May Marks Impressive Passenger Numbers At State Airports

Passenger traffic through Sloulin Field International Airport in Williston remained steady in May, contributing to another near-record month for North Dakota’s commercial service airports, according to the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission.

Statewide, airports recorded 104,951 passenger boardings during the month, the second-highest May total on record and just 2.4 percent below May 2025. The figures point to continued demand for air travel, even as some markets saw service changes.

Williston continues to play a key role in western North Dakota’s air network, with consistent passenger activity tied to business travel and regional connections. Local numbers were not among record-setters, but airport use remained stable compared to recent trends.

Across North Dakota, the slight year-over-year decline was largely linked to reduced service in Grand Forks and Minot. Grand Forks lost Allegiant’s seasonal Las Vegas route, while Minot saw fewer leisure flights, which weighed on overall totals.

Even with those adjustments, airlines expanded available capacity. Carriers offered 136,811 departing seats in May, up 5.6 percent from a year ago, while completing 1,776 flights. Reliability also held strong, with only 12 cancellations reported statewide, a rate of 0.7 percent.

Get our free mobile app

Fargo’s Hector International Airport led the state with 49,603 passenger boardings, setting a new record for the month and continuing its position as North Dakota’s busiest airport. Devils Lake Regional Airport also posted a milestone, reaching 1,102 boardings and setting a new May record.