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The Trump administration has stated that funds from a US government program that supports airline routes to remote airfields are set to expire as soon as Sunday due to the current federal funding lapse.

Federal transportation authorities stated that financial assistance under the Essential Air Service initiative are likely to end as soon as Sunday after the agency moved separate financial resources from the FAA as an temporary measure.

Transportation officials is in the process of alerting carriers about the funding shortfall and informing local areas about possible impacts.

Federal authorities allocates approximately $350 million in yearly financial support for the program.

Earlier this year, the administration proposed cutting funding by $308 million for the air service program, which enjoys popularity among GOP legislators because it provides services to rural, largely Republican areas.

Throughout the initial term of Donald Trump, the White House suggested terminating the Essential Air Service initiative – but Congress chose to boost financial support instead.

This initiative typically supports two round trips each day using medium-sized planes – or additional frequencies with smaller aircraft. According to the department that under the program, approximately 65 areas in the northern state have air access and 112 communities across the remaining states and the territory that likely wouldn't have any commercial air connectivity.

“All states nationwide will be impacted,” the transportation chief stated during a press conference, noting the program had support from both parties. “We don't have the money for that initiative going forward.”