BISMARCK, N.D. — Passenger traffic at North Dakota’s eight commercial airports in November nearly doubled from last year, despite the surging coronavirus.
Year-to-date boardings in November were ahead of 2020 at all eight airports in Bismarck, Minot, Williston, Dickinson, Grand Forks, Fargo, Devils Lake and Jamestown. Statewide, they were up about 53%, but down 26% from 2019.
According to the state Aeronautics Commission, 83,429 people boarded planes at the eight airports during November.
Additional travel demand during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend was reminiscent of pre-pandemic levels, and mild weather limited flight disruptions, according to Aeronautics Commissioner Kyle Wanner, the Bismarck Tribune reported.
Airports in Fargo, Jamestown and Devils Lake had November 2021 boardings above their 2019 figure. The state’s largest airport, Hector International in Fargo, had its best November on record, according to the commission.
Meanwhile, millions of dollars in funding is on the way for upgrades at airports in the state through the new federal infrastructure bill. It will provide an initial $18.9 million to North Dakota’s 53 airports.
