The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) has announced the completion of the 2025 North Dakota State Aviation System Plan (NDSASP) and the 2025 North Dakota Aviation Economic Impact Study (NDAEIS), representing the state’s most comprehensive evaluation of North Dakota’s aviation system in more than a decade.
Conducted in partnership with airports, aviation businesses, state and federal agencies, industry stakeholders, and communities across North Dakota, the two studies provide an updated flight plan for the future of the state’s aviation system while documenting the significant economic contributions that aviation makes to North Dakota’s economy.
The studies found that North Dakota’s aviation and aerospace industry generates nearly $3.6 billion in annual economic output and supports approximately 28,734 jobs statewide. This includes the economic activity generated by the state’s 89 public-use airports, aerospace manufacturers, the University of North Dakota’s School of Aerospace Sciences, the unmanned aircraft systems industry, and Grand Forks and Minot Air Force Bases.
North Dakota’s public-use airports alone support an estimated 13,637 jobs, generate more than $750 million in annual payroll, and produce nearly $1.8 billion in annual economic output through airport operations, aviation businesses, capital investments, and visitor activity.
“North Dakota’s aviation system is fundamental to our state’s economy, and these studies demonstrate the value that it delivers to communities, businesses, and residents across North Dakota,” said Kyle Wanner, Executive Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. “Our airports connect communities, support critical industries, and generate billions of dollars in economic activity each year. Together, these findings reinforce that a strong aviation system is essential to North Dakota’s economic strength, statewide connectivity, and long-term competitiveness.”
In addition to documenting aviation’s current economic impact, the State Aviation System Plan evaluates existing airport infrastructure, forecasts future aviation activity, and identifies priorities that will help guide aviation investment over the next decade.
The plan estimates approximately $1.1 billion in airport infrastructure needs across North Dakota during the next ten years. While federal, state, and local funding programs are expected to support much of this investment, the study identifies an estimated $350 million funding shortfall that will require continued collaboration and strategic investment to ensure the state’s airports remain safe, efficient, and capable of supporting future transportation and economic needs.
“The aviation industry has changed significantly over the past decade,” Wanner said. “North Dakota has emerged as a national leader in areas such as unmanned aircraft systems, aerospace education, and aviation innovation while continuing to make strategic investments in both commercial service and general aviation airports. These studies provide a blueprint for future decisions that will help shape an aviation system that continues to drive economic opportunity, strengthen statewide connectivity, and enhance the quality of life for all North Dakotans.”
Public Presentation Schedule
To share the results of both studies, the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission will host four public presentations across the state. Each presentation will provide an overview of the findings, including statewide aviation trends, economic impacts, infrastructure needs, and aviation activity forecasts.
Bismarck, ND Tuesday, August 25 | 9:00–11:00 a.m. Bismarck Airport ARFF Building 2301 University Drive, Building 14
Minot, ND Tuesday, August 25 | 3:00–5:00 p.m. Minot City Council Chambers 10 3rd Avenue SW
Grand Forks, ND Wednesday, August 26 | 1:00–3:00 p.m. The Hive 375 2nd Avenue N
Fargo, ND Thursday, August 27 | 9:00–11:00 a.m. Fargo Air Museum 1609 19th Avenue North
Airport sponsors, elected officials, aviation businesses, pilots, community leaders, and members of the public are encouraged to attend.
