U.S. Department of Transportation Seeks Proposals for Essential Air Service in Hattiesburg and Meridian

Meridian, MS, September 22, 2026 —

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has initiated a process to solicit proposals for airlines interested in providing services under the Essential Air Service (EAS) program for the communities of Hattiesburg and Meridian, Mississippi. This action marks a critical step in ensuring continued air connectivity for these regions.

The Essential Air Service program is a U.S. federal government program that is subsidized by the government to maintain a minimum level of scheduled air service for smaller communities that might otherwise lose commercial air service. The program is administered by the Department of Transportation.

Through this solicitation, the DOT is inviting air carriers to submit bids detailing how they would serve the air transportation needs of residents in Hattiesburg and Meridian. The specific requirements for the service, such as the number of flights, destinations, and the level of subsidy requested, are expected to be outlined in the formal request for proposals.

The soliciting of proposals indicates a potential transition or renewal of air service contracts for these airports. Information regarding the exact timeline for proposal submissions, the duration of potential new contracts, or specific performance metrics was not immediately available. The process aims to secure reliable and cost-effective air service for the two Mississippi cities.

Airlines that respond to the solicitation will be evaluated based on criteria set forth by the Department of Transportation, which typically include service reliability, proposed subsidy amount, and the carrier’s experience. The outcome of this solicitation will determine which air carriers will be selected to provide essential air service in Hattiesburg and Meridian moving forward.

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