Passenger boardings at North Dakota’s eight commercial airports climbing

January 10, 2022

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Passenger traffic at North Dakota’s eight commercial airports in November nearly doubled from last year, despite the surging coronavirus.

Year-to-date boardings in November were ahead of 2020 at all eight airports in Bismarck, Minot, Williston, Dickinson, Grand Forks, Fargo, Devils Lake and Jamestown. Statewide, they were up about 53%, but down 26% from 2019.

According to the state Aeronautics Commission, 83,429 people boarded planes at the eight airports during November.

Additional travel demand during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend was reminiscent of pre-pandemic levels, and mild weather limited flight disruptions, according to Aeronautics Commissioner Kyle Wanner, the Bismarck Tribune reported.

“It’s wonderful to once again see certain airports experience pre-pandemic levels of passengers as the traveling public continues to look to aviation as a safe and comfortable way to bring friends and family together,” he said.

Airports in Fargo, Jamestown and Devils Lake had November 2021 boardings above their 2019 figure. The state’s largest airport, Hector International in Fargo, had its best November on record, according to the commission.

“We hope to end the year on a high note that provides for positive travel experiences and a continuation of the recovery in passenger demand,” Wanner said.

Meanwhile, millions of dollars in funding is on the way for upgrades at airports in the state through the new federal infrastructure bill. It will provide an initial $18.9 million to North Dakota’s 53 airports.