Central ND News

The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) has reported a new milestone in airline passenger traffic for the state's eight commercial service airports. In May 2025, these airports recorded 107,560 passenger boardings, surpassing the previous record of 103,068 set in May 2024. This represents a year-over-year increase of 4% with an additional 4,492 passengers.

This achievement marks the thirteenth consecutive month of record-breaking passenger numbers in North Dakota's air transportation system.

May also saw the implementation of federal REAL ID enforcement for commercial airline travel. The transition was smooth with minimal impact at airport security checkpoints. However, the NDAC advises travelers to ensure they have a REAL ID-compliant credential or another TSA-accepted form of identification to avoid delays and additional screening at checkpoints.

Travelers are encouraged to check their identification status and obtain a REAL ID if necessary. Information on obtaining a REAL ID in North Dakota is available on the NDDOT website.

In Fargo, Hector International Airport recorded a new high for May with 47,983 passenger boardings, exceeding its previous peak of 44,547 from May 2024. This marks fourteen consecutive months of record activity for Fargo.

Statewide statistics for May included total airline passenger boardings of 107,560, available departure seats numbering 129,616, an average aircraft load factor of 83%, and successful departures totaling 1,716 flights. There were nine flight cancellations resulting in a cancellation rate of just 0.5%.