Washington has been providing subsidies to promote flights going in and out of rural communities. A recent study suggests that this may be costing thousands of dollars per passenger. Despite that, congress will be voting to increase this flights by 30 per cent next year.

Certain rural spots like Ely, Nevada received only 414 passengers last year, yet the route was sustained. This subsidy ended up costing a full $4500 per person. It was reported that some of the planes may have flowing with only one or two people on board, or even empty. The rural town of Havre had a similar situation with every passenger costing the government $2900.

The program has existed in different forms in the US for almost thirty years. It was brought in during Jimmy Carter’s presidency to establish a guarantee to small communities that they could benefit by commercial air services even though routes to their regions may not be profitable.

Communities within 70 miles of a hub airport are not eligible for the program. Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush both fought against the program. President Obama wants to keep air travel alive for these areas, but has pledged to cut down on some of the most wasteful routes in the program.