After failing to secure the resumption of commercial flights before the November deadline, Salem, OR, has officially lost its federal status, limiting the airport to general aviation operations only. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) informed city officials on December 30, 2025, that it will begin relocating staff and equipment to other airports.

Avelo Airlines (XP, Burbank), which in 2023 revived Salem's first scheduled passenger operations in 15 years, terminated the route in July 2025. In October 2025, the Salem city council offered a USD300,000 subsidy to attract a new commercial operator, in addition to USD1.2 million in private funds. Only Empire Airlines currently operates from the airport, plying a cargo route to Portland International.