Small communities across the contiguous United States have faced evolving air service dynamics between 2018 and 2023, according to a recent report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO). This period saw a general decrease in departing flights from these communities, most notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside an increase in the average number of seats per departure. The GAO’s findings shed light on the challenges and shifts impacting air service in smaller markets.
Key Findings on Air Service Changes (2018-2023)
The GAO’s analysis of 218 small communities revealed a notable trend: while the frequency of flights decreased, the capacity of remaining flights actually grew. This is illustrated by the increase in the average number of seats per departure even as total departures declined. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a sharp drop in flight departures, impacting air service availability significantly. However, about half of these small communities experienced only modest changes in passenger numbers, while the other half saw more dramatic shifts, highlighting varied impacts across different locations.
Varied Passenger Impact Across Communities
The experience of small communities was not uniform. A significant 8 percent of small communities suffered a steep decline of more than 50 percent in departing passengers. Conversely, a notable 14 percent of these communities saw a substantial increase of 50 percent or more in passenger numbers. This divergence underscores the complex factors at play in determining air service demand and utilization in different small community markets.
The Role of Essential Air Service (EAS) Program
The Essential Air Service (EAS) program, a federal initiative designed to ensure air service to eligible communities through subsidies, appears to have played a mitigating role in these trends. Small communities participating in the EAS program experienced less severe reductions in air service and, on average, benefited from a greater increase in seats per departure compared to small communities not participating in EAS. This suggests the EAS program’s effectiveness in preserving some level of air connectivity for smaller markets.
Factors Influencing Air Service Changes
Several factors have been identified as contributing to the observed changes in air service to small communities. Stakeholders pointed to ongoing challenges related to pilot and aircraft maintenance workforce supply. Increased airline operating costs, driven by factors like fuel prices and labor expenses, also play a significant role. Additionally, shifts in traveler behavior, with more individuals opting to drive to destinations or larger airports, have impacted demand for air service from small communities. These factors have also contributed to a rise in EAS subsidy costs, which increased by approximately 31 percent between 2018 and 2023, according to DOT officials. Furthermore, rising operating costs have limited the effectiveness of Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) grants, which are intended to incentivize airlines to initiate or enhance air service.
Potential Solutions for Improving Air Service
To address the challenges facing air service in small communities, stakeholders and studies have proposed several potential solutions. Increasing the supply of pilots is seen as crucial. Exploring options to mitigate higher airline operating costs, such as through the adoption of electric aircraft or integrating bus service as part of the transportation network, is also being considered. Regarding the EAS program, potential modifications include focusing eligibility on the most remote communities or expanding the program to proactively prevent air service losses. Adjustments to the SCASDP are also suggested to better respond to the current environment of elevated airline operating costs.
Conclusion
The GAO’s report highlights the dynamic and often challenging landscape of air service for small communities in the United States. While overall flight departures have decreased, and communities face numerous pressures, the Essential Air Service program provides a degree of stability. Addressing workforce challenges, operating costs, and adapting support programs will be crucial for ensuring continued air connectivity and its associated economic benefits for these communities.
