BISMARCK – North Dakota’s eight commercial service and regional airports had their busiest July on record as boarding numbers reached 112,141 passengers for the month. This surpasses the previous record of 111,209 passengers that was set in July 2014, according to the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission.

This month’s figures also represent a significant year-over-year growth of 12,693 boardings, which is a 13% increase compared to July 2023, the commission reported.

“The rising passenger numbers continue to be a positive indicator of the confidence travelers have in our airports and the broader economic outlook of North Dakota,” said Kyle Wanner, executive director of the aeronautics commission.

Minot boardings were up 38.4% in July, followed by Williston’s increase of 17.25% and Bismarck’s increase of 15.8%. Minot saw 16,281 boardings, compared to 11,762 in July 2023.

Year to date, 97,177 passengers have boarded in Minot, up from 82,088 passengers, or 18.38%, during the same period a year ago. Minot’s boardings trail Fargo at 310,489 passengers and Bismarck with 167,352 boardings so far this year. Williston boardings of 53,046 are up 29.2% for the year.

Fargo’s Hector International Airport achieved a new monthly passenger record with 48,344 passenger boardings in July. The previous record for the airport for July was set in 2023 with 44,902 passengers.

The Devils Lake Airport also achieved a new monthly passenger record with 1,050 passenger boardings. The previous record for the airport for July was set in 2023 with 1,032 passengers.