According to the State Aviation Commission, North Dakota’s eight commercial airports handled 102,030 passengers in June, up 12% from June 2023. This beat the previous record for the month of 100,067 passengers set in June 2014.

“The record-breaking passenger numbers we have experienced over the past summer months are excellent news for the economic vitality of our state,” said Commission Executive Director Kyle Wanner. “Our airports are thriving and continue to work hard to provide excellent service and connectivity to our residents and visitors.”

All airports reported an increase in passengers in June, except for Grand Forks (down 5.5%) and Jamestown, where the airport was closed from May 7 to June 13 for a planned road reconstruction project. The airport reopened on June 14, but reported a 75.6% decrease in passenger numbers for the month.

Increases were recorded in: Minot 9.4%, Dickinson 10.1%, Devils Lake 12%, Fargo 12.8%, Bismarck 14.5% and Williston 38.6%. Fargo and Devils Lake airports reported record June passenger traffic of 45,301 and 887 passengers respectively. The previous June record for both airports was set last year.

All airports expect Grand Forks (minus 2.9%) and Jamestown (minus 26.1%) to also have passenger numbers above the previous year’s level at mid-year: Fargo plus 3%, Dickinson 9.9%, Minot 12.9%, Bismarck 13.8%, Devils Lake 24.6% and Williston 31.8%.

The average aircraft load factor across the state was 78% in June. There were 1,466 departures and 74 cancellations, for a cancellation rate of 4.8%.

Delta Air Lines had the largest market share in North Dakota this month with 39%, followed by United with 25% and Allegiant with 18%. American had 14% and Frontier had 4%.

Travelers can fly nonstop from Bismarck to Minneapolis, Denver, Dallas, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Orlando and Tampa Bay.

The full boarding report for June can be found at bit.ly/3Ls2zYW.

Meanwhile, some airports in central and western North Dakota are receiving a share of millions of dollars in federal grants for various projects, according to U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D.

The money comes from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program and Airport Infrastructure Grant Program. Much of it is earmarked for work at Dunseith and Fargo airports.

Additional funds will be given to the airports in Tioga ($91,393), Dickinson ($104,660), Minot ($300,000), Kenmare ($365,573), Ashley ($375,871), Williston ($722,627), Mandan ($722,732) and Linton ($813,149).