July 20, 2026
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.
June 18, 2026
North Dakota's commercial service airports recorded 104,951 passenger boardings during May 2026, making it the second-highest May passenger total in state history. The total was just 2.4 percent below the record-setting May 2025 level, demonstrating continued strong demand for air travel across the state.
June 2, 2026
The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission has finalized and approved approximately $19.2 million in state infrastructure grant allocations for public airports across North Dakota. The investments will support critical maintenance, safety, and development projects at both commercial service and general aviation airports, helping strengthen the long-term reliability and performance of the state’s aviation system.
May 13, 2026
North Dakota’s commercial airports recorded 105,393 passenger boardings during April, establishing a new statewide passenger record for the month and surpassing the previous April high of 104,271 boardings set in 2025. Airline capacity within North Dakota also continued to strengthen during April. Compared to April 2025, airlines provided approximately 3,500 additional passenger seats and operated 84 additional scheduled flights across the state’s commercial service airports.
April 16, 2026
North Dakota’s commercial airports recorded 117,481 passenger boardings in March 2026, a 4.6 percent decrease from the record-setting March 2025 total of 123,187. Despite this decline, March 2026 ranks as the second-strongest March on record, reflecting continued strength in seasonal spring travel demand across the state.
March 20, 2026
North Dakota’s commercial service airports recorded 105,263 passenger boardings in February 2026, remaining in line with the record-setting levels observed in February 2025 and reflecting continued stability in air travel demand across the state. Demand is expected to strengthen in the coming months, though the trajectory may depend in part on the duration and resolution of federal funding uncertainties affecting the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
March 12, 2026
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.
March 12, 2026
The Minot International Airport has been named North Dakota’s 2025 Commercial Service Airport of the Year, while the New Town Municipal Airport has been recognized as the 2025 General Aviation Airport of the Year. These awards were presented during the North Dakota Aviation Association’s FLY-ND Conference awards banquet, held in Minot on March 10th, 2026.
March 2, 2026
Governor Armstrong has officially proclaimed March 2026 as Aviation Month in North Dakota! In our state, aviation is critical infrastructure. It powers economic growth, supports emergency response and agriculture, strengthens military readiness, connects businesses to worldwide markets, and serves as a lifeline for rural communities. From commercial service airports to general aviation airfields, from advanced UAS operations to air medical transport, aviation continues to drive North Dakota’s economy and elevate our quality of life.
March 2, 2026
North Dakota’s commercial service airports recorded 103,350 passenger boardings in January 2026, a 2 percent decrease compared to the record setting January 2025. Even with the slight year-over-year decline, January 2026 ranks as the second busiest January in state history.