North Dakota Aeronautics Commission announced on Apr. 16 that the state’s airports experienced their second-highest spring travel numbers on record this March, with a total of 117,481 airline passenger boardings and an average aircraft load factor of 78%.
This sustained demand highlights the continued importance of air service for North Dakota residents and businesses, as well as ongoing confidence from airlines serving the region. While overall airline capacity for March was slightly reduced to 150,469 available departure seats compared to last year’s record levels, it remains higher than historical averages.
Executive Director Kyle Wanner said, “While passenger volumes have moderated slightly from last year’s record pace, the overall demand environment remains very strong.” Wanner also addressed operational concerns nationwide: “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.”
The Devils Lake Regional Airport set a new monthly passenger record with 1,133 boardings in March, surpassing its previous high set in March 2024. Across North Dakota’s airports there were a total of 1,760 successful airline departure flights during the month. The number of flight cancellations stood at 35—resulting in an airline departure flight cancellation rate of two percent.
Travelers across several major U.S. airports faced longer TSA wait times during this period due to ongoing workforce and funding issues within the Department of Homeland Security. Although recent TSA paychecks have provided some relief for travelers and staff alike, broader funding challenges remain unresolved as DHS continues operations under partial government shutdown conditions.
As North Dakota heads into peak summer travel season, officials say they will continue monitoring both local trends and national developments affecting airport operations.
