By Pacific Island Times News Staff
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CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds has introduced H.R.2132, a landmark bill aimed at reestablishing eligibility for Northern Marianas airports to participate in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Essential Air Service, or EAS program.
The program was created in the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 (P.L. 95–504) to ensure that small, rural U.S. communities, once served by certificated airlines prior to deregulation, maintain vital air service connections. The program was intended to prevent airlines from abandoning less profitable, low-traffic communities in favor of larger, more lucrative markets. In 1978, Rota, Tinian and Saipan were all designated as eligible for EAS assistance.
The CNMI previously benefited from this program, with Continental Air Micronesia receiving temporary EAS subsidies in 1982 and 1984 to provide air service to Rota. However, with the passage of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-95), over 600 communities nationwide lost their eligibility for EAS funding. Because the CNMI airports were no longer operating EAS routes at the time, they became ineligible for future assistance.
Today, EAS continues to support more than 150 communities across the U.S., ensuring essential air service for rural and isolated regions.
"Air travel within the CNMI is prohibitively expensive, and flying to Guam comes with sky-high costs. While we have service now, we risk losing it if our current carriers decide to discontinue serving routes to the islands," said King-Hinds said. "The Essential Air Service program is crucial for providing stability. If a carrier pulls out, EAS will ensure that our islands stay connected to the National Air Transportation System, with a safety net to guarantee service while we work to obtain a necessary replacement."'
H.R.2132 seeks to add the CNMI to Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico as areas exempt from current EAS eligibility requirements. This bill would enable the CNMI airports to once again receive EAS subsidies to maintain air service, including funding for two round-trip flights per day.
"Access to affordable, reliable air travel is essential for the CNMI’s economy and quality of life," Congresswoman King-Hinds continued. "This bill is just one of multiple steps I am taking to secure better transportation options for our communities, and I’ll continue fighting for the CNMI’s fair share of federal support."
H.R.2132 is a critical measure to ensure that the CNMI’s airports remain connected to the broader U.S. air network, providing both stability and access for residents