WILLISTON – Williston Basin International Airport (XWA) welcomed the first Sun Country Airlines flight SY 171 from Las Vegas on Thursday evening.

Airport and Williston Fire Department staff welcomed the incoming flight with a water salute on the tarmac and greeted flyers as they exited the plane.

Anthony Dudas, airport director, welcomed disembarking passengers and presented them with commemorative poker chips to celebrate the arrival of Sun Country Airlines at XWA.

“I am ecstatic we are beginning direct, low cost, flights from XWA to Las Vegas provided by Sun Country Airlines,” said Dudas. “This would not have been possible at our former airport, and it is truly exciting to be able to accommodate and offer new travel options.”

The City of Williston partnered with Sun Country to provide the flights.

That evening, the same Sun Country plane, flight SY 172, turned around and flew back to Las Vegas with passengers from Williston and the surrounding communities.

Currently, this seasonal service to Las Vegas will pause on Nov. 28, due to staffing and aircraft shortages among other reasons.