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Contour plans to run full schedule from Barkley during shutdown

Contour Airlines is planning to run its full schedule of flights from Barkley Regional Airport despite the federal government shutdown.

The shutdown extending beyond Sunday, October 12th, would mean that the FAA would not be paying out the Essential Air Service subsidies that help to keep air travel available to smaller airports across the country. By agreement, if the subsidies aren’t delivered by the federal government, airlines would not be required to continue flying from EAS airports until funding resumes. Contour, though, has said they will fly anyway, keeping Barkley Regional in business.

Matt Chaifetz, CEO of Contour Airlines, said in a statement, “Contour will continue to operate its full flight schedule during the federal government shutdown.” Adding, “We remain hopeful that leaders will reach a resolution soon to ensure that critical programs like EAS continue without interruption.”

Barkley Regional Airport Executive Director Dennis Rouleau thanked Chaifetz and the Contour team.

Rouleau said, “We sincerely acknowledge Matt Chaifetz’s dedication to the EAS program, Barkley Regional Airport, and the purchase region it serves during this challenging period. Ensuring continued access to the national air transportation system remains vital for our region, and we look forward to the prompt restoration of federal funding.”

Contour has already extended its service to Paducah after delays with the FAA approval process forced SkyWest to push back its Barkley rollout from December to February.
4 hours ago