Following concerns over federal funding running out by Sunday for rural airline routes in places like Montana , the U.S. Department of Transportation announced additional funding for the services amid a federal shutdown.

The $41 million allocation will prevent Essential Air Service funding from lapsing at least until early November, according to a DOT press release.

Five Eastern Montana routes flying in and out of Billings daily rely heavily on EAS funding allowing for the low-fare flights to be financially sustainable. That includes flights on small passenger planes to and from Glasgow, Glendive, Havre, Sidney and Wolf Point.

“EAS connects our smaller and medium sized communities with larger airports, expanding these communities’ access to work opportunities, medical necessities an

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