Williston Air Travel Climbs As Statewide Boardings Continue To Rise

Passenger boardings at Williston Basin International Airport continued to climb in September, reflecting steady growth in western North Dakota’s air travel demand.

The airport recorded 9,780 boardings last month, a 6.4 percent increase from September 2024, according to data from the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. Year-to-date, Williston boardings reached 76,605, up 7.9 percent from the same period last year. The increase places Williston among the state’s strongest performers, fueled by regional economic stability and continued oilfield and service industry activity.

Statewide, commercial airports combined for 103,559 boardings in September, marking a 5.3 percent rise over last year. For the first nine months of 2025, North Dakota airports handled 993,080 passengers, an 8.7 percent increase compared to 2024.

North Dakota’s commercial airports by the numbers

Bismarck led central North Dakota travel in September with 23,729 boardings, a 1.6 percent increase from 2024. The capital's airport has handled 231,792 passengers so far this year, up 7.3 percent.

Fargo’s Hector International Airport remains the state’s busiest, posting 46,258 September boardings and a 10.9 percent year-to-date gain.

Minot International saw 13,749 boardings, rising 10.7 percent from last year.

Grand Forks recorded 6,255 passengers, up 3.9 percent.

Williston Basin International logged 9,780 boardings, a 6.4 percent jump.

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Jamestown posted the most impressive growth, up 25 percent year-to-date, with 903 September passengers. Devils Lake followed with 752, climbing 7.6 percent, while Dickinson slightly declined to 2,133, down 0.3 percent.