Central ND News

The Fargo Hector International Airport and the Stanley Municipal Airport have been recognized as North Dakota's 2024 Commercial Service Airport of the Year and General Aviation Airport of the Year, respectively. These accolades were awarded at the North Dakota Aviation Association’s FLY-ND Conference awards banquet in Fargo on March 4, 2025.

Sponsored by the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission and the Airport Association of North Dakota, these awards honor airports that excel in community outreach, facility management, infrastructure improvements, and special events hosting.

Both airports have shown exceptional dedication to aviation and community service. For more information about these awards and past recipients, visit the ND Aeronautics Commission's website.

The Fargo Hector International Airport was commended for its contributions to community engagement, aviation excellence, and infrastructure growth. "This recognition is made possible through the continued leadership of Airport Director Shawn Dobberstein," whose efforts have been pivotal to the airport’s success.

Over the past year, Hector International has hosted student tours for local high schoolers, welcomed civic groups, and partnered with The Arts Partnership to launch ARTWorks—a program featuring local artists and live performances in its terminal. The airport has also improved safety measures by upgrading its security system and conducting a crisis response exercise with first responders.

As North Dakota’s only small hub airport, Hector International set a record with 547,000 passenger enplanements in 2024. To meet growing travel demand, it has started a major terminal expansion project that includes new parking facilities and expanded security checkpoints.

The Stanley Municipal Airport was acknowledged for its advancements in aviation growth marked by a new turf crosswind runway that enhances safety during challenging wind conditions. This project was achieved through collaboration between the FAA, North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, City of Stanley, and funding from their County Job Development Authority.

Stanley Municipal also fosters community engagement through an annual fly-in pancake breakfast event and job shadowing opportunities for local students interested in aviation careers.

Both airports received their respective awards during the conference banquet on March 4th. Present at the ceremony were representatives from each airport along with officials from relevant organizations.