(Photo by Art Smith) A Contour Airlines jet touches down Oct. 1 at the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport. That was the first day of the federal government shutdown, which could lead to a suspension of funds paying for Contour’s service if it extends beyond Sunday.

UPDATE: After the deadline for the print edition Monday night, Contour Airlines CEO Matt Chaifetz provided a statement, saying Contour will maintain its full flight schedule during the shutdown.

“Contour Airlines recognizes the vital nature of the air service we have been entrusted to provide to rural America,” the statement said. “Accordingly, Contour will continue to operate its full flight schedule during the federal government shutdown.”

The statement noted Contour is supported by Essential Air Service at many airports.

“Continued federal funding for EAS is necessary to sustain this service over the long term,” it said. “We remain hopeful that leaders will reach a resolution soon to ensure that critical programs like EAS continue without interruption.”

WILLIAMSTOWN — An extended federal government shutdown could impact the availability of flights at the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport.

(Photo by Art Smith) Passengers disembark from a Contour Airlines jet Oct. 1 at the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport. That was the first day of the federal government shutdown, which could lead to a suspension of funds paying for Contour’s service if it extends beyond Sunday.

A notice from the U.S. Department of Transportation shared by airport Manager Ben Auville on Monday says that due to the lack of appropriated funds, if the shutdown lasts beyond Sunday, the department will “relieve air carriers of their obligations under EAS (Essential Air Service) contracts, and will suspend reimbursement under AEAS (Alternate Essential Air Service) grants” starting Monday.

Contour Airlines had been serving the airport since 2018 under Alternate Essential Air Service. Now it is contracted as an air charter service after Air Wisconsin, the company selected by the DOT to take over federally subsidized service, withdrew last month, a few weeks before it was supposed to start.

Airport officials had to waive the right to Essential Air Service to allow Contour to serve in this capacity, but Auville said he did not believe that technicality would prevent the service from being subject to the funding lapse. A DOT official confirmed Monday that was correct.

As with Alternate Essential Air Service carriers, Contour could continue flying but would not be reimbursed until the government reopened. A request for comment from Contour CEO Matt Chaifetz was not immediately returned Monday afternoon.

The government shut down when the new federal fiscal year began Oct. 1 and there was no appropriations bill or continuing resolution to direct government funding. A so-called clean continuing resolution to fund the government at current levels through Nov. 21 has failed to get the 60 votes needed to move to full consideration.

Republicans are the majority in the Senate but need some Democratic votes to cross that threshold. Democrats are demanding a resolution to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire Dec. 31.

“Programs that help provide air services for our communities in West Virginia are very important, which is exactly why it’s so critical that we reopen the government to make sure they can continue,” said U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va. “It’s unacceptable that Democrats have repeatedly blocked commonsense efforts to keep these types of programs funded. I’m continuing to urge my colleagues to join us in voting to reopen the government so these vital services aren’t disrupted.”