BISMARCK – North Dakota’s commercial airports recorded 117,481 passenger boardings in March, a 4.6% decrease from the record-setting March 2025 total of 123,187, according to the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission.

Despite this decline, March 2026 ranks as the second-strongest March on record, reflecting continued strength in seasonal spring travel demand across the state, the commission stated.

Airline capacity for the month totaled 150,469 available departure seats, slightly down from 154,128 in March 2025. This measured reduction reflects airlines’ continued efforts to align capacity following last year’s record demand levels while still maintaining a high level of service across North Dakota’s markets. Even with this adjustment, overall seat capacity remains elevated compared to historical trends, reinforcing sustained airline confidence in the state’s air service network, the commission reported.

During the month, travelers at several major airports across the country experienced periods of longer traveler screening wait times, coinciding with ongoing federal workforce and funding uncertainties within the Department of Homeland Security. While short-term relief has occurred following the release of Transportation Security Administration paychecks, broader DHS funding conditions remain an area of continued monitoring, as the agency continues to operate under a partial government shutdown.

“While passenger volumes have moderated slightly from last year’s record pace, the overall demand environment remains very strong,” said Kyle Wanner, executive director of the N.D. Aeronautics Commission, in a news release. “We are also closely monitoring federal staffing and funding dynamics nationwide to help ensure a reliable and efficient travel experience as we move into the peak summer season.”

Minot International Airport’s passenger boardings in March totaled 12,998, down 21% from March 2025. Year-to-date boardings were 38,420, down about 13%.