(Bismarck, ND) – The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) has released its monthly report detailing airline passenger traffic at the state's eight commercial service airports.

With 98,371 passengers boarding flights within North Dakota this past month, it marks the busiest September on record, surpassing the previous high of 92,703 passengers set in September of 2014.

The September 2024 figures reflect a year-over-year increase of 7,101 passengers, representing an 8% rise over September 2023. Additionally, this marks the fifth consecutive month of record-breaking passenger numbers for the state.

North Dakota’s airports continue to experience strong growth, with passenger totals for the year (through the first 9 months) up by 77,492 passengers or 9% compared to the same 9 month period in 2023.

The state currently remains on pace to close out 2024 with its highest-ever annual passenger traffic.

Air Service Updates:

• Williston Basin International Airport Update: Sun Country Airlines resumed their twice weekly direct air service to Las Vegas on September 5th. This service will continue through December 17th.
• Minot International Airport Update: Allegiant Airlines temporarily halted air service for the month of September to Orlando/Sanford Airport. They resumed regular air service on this route in October.

September Passenger Records:

• The Fargo Hector International Airport achieved a new monthly passenger record with 43,514 passenger boardings. The previous record for the airport for the month of September was set in 2023 with 41,452 passengers.
• The Devils Lake Airport also achieved a new monthly passenger record with 699 passenger boardings. The previous record for the airport for the month of August was set in 2023 with 604 passengers.

September 2024 Statewide Airline Passenger Statistics

• Total Airline Passenger Boardings: 98,371
• Available Airline Departure Seats: 126,120
• Average Aircraft Load Factor: 78%
• Number of Successful Airline Departure Flights: 1,567
• Number of Airline Departure Flight Cancellations: 2
• Airline Departure Flight Cancellation Rate: 0.1%

September 2024 Airline Boarding Report