Local airlines could feel financial strain as government shutdown drags on
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) –The holidays are usually the busiest time of the year for airlines, but if the government shutdown continues airlines could be forced to make big changes or even cut flight times.
Local and regional airlines are feeling the financial strain as the federal government shutdown stretches into its third week, leaving key aviation funding in limbo. Cape Girardeau Regional Airport Manager JoJo Stewart shares what they’re seeing locally.
“DOT did send out a notice to all the central air service airports that the potential was there about having a lapse in money or, you know, not having enough money to support all of the essential air service airports” says Stewart.
Stewart shares The Department of Transportation sent that notice out in the beginning of October but sent another notice on October 8, 2025, stating they did find additional funding that would last central air service airports through the beginning of November but essential workers like federally paid FAA workers and TSA agents are still on the job but working without pay.
“We’re fortunate our air traffic controllers are actually city employees. They’re not FAA. So, our air controllers are still getting paid, so they’re not, you know, calling in sick or not coming in” says Stewart. “So, we’re fortunate with that. Our TSA agents, on the other hand, they are currently not getting a paycheck, but they’ve been great and still coming in and doing all their duties.”
Barkley Regional Airport of Paducah has also reported that they received the notice from the department of transportation as well about a possible lapse in funding.
After November if more EAS funding isn’t secured by Contour Airlines, then both Cape and Barkley could be forced to make flight cuts, but both airlines have stated there have been no changes to flights at this time at either location and their TSA agents have continued to show up to work.
Contour Airlines is the current EAS flight provider for both Cape Girardeau Regional Airport and Barkley Regional Airport.
EAS is a critical to rural communities. EAS provides subsidies to air carriers to operate out of rural airports for routes that are not profitable. EAS connects smaller and medium sized communities with larger airports, expanding these communities’ access to work opportunities, medical necessities, and more that would otherwise be inaccessible.
According to the DOT it has secured funding through November 2, 2025. Potential for flight delays are possible after November 2, 2025, if the government shutdown continues and more funding is not secured.
