Funding for a program subsidizing rural air travel is set to continue through early November despite the ongoing government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Transportation told airlines on Wednesday.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Monday that funding for the Essential Air Service program, the source of the subsidy, could lapse as soon as Oct. 12 . That date has now been pushed back to Nov. 2, according to notice to air carriers from Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Daniel Edwards.

“Air carriers must continue to fulfill their obligations under existing contracts unless or until the Department notifies air carriers otherwise,” the document reads.

Essential Air Service subsidies are meant to ensure small communities have access to air travel, even if commercial fligh

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