The Owensboro–Daviess County Regional Airport officials say the ongoing federal government shutdown has not produced any disruptions at OWB, and the airport’s lone commercial carrier plans to maintain full service.
Airport Director Tristan Durbin said operations remain normal. The airport’s air traffic control tower is operated by a private contractor rather than the Federal Aviation Administration, meaning it continues to function independently of federal staffing.
Durbin said TSA and other airport partners have indicated they will maintain standard operations, and that the traveling public “should not notice any impacts” to flights departing from Owensboro.
“The traveling public flying out of Owensboro should not notice any impacts,” Durbin said. “In terms of schedule, everything’s the same.”
Earlier this week, the Associated Press reported that the shutdown is adding stress to the nation’s air traffic controllers and could threaten programs that subsidize airline service to small communities such as those served by EAS.
However, Durbin said airport partners have indicated they will continue standard operations, though he deferred to TSA for any official comments from that agency. Contour Airlines, which operates daily flights between Owensboro and Chicago O’Hare, said it will continue its full schedule during the shutdown.
“Contour Airlines recognizes the vital nature of the air service we have been entrusted to provide to rural America. Accordingly, Contour will continue to operate its full flight schedule during the federal government shutdown,” the airline said in a statement.
“It is important to note that Contour’s service to many communities is supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Essential Air Service (EAS) program. Continued federal funding for EAS is necessary to sustain this service over the long term. We remain hopeful that leaders will reach a resolution soon to ensure that critical programs like EAS continue without interruption.
“Our team remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and convenient air service to the communities we serve.”
