Isolated places struggle with a lack of year-round flights : NPR

Key Points:

• Provincetown, Massachusetts, a popular summer tourist destination, lost year-round passenger flights to Boston two winters ago when Cape Air ceased off-season service due to unprofitability, limiting residents to seasonal flights only.
• A recent town vote rejected a proposed $332,000 subsidy funded by a property tax increase to guarantee Cape Air revenue for restoring year-round flights, with opponents citing taxpayer burden and concerns about setting a precedent for other seasonal businesses.
• Supporters argue that continuous air service is vital for economic growth, year-round tourism, and residents' access to medical appointments and travel, highlighting the difficulty of reaching Provincetown during winter without flights.
• Provincetown is ineligible for the federal Essential Air Service subsidy due to proximity to larger airports, and the program itself faces potential budget cuts despite its political support nationwide.
• The town is now exploring alternative local, state, and federal funding options to reinstate off-season flights, aiming to enhance year-round accessibility and economic opportunities.