January 20, 2026
North Dakota Sets New All-Time Airline Passenger Record in 2025
North Dakota’s eight commercial service airports recorded 1,322,791 airline passenger boardings, surpassing the previous record set in 2024 and marking the first time the state has exceeded 1.3 million departing passengers in a single year. This represents an increase of 76,271 passenger boardings and a 6 percent year-over-year growth rate, continuing a multi-year trend of sustained momentum. When combined with arriving passengers, more than 2.6 million total airline passengers traveled through North Dakota’s commercial airports in 2025.
January 15, 2026
Warren Pietsch to be Inducted into North Dakota's Aviation Hall of Fame
The North Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame will soon welcome one of the state’s most accomplished aviators and most respected stewards of aviation heritage. Warren Pietsch of Minot has been selected as the Hall of Fame’s 51st inductee in recognition of his lifelong commitment to aviation, his leadership in preserving historic aircraft, his service to the State of North Dakota, and his impact on pilots and aviation enthusiasts around the world.
December 16, 2025
Airline Passenger Traffic Impacted by Federal Shutdown, State Remains on Pace for Record Year
In November 2025, North Dakota airports recorded 101,211 passenger boardings, representing a 2 percent year-over-year decline compared to November 2024, or approximately 2,000 fewer travelers. This decline ends eighteen consecutive months of record-breaking passenger growth statewide, while Fargo’s nineteen-month streak of record passenger activity also came to an end—both largely due to impacts associated with the extended federal government shutdown. Despite this temporary interruption, North Dakota remains on pace to finish 2025 with its highest-ever annual passenger total.
November 13, 2025
Amid Shutdown, North Dakota's Air Travel Kept Soaring
The federal government shutdown, which began on October 1st, had minimal impact on North Dakota’s airports during the month of October. Of the nearly 1,800 scheduled airline departures statewide, only one flight was canceled during the entire month. In October 2025, North Dakota’s airports recorded 116,294 passenger boardings, setting a new all-time high for the month of October. This surpasses the previous record of 112,273 boardings set in 2024—a 4% year-over-year increase, representing more than 4,000 additional travelers.
October 21, 2025
North Dakota Airports Surpass 100,000 Passengers in September for First Time
In September 2025, North Dakota airports recorded 103,559 passenger boardings, setting a new all-time high for the month of September. This surpasses the previous record of 98,371 set in 2024—a 5% year-over-year increase, representing nearly 5,200 additional travelers. It also marks the first time airline boardings in North Dakota exceeded 100,000 in the month of September. Seven of the eight airports also posted growth compared to last September, contributing to the state’s seventeenth consecutive month of record-breaking passenger traffic.
October 1, 2025
North Dakota Honored with National Aviation Education Award for Fly-ND Aviation Career Expo
The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) is proud to announce that North Dakota has been selected as the recipient of the NASAO Center Aviation Education Program Award in recognition of its outstanding efforts to advance aviation education through the Fly-ND Aviation Career Expo. Presented annually by the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), this national award recognizes one state aviation agency each year for excellence in aviation outreach, workforce development, and public engagement. North Dakota was selected for its leadership in developing the Fly-ND Career Expo—a program that has made a significant impact in inspiring and supporting the next generation of aviation professionals across the state.
September 16, 2025
Summer Air Travel Demand Stays Strong in ND
In August 2025, North Dakota airports recorded 112,982 passenger boardings, setting a new all-time high for the month of August. This surpasses the previous record of 108,035 set in 2024—a 5% year-over-year increase, representing nearly 5,000 additional travelers.
August 21, 2025
North Dakota Sets New July Passenger Record With Over 122,000 Boardings
In July 2025, North Dakota’s eight commercial service airports recorded 122,238 passenger boardings, establishing a new all-time high for the month of July. This total surpasses the previous record of 112,141 set in 2024—a 9% year-over-year increase that represents an additional 10,097 travelers. All eight airports experienced growth compared to last July, contributing to the state’s fifteenth consecutive month of record-breaking passenger traffic. These sustained gains highlight both the strength and reliability of North Dakota’s commercial air service network.
July 16, 2025
Powder River Training Complex MOA - Proposed Changes
The U.S. Air Force has announced a proposal to modify the airspace structure of the Powder River Training Complex (PRTC) Military Operations Area (MOA) in southwest North Dakota. The proposed changes aim to enhance day-to-day military training operations and increase the capacity for Large Force Exercises (LFEs) in support of national defense objectives. To evaluate the potential social, economic, and environmental impacts, the Air Force is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
July 14, 2025
North Dakota Airports See 10% Growth in Passenger Boardings in First Half of 2025
Air travel demand in North Dakota remains strong in 2025, as both residents and visitors increasingly take advantage of the air service options available across the state. During the first six months of 2025, North Dakota’s commercial airports recorded a combined 654,304 passenger boardings. This represents a 10% increase, or 59,263 more passengers, compared to the same period in 2024.