Jill schramm/MDN Travelers line up at TSA check-in area before boarding their flights at the Minot International Airport last year.

BISMARCK – North Dakota’s commercial service airports recorded the highest monthly total of passenger boardings in the state’s history in March.

The eight airports recorded 123,180 boardings in March, according to the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. This figure surpasses the previous record of 117,380 set in December 2024 and marks the 11th consecutive month of record-breaking passenger volumes statewide.

Boardings at Minot International Airport were up 14.7% in March over the same month a year ago. The 16,465 boardings ranks as the fourth highest for March in the airport’s history. The March record occurred in 2014 with 19,991 boardings, the aeronautics commission reported.

For the year to date through March, Minot saw 44,147 boardings, up 10.7% from 2024 and the highest number for the first quarter of the year in the past 10 years.

Compared to March 2024, the statewide numbers represent a 20% year over-year increase, with 20,468 additional passengers boarding North Dakota’s airports throughout this month.

March is historically one of the busiest months for air travel in North Dakota, largely driven by spring break travel, the aeronautics commission reported. This year, that seasonal activity was further bolstered by increased airline service, including additional flight frequency and expanded seat capacity, both of which played a crucial role in meeting the rising demand, the commission stated in a news release.

In a snapshot, throughout March 2024, airlines offered 123,895 seats and operated 1,461 flight departures statewide. In March 2025, those numbers increased to 154,128 seats and 1,828 flight departures, showcasing significant growth in both capacity and connectivity.

“These record-breaking numbers reflect not only strong demand from the traveling public but also the commitment of our airline partners to enhance service in our communities by increasing both capacity and flight frequency,” said Kyle Wanner, executive director of the aeronautics commission. “As more people are choosing to fly, it’s clear that the investments being made at our airports to expand air service options are making a positive impact for travelers across the state.”

Statistics show Hector International Airport in Fargo experienced its busiest month ever, with 56,399 passenger boardings, surpassing its previous all-time high set in December 2024. This also marks a new record for the month of March, exceeding the prior peak of 48,032 set in 2023. Bismarck Municipal Airport also experienced its busiest month ever, with 29,343 passenger boardings, surpassing its previous all-time high set in December 2019. This also marks a new record for the month of March, exceeding the prior peak of 27,623 set in 2019.