Air Service to Small Communities Continues to Face Challenges
Description
On June 4, 2026, Derrick Collins, Director, U.S. Government Accountability Office, delivered testimony before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's Aviation Subcommittee on challenges small communities face in securing and maintaining commercial air service.
GAO found that many small communities continue to experience declines in scheduled passenger air service, particularly at nonhub airports.
The testimony discusses factors affecting small community air service, including aviation workforce challenges, airline operating costs, and revenue guarantees. GAO also reviewed federal programs that support small community air service, including the Essential Air Service program and the Small Community Air Service Development Program.
GAO found that many small communities continue to experience declines in scheduled passenger air service, particularly at nonhub airports.
The testimony discusses factors affecting small community air service, including aviation workforce challenges, airline operating costs, and revenue guarantees. GAO also reviewed federal programs that support small community air service, including the Essential Air Service program and the Small Community Air Service Development Program.