With financial aid to small and midsize airports set to expire September 30th, airlines are considering scaling back service to these airports, potentially leaving millions of people without flight options, Roll Call reports.
Airlines received $25 billion of financial aid in the last coronavirus relief bill passed in March, with the provision that they maintain minimum commercial passenger service to small and midsize airports they flew to prior to the pandemic.
At least two airlines, American and United, have announced that without additional aid, they will have to significantly scale back operations, including canceling passenger service on remote, little-traveled air routes.
Airline service is an economic indicator for many small and midsize cities, helping companies decide whether to keep offices in those communities and providing tens of millions of dollars in economic power for the region.
Sixteen republican Senators from states potentially impacted by the reduction of air service signed a letter August 5th urging GOP Senate leaders to pass aid to airlines. On Friday, the Senate adjourned until September without taking action on the request.
The coronavirus aid package passed by the Democratic-lead House in May continues the aid to small and midsize airports. The White House has not commented on this aid in its negotiations with Democratic leaders.