Opportunities and Obstacles in Obtaining Air Connectivity for Residents of Federally Designated Essential Air Service Communities

Abstract

The Essential Air Service (EAS) program was established in 1978 to guarantee air connectivity for residents of small communities to the national air transportation system. Currently, more than half of EAS communities are within 70 highway miles of another airport, leading to passenger leakage at EAS airports and rising program costs. Five case studies of EAS communities examine the reasons for local support of air service that is rarely used. The case studies present three main findings: (a) the EAS program is a gateway to the federal airport infrastructure funds of the Airport Improvement Program; (b) there is an information gap between the U.S. Department of Transportation and the EAS communities regarding the existing risky alternate programs; and (c) local politics and airport administrators' concern about their professional future sustains support for local air service. EAS communities in a multi-airport region, therefore, are most susceptible to passenger leakage and continue to struggle in the program. The obstacles also deter the establishment of transportation options that best fit communities and their residents. The study provides insights into policy changes that address the importance of small airports and rural air connectivity.