North Dakota Air Travel Dips But Fargo’s Airport Bucks The Trend
Passenger traffic at Williston Basin International Airport fell in January, following a broader statewide trend in air travel to start the year.
According to the monthly report put out by the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, Williston Basin International Airport (XWA) recorded 6,957 boardings in January, down 6.1% from January the year prior. Despite the year-over-year decline, Williston’s passenger totals remain well above pre-pandemic levels. A trend that coincides with the region's continued economic growth post-boom.
Across North Dakota, commercial airports reported a combined 103,350 boardings in January, a 2.12% decrease compared to last year.
The state’s largest airport, Hector International Airport in Fargo, was a notable exception. It saw passenger numbers rise 2.39% to 49,186 boardings, the highest total among the state’s commercial service airports.
Other major airports posted declines. Bismarck recorded 23,359 boardings, down 3.79%. Minot reported 12,970 passengers, a 6.36% decrease. Grand Forks dropped 10.53% to 7,724 boardings.
Among smaller regional airports, results varied widely. Devils Lake saw the largest increase, rising 9.32% to 704 boardings. Jamestown also posted a gain of 6.1%. Dickinson, however, experienced the steepest decline in the state, falling 16.16% to 1,702 passengers.
Commercial service airports, including Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot and Williston, collectively declined 1.97%, while regional airports dropped 6.66%.
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