air travel for smaller communities. The debate over how best to support these cities is ongoing, with some experts calling for changes to existing programs and others pointing to the need for more investment in technology and staffing.
For the most reliable and up-to-date information on aviation policy and programs, visit the Federal Aviation Administration’s official website. As reported by VisaVerge.com, staying informed and prepared is the best way for travelers, local leaders, and businesses to make the most of the opportunities and meet the challenges ahead in the world of secondary city air travel.
Learn Today
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) → US government agency overseeing air safety, traffic control, and airport funding.
Essential Air Service (EAS) → A subsidy program to maintain flights to small or less profitable airports.
Department of Transportation (DOT) → US federal department managing national transportation policies, including aviation.
Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) → An FAA tool improving air traffic control efficiency at select airports.
REAL ID → A federal identification standard required for boarding domestic flights starting May 2025.
This Article in a Nutshell
Secondary cities rely on FAA and DOT programs like Essential Air Service to maintain connectivity, despite airline challenges. Budget increases and new regulations aim to protect travelers. Modernizing air traffic control and addressing staffing shortages promise improved regional air service reliability and economic survival for smaller communities.
— By VisaVerge.com
