The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) has released its monthly report detailing airline passenger traffic at the state’s eight commercial service airports.
North Dakota’s air travel demand remains robust, with residents and visitors taking full advantage of the state’s air service opportunities.
During the first half of 2024, North Dakota’s eight commercial service airports saw a total of 593,550 passenger boardings. This marks an increase of 43,588 passengers, or 8%, compared to the first six months of 2023.
North Dakota airports also had their busiest June on record as passenger boarding numbers reached 102,030 passengers for the month. This surpasses the previous record of 100,067 passengers that was set in June, 2014. This month’s figures also represent a significant year-over-year growth of 11,022 boardings, which is a 12% increase compared to June, 2023.
“The record-breaking passenger numbers that we have been experiencing over the recent summer months is excellent news for the economic vitality of our state,” stated Kyle Wanner, Executive Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. “Our airports are thriving and they continue to work hard to offer excellent service and connectivity for our residents and visitors.”
Jamestown Airport Construction Impacts:
The Jamestown Regional Airport’s primary runway had a pre-planned closure from May 7th – June 13th in order to complete a major pavement rehabilitation. Commercial service flights did not occur during this time period and the June’s boarding numbers reflect the impacts of this closure. Air service at the Jamestown airport resumed on Friday, June 14th.
June Passenger Records:
The Fargo Hector International Airport achieved a new monthly passenger record with 45,301 passenger boardings. The previous record for the airport for the month of June was set in 2023 with 40,174 passengers.
The Devils Lake Airport also achieved a new monthly passenger record with 887 passenger boardings. The previous record for the airport for the month of June was set in 2023 with 792 passengers.
The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) has released the monthly report that provides information relating to the airline passenger traffic at the eight commercial service airports within the state.
North Dakota airports had their busiest May on record as airline passenger boarding numbers reached 103,068 passengers for the month. The previous record for the month of May was set during the 2014 oil boom with 100,389 passengers.
This current month also represents a growth of 11,614 boardings or a 13% increase from May of 2023.
Kyle Wanner, Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, stated, “The demand for air travel remains strong across the state and we are excited to begin surpassing passenger numbers not seen since the oil boom days. Increased passenger traffic will continue to help bolster North Dakota’s airports and their efforts to secure additional air service opportunities.”
New Route Information:
The Bismarck Airport added a new flight with Allegiant Airlines to St. Pete/Clearwater International Airport beginning May 15th. The new service is flown twice a week, Wednesday and Saturday, with an Airbus A320, a 180-seat aircraft.
Jamestown Airport Construction Impacts:
The Jamestown Regional Airport’s primary runway had a pre-planned closure from May 7th – June 13th in order to complete a major pavement rehabilitation. Commercial service flights did not occur during this time period and the May’s boarding numbers reflect the impacts by this closure. Air service at the Jamestown airport will resume on Friday, June 14th.
May Passenger Records:
The Fargo Hector International Airport achieved a new monthly passenger record with 44,547 passenger boardings. The previous record for the airport for the month of May was set in 2023 with 40,969 passengers.
The Devils Lake Airport also achieved a new monthly passenger record with 947 passenger boardings. The previous record for the airport for the month of May was set in 2023 with 657 passengers.
The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) reports that
the commercial airline boarding numbers for April 2024 reached 94,112
passengers, which represents a growth of 6,889 boardings or an 8% increase from
April of 2023. Seven of the eight of the commercial service airports also had
higher passenger numbers than during this same period last year.
Jamestown Airport Construction Impacts:
The Jamestown Regional Airport’s primary runway has a
pre-planned closure from May 7th – June 16th in order to complete a major
pavement rehabilitation. Commercial flights will not occur during this time
period and the May and June boarding numbers will reflect impacts by this
closure. The airport’s crosswind runway will remain open for general aviation
use during the duration of the project.
April Passenger Records:
The Fargo Hector International Airport achieved a new
monthly passenger record with 41,466 passenger boardings. The previous record
for the airport for the month of April was set in 2023 with 39,680 passengers.
The Devils Lake Airport also achieved a new monthly
passenger record with 635 passenger boardings. The previous record for the
airport for the month of April was set in 2023 with 554 passengers.
Commercial airline boarding numbers for March 2024 reached
102,712 passengers, which represents a growth of 1,566 boardings or a 2%
increase from March of 2023. Six of the eight of the commercial service
airports also had higher passenger numbers than during this same period last
year.
March is also historically one of the busiest times of the
year for air travel in North Dakota as residents go about their spring break
plans.
Despite the positive momentum, North Dakota’s airports
confront a persistent challenge in growing flight frequency and the number of
seats available for purchase. Additional service is currently needed to further
fuel additional growth in passenger numbers and maintain competitive ticket
prices.
Airlines continue to navigate hurdles in their efforts to
scale operations as they grapple with a shortage of pilots and other
aviation-related roles. However, this also presents a unique opportunity for
aspiring aviation professionals as there continues to be a growing demand for a
skilled workforce in the aviation sector.
“The ND Aeronautics Commission is committed to
promoting aviation education opportunities for our youth and helping to foster
a robust pipeline of talent to support the industry’s expansion,” stated
Kyle Wanner, Director of the ND Aeronautics Commission. “Additionally, we
are working to identify and address airport infrastructure needs by working
with our airport leaders to lay the groundwork for enhancements that will
enable airlines to grow their service in North Dakota when the opportunity
arises.”
The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) has released
the monthly report that provides information relating to the airline passenger
traffic at the eight commercial service airports within the state.
Commercial airline boarding numbers for February 2024
reached 97,124 passengers, which represents a growth of 8,972 boardings or a
10% increase from February of 2023.
“Air service activity throughout North Dakota remains
healthy and strong as spring break travel takes off,” stated Kyle Wanner,
Executive Director for the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission.
As we continue to move through March, it’s important to note
that historically, this month can be one of the busiest times of the year for
air travel in North Dakota as residents go about their spring break plans.
Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead and arrive at their airport early to
ensure that that they can find parking, drop off bags as needed, and
successfully make it through the security line in a timely manner.
Photo above – (Left to Right) Kyle Wanner – Director of the ND Aeronautics Commission, Nathan Sayler, Jim O’ Day, Connie Hanson, Rodger Haugen.
Multiple pilots were recently presented with awards for
participating in the “Fly North Dakota Airports” Passport Program. This program
began in North Dakota in 2011 and it rewards pilots who fly to North Dakota’s
publicly owned airports, attend FAA safety seminars, and visit North Dakota’s
aviation museums. This program promotes
safety, continuing education, and encourages pilots to practice approaches and
landings in many different environments. This program also offers an
opportunity to promote and support North Dakota’s airports and their community
businesses and tourism opportunities.
There currently are three award levels within the North
Dakota passport program and the highest and most prestigious award level of
Gold is achieved by flying to all 89 ND public airports, visiting the Fargo and
Minot Air Museums, and attending three FAA safety Seminars.
The gold award was achieved by five pilots during the past
year and these individuals received a leather flight jacket embroidered with
the North Dakota Flying Legacy logo. These pilots join the 98 others who have
completed the passport program in previous years, making a grand total of 103
pilots who have achieved the gold award since the program’s inception.
The following is a list of the individuals achieving the
gold level in 2023:
Ray Brooks – Bismarck, ND
Connie Hanson – Devils Lake, ND
Rodger Haugen – Devils Lake, ND
Nathan Sayler – Valley City, ND
Jim O’ Day – Fargo, ND
The awards presentation occurred on March 3rd and was
conducted in Robin Hall at the University of North Dakota in conjunction with
the North Dakota Aviation Association, Fly-ND Conference. Presenting the awards
were Kyle Wanner, Executive Director and Mike McHugh, Aviation Education
Coordinator of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. The program is
sponsored by the North Dakota Department of Commerce’s Tourism Division in
partnership with the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, the Airport Association
of North Dakota, and the North Dakota Aviation Association.
The 2023 North Dakota Airport of the Year Awards have been
announced, with the Devils Lake Regional Airport recognized as North Dakota’s
“2023 Commercial Service Airport of the Year.” The Ashley Municipal Airport has
been recognized as the “2023 General Aviation Airport of the Year.”
The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission in partnership with
the Airport Association of North Dakota sponsors the annual awards.
Airports receive this award for excellence in community
outreach, facility management, construction/beautification projects, and the
participation and hosting of special events.
2023 Commercial Service Airport Award
The Devils Lake Regional Airport is proud of their
involvement with the local community. The Airport has initiated a marketing
program called Jet Service, which educates travelers on the benefits that the
Devils Lake Regional Airport and SkyWest Airlines have to offer.
The Devils Lake Regional Airport receives the 2023 Commercial Service Airport of the Year award during the North Dakota Aviation Association’s FLY-ND Conference awards banquet on March 5th, 2024. Pictured from left to right is Ryan Riesinger (President of the North Dakota Airport Association), Scott Cruse (DVL Airport Manager), Dennis Olson (Chair of the DVL Airport Authority), Rodger Haugen (Member of the DVL Airport Authority, and Kyle Wanner (Executive Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission)
As a result, the Devils Lake Regional Airport has seen
tremendous growth in passenger traffic throughout the past year. The airport
reached a record total of 8,087 enplanements for calendar year 2023, which is a
17.5% increase from 2022. This growth is great news for the airport and could
lead to increased infrastructure funding from the FAA, which in turn will help
fuel continued growth and beautification of the airport.
The airport has also seen growth in the general aviation
sector. Five aeronautical businesses are present on the airport, with a sixth
planning to open soon. These businesses have added more employees and two new
general aviation hangars have been constructed due to the demand for growth.
Devils Lake is currently in the process to expand and
remodel their commercial terminal. The new building will double the size of the
current space and will also include the installation of a jet bridge. The new
space will allow the airport to accommodate larger waiting areas for
passengers, new restrooms, vending areas, and nursing/changing rooms for
mothers. The TSA area will also expand, allowing room for new screening
technology which will decrease security wait times. The airport also recently
reconstructed a large portion of the general aviation apron. This project
repaired a variety of age-related issues affecting the pavements and has
enhanced safety for the flying public.
2023 General Aviation Airport Award
The Ashley Municipal Airport receives the 2023 General Aviation Airport of the Year award during the North Dakota Aviation Association’s FLY-ND Conference awards banquet on March 5th, 2024. Pictured from left to right is Ryan Riesinger (President of the North Dakota Airport Association), Erich Schock (Ashley Airport Board Member), and Kyle Wanner (Executive Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission)
In 2023, Ashley Municipal received a highly competitive
Airport Terminal Program (ATP) grant from the FAA to construct a new terminal
building. This terminal will be a public building and will provide pilots and
passengers with restrooms and a convenient space to rest and prepare for
flights. Ashley Municipal joined the National Plan of Integrated Airport
Systems in 2017, making them eligible for federal funding. Since then, Ashley
has made significant improvements to the airport which includes rehabilitation
of all airfield pavements and the installation of a new lighting system. This
past year, Ashley also became the first airport in ND to install and join the
FAA’s Weather Camera program. These four cameras are pointed in separate
directions, and constantly update with new photos every few minutes, giving
pilots an excellent live view of the current weather conditions at the airport.
Ashley Municipal also excelled over the past years in
community outreach. The airport consistently works with the Ashley Medical
Center and assists in coordinating flights for passengers to ensure both
flights and ambulances work to make transportation as quick and efficient as
possible. The airport is also currently developing instrument approach
procedures, which guide and allow medical flights to land at the airport during
inclement weather. The airport also regularly meets with city and county officials
to educate & inform the public on the impacts and value that the airport
brings to the Ashley area.
The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) has released
the monthly report that provides information relating to the airline passenger
traffic at the eight commercial service airports within the state.
Commercial airline boarding numbers for January 2024 reached
94,504 passengers, which represents a growth of 3,525 boardings or a 4%
increase from January of 2023.
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced an award of
$3,984,102 to airports across the state of North Dakota. This Airport
Infrastructure Grants (AIG) funding will be distributed as follows:
$2,566,048 to Bismarck Municipal Airport for the construction of a service road to the snow removal equipment building.
$144,000 to the Bowman County Airport Authority to fund the final phase of construction on a new 8,000 square foot steel hanger for aircraft storage and maintenance service.
$38,700 to the Casselton Robert Miller Regional Airport Authority for the final phase of construction for a project rehabilitating 3,900 feet of runway to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement.
North Dakota’s commercial service airports finished calendar
year 2023 with a statewide total of 1,136,828 airline passenger boardings. This
is a growth of 108,669 passengers and an 11% overall increase from calendar
year 2022. Seven of the airports also finished the year with higher passenger
counts than in 2022 and Fargo and Devils Lake recorded their best year on
record.
In 2023, the airports also tallied 1,137,485 passenger
deplanements for a grand total of 2,274,313 passengers (arrivals and
departures) that traveled through the commercial service terminal buildings of
North Dakota over the past year.
The aviation industry has been adversely affected since the
beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic when the country experienced a significant
decline in passenger numbers beginning in March of 2020. That year, airline
passenger demand dropped by over 50% and North Dakota recorded an annual total
of 572,093 passenger boardings. Since that time, airline passenger demand has
seen a remarkable recovery, and the current data reveals that air travel demand
remains strong in North Dakota.
The current growth in passenger demand bolsters the
justification for airlines to look to add more flights, destinations, and seat
capacity to North Dakota’s airports. Airlines, however; continue to cite
challenges in their ability to upscale as they continue to grapple with a
shortage of pilots and other aviation related jobs. The need for a growing
aviation workforce will continue to create opportunities for our youth to
consider a career in the aviation sector. Pilots, aircraft mechanics, airport
operators, and unmanned aircraft technicians are just a few of the exciting
career options that are projected to continue to be in high demand.
Despite all challenges, North Dakota continues to provide
the public with a high level of air service availability as the state’s
airports provide the public with six continual non-stop destination options and
an additional four seasonal non-stop options. All eight of the commercial
service airports in North Dakota also continue to provide their communities
with reliable jet service options.
“North Dakota’s airports achieved an impressive 11% annual
increase in passengers during 2023 and have officially rebounded from many of
the pandemic-induced challenges,” stated Kyle Wanner, Executive Director of the
North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. The
numbers tell a story of determination and growth while also showcasing the
state’s commitment to providing our citizens and guests with strong and
reliable air service. As we look to the future, the aviation industry will
continue to support our diversifying economy while also providing incredible
career opportunities for the next generation.”
Calendar Year 2023 Boarding Records:
The Fargo Hector International Airport achieved
a new annual passenger record with 516,071 passenger boardings. The previous
calendar record for the airport was set in 2019 with 471,333 passengers. This
growth has prompted the airport to move forward with a terminal expansion which
will begin construction in the spring of 2024.
The Devils Lake Airport also achieved a new
annual passenger record with 8,087 passenger boardings. The previous calendar
record for the airport was set in 2019 with 6,973 passengers.
