The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) has released its June 2026 airline passenger statistics for the state’s eight commercial service airports.
With the first half of 2026 now complete, North Dakota’s commercial service airports have recorded 642,823 passenger boardings, a decrease of 1.8 percent from the 654,350 passengers recorded during the same period in 2025. Despite the modest decline, passenger activity remains strong and represents the second-highest January-through-June total on record.
Airlines also continued expanding service across North Dakota during June, offering 133,395 departing seats—a 1.4 percent increase over the same month last year. Carriers operated 1,757 scheduled departures while maintaining an exceptional level of operational reliability. Only 17 flights were canceled statewide during the month, resulting in a cancellation rate of approximately one percent. Average flight load factors remained near 80 percent, demonstrating that the additional capacity continued to be well supported by passenger demand.
Passenger activity continues to vary among individual markets during the first half of the year. Fargo, Devils Lake, Jamestown, and Williston experienced stable or increasing passenger activity, while Bismarck, Dickinson, Grand Forks, and Minot recorded modest declines compared to the same period in 2025. Such variation is common as airlines adjust schedules, aircraft capacity, and seasonal service to respond to changing demand and operational considerations.
“North Dakota’s commercial aviation system continues to demonstrate its strength,” said Kyle Wanner, Executive Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. “While some markets have experienced airline service adjustments, carriers continue to invest in North Dakota by expanding capacity and adding service where opportunities exist. Overall demand for commercial air travel remains strong, operational reliability is excellent, and our airport and community leaders will continue working to strengthen and expand commercial air service across the state.”
Continued demand for commercial air travel is also occurring alongside significant investments in airport infrastructure across North Dakota. Airports throughout the state are modernizing terminals, reconstructing runways, and improving airfield facilities to enhance the passenger experience, increase operational efficiency, and position their communities for future growth.
Air Service Updates:
- Minot: United Airlines has expanded its Denver service by adding a fourth daily departure.
- Williston: Delta Air Lines has announced that it will suspend its nonstop service to Minneapolis effective September 7th, 2026. Williston will continue to be served by United Airlines with multiple daily flights to Denver.
- Grand Forks: Allegiant Airlines has temporarily suspended its seasonal nonstop service to Las Vegas. The route is scheduled to resume in September 2026.
Individual Airport June Passenger Records:
- The Fargo Hector International Airport established a new June passenger record with 50,959 boardings, surpassing its previous June record of 47,898 set in 2025.
- The Devils Lake Regional Airport established a new June passenger record with 1,044 boardings, surpassing its previous June record of 905 set in 2025.
View the June Airline Boarding Report
