Is there such a thing as “enduring familial ties and historical migration routes between Mississippi and Illinois?” And is it enough to justify nonstop flights between Chicago and Jackson, MS? We should find out over the next couple years thanks to a one million dollar grant from the US government to support American Airlines or United Airlines operating the route.
Jackson is one of a dozen airports share $11.35 million in route launch subsidies as part of the 2026 Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP). The grants, announced on Thursday, support expansion or restoration of air service in key markets, with the hope that after a year or so they’ll be sufficiently successful to remain in operation. All grants also require the local community to guarantee funds. Everyone has some skin in the game. But, typically, the feds bear the brunt of the costs.
Tallahassee, Florida was the top awardee, taking in $1.5 million to support United Airlines launching service to Houston. The route last operated in 2021. Similarly, Mosinee, Wisconsin scored $950k to bring back Delta service to Detroit (last served in 2022). The Jackson, MS route also terminated in the COVID-19 cuts.
Latrobe, PA previously had service from Spirit Airlines. An unnamed airline – likely Breeze or Avelo – will now bring service back, with flights planned to Myrtle Beach and Florida thanks to an $850,000 grant plus local support.
Traverse City, Michigan takes home the prize for the longest route to be supported under the program. The airport applied, with United’s support, for service to either Los Angeles or San Francisco, with a $750,000 subsidy.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa snagged $1 million to bring in United from Newark. Wichita, Kansas wants service to New York, but might end up settling for Charlotte on American Airlines, also with a million dollar boost.
Baton Rouge, LA ($1 million, AA) and Augusta, GA ($800k, AA or UA) both aim to add service to O’Hare. With three destinations it is the most represented hub for this year’s program.
New Bern, NC aims to add Dulles service with $750,000 in guarantees. Grand Junction, CO plans to connect the oil and gas market of Houston to the Piceance basin, though if that market is real it is surprising the $950k subsidy is needed. Finally, Flagstaff will add service either on Delta to Salt Lake City or United to Denver with its $800,000 grant.
An Unlikely Pair
Typically the SCASDP grants only cover new market launches. The DOT believes that’s the best investment. But two winners this year will see smaller grants awarded to support existing service. West Lafayette, Indiana. The market recently saw a return of scheduled air service (United Express/SkyWest to O’Hare) after 20 years. A $250,000 grant will help the airport advertise the service in hopes of boosting traffic such that United doesn’t walk away.
Dutch Harbor, Alaska also received a grant not tied to a new route launch. Instead, it will receive $375,000 to support a “regional air service sustainability, affordability, and reliability study to evaluate the operational and economic conditions necessary to support sustainable air service.”
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