USDOT Says Congress Would Need to Be Involved in $2.5 Billion Low-Cost Airline Aid Request [View all]

Source: US News & World Report/Reuters

April 27, 2026, at 5:59 p.m.


BALTIMORE, April 27 (Reuters) - U.S. Transportation ⁠Secretary ⁠Sean Duffy said on Monday ⁠that Congress would need to play a role in ​a request by U.S. budget airlines for $2.5 billion in government aid to address the ‌spike in jet fuel costs ‌during the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

"I don't have that money - can't just ⁠pull it ⁠out of the couch cushions. There would have to be a ​lot of government engagement and a bipartisan effort to find the funds for them. You can't snap your fingers," Duffy told reporters on the sidelines of an event. "Congress ​would have to get involved as well with that kind of number," Duffy ⁠said.

The ⁠Association of Value Airlines confirmed ⁠it ​had asked President Donald Trump's administration to create a $2.5 billion liquidity pool, used exclusively ​to offset incremental ⁠fuel costs "as a necessary and targeted measure to stabilize operations and keep airfares affordable during this period of volatility."

Duffy said he took part in 10 minutes of an hour-long meeting with the low-cost carriers last week but had to leave ⁠early to attend a White House meeting. The request came up after ⁠he left. "We got to see what the requests are, get their information, have them make the pitch, have them make the sell," Duffy said. "We'll see."

Read more: https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2026-04-27/usdot-says-congress-would-need-to-be-involved-in-2-5-billion-low-cost-airline-aid-request