The New Town Municipal Airport also has been recognized as the 2025 General Aviation Airport of the Year for its leadership in strengthening aviation infrastructure, expanding emergency access and fostering a strong connection between the airport and the surrounding community.

According to information from the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, the Minot airport remained engaged throughout 2025 with its community by hosting educational tours for local students and welcoming service organizations and civic groups into the aviation environment. The airport also supported several meaningful community initiatives, including a potluck and food drive to assist federal employees during the government shutdown. Memorable events throughout the year included multiple Make-A-Wish adventure send-offs and the airport’s first North Dakota Honor Flight.

Safety continues to be a defining priority for the Minot International Airport, the aeronautics commission stated. In 2025, the airport conducted its triennial full-scale disaster response exercise in coordination with local law enforcement, fire departments, EMS providers and regional hospitals. More than 100 volunteers participated as simulated victims, allowing emergency responders and medical personnel to test coordination and response procedures during a large-scale aviation emergency. Additional safety initiatives included fuel-spill response training, winter operations exercises and continued investment in employee training and development.

Over the past year, the Minot airport advanced key infrastructure improvements that enhance both safety and passenger experience. The airport completed a multi-year project to mitigate wetlands and improve drainage across the airfield, reducing wildlife hazards and strengthening operational safety. Inside the terminal, a new public address system replaced aging equipment, restoring clear building-wide communication and ensuring reliable messaging for operational updates and emergency notifications.

Submitted Photo Minot International Airport representatives accept the 2025 Commercial Service Airport of the Year award during the North Dakota Aviation Association's FLY-ND Conference awards banquet on March 10. From left are Kyle Wanner, director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission; Judy Norby, Minot Airport Safety & Security specialist; Jessica Long, Minot Airport Business and Development manager; Maria Romanick, Airport Operations and Maintenance manager; Jennifer Eckman, Minot Airport director; and Ryan Riesinger, president of the North Dakota Airport Association. Photo from the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission.

“This achievement reflects the commitment our entire team has to providing safe, reliable and welcoming service to the traveling public,” Airport Director Jennifer Eckman said in information from the City of Minot. “This recognition is not the result of one project or one achievement. It is the product of the collective work done across the airport. From maintaining safe airfield operations during challenging winter conditions to assisting passengers, maintaining facilities, coordinating operations, hosting education tours and supporting our partners, every role contributes to the success of this airport, and I look forward to continuing to build on this success together.”

In 2025, the New Town Municipal Airport completed a 300-foot runway extension, bringing the total runway length to 3,740 feet. This improvement expands the range of aircraft able to safely operate at the airport, including critical air medical aircraft such as the Beechcraft King Air 200 and the Pilatus PC�’12. With these capabilities, the airport provides an enhanced level of emergency access for the region, enabling faster patient transport and improved connectivity to medical facilities when time is most critical, according to the aeronautics commission.

The project also reflects strong local leadership and investment. More than 90% of the project funding was secured through local sources, including $300,000 contributed by the airport and the City of New Town, along with a $1.25 million grant from the Mountrail County Job Development Authority.

The New Town airport also maintains a vibrant relationship with the community it serves. Each year the airport hosts a fly-in and pancake breakfast that attracts hundreds of visitors and aviation enthusiasts. The event has featured aircraft fly-bys from historic warbirds associated with the Dakota Territory Air Museum and offers members of the public an opportunity to experience aviation firsthand. Local pilots volunteer their time to provide complimentary discovery flights for individuals interested in learning to fly.

These outreach efforts have helped cultivate a growing aviation culture within the community. In recent years, the airport has welcomed new pilots, increased aircraft activity and expanded local interest in aviation, demonstrating how a community-focused airport can serve as both a transportation asset and a gateway to the next generation of aviators.