List of airports in North Dakota
Introduction
North Dakota’s diverse landscape—from the rolling prairies of the Central Region to the rugged plains of the western frontier—relies heavily on efficient air transport. Whether you’re a business traveler heading to Fargo’s bustling downtown, a logistics professional coordinating freight shipments across state lines, or a tourist eager to explore the Badlands, knowing the full spectrum of airports in North Dakota can make all the difference.
This guide provides a comprehensive list of airports across the state, highlights key features of major hubs, and offers practical tips for planning your travels or shipments.
Why Knowing the Airport Locations Matters
- Travel Planning: Locate the nearest airport to your destination and assess flight options.
- Business Operations: Identify strategic hubs for cargo, staff travel, or regional meetings.
- Emergency Preparedness: Understand the airfield network for medical evacuations or disaster relief.
- Economic Development: Assess transportation infrastructure for investment or expansion projects.
Major Airports in North Dakota
| Airport | City | IATA | ICAO | FAA | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hector International Airport | Fargo | FAR | KFAR | FAR | Largest airport in North Dakota; serves over 2.8M passengers annually. |
| Bismarck Municipal Airport | Bismarck | BIS | KBIS | BIS | Main gateway to the state capital. |
| Grand Forks International Airport | Grand Forks | GFK | KGFK | GFK | Handles a mix of passenger, cargo, and general aviation traffic. |
| Minot International Airport | Minot | MOT | KMOT | MOT | Key cargo hub; serves the northern region. |
| Williston Basin International Airport | Williston | ISI | KISI | ISI | Recent expansion supports the energy sector. |
Regional and Community Airports
| Airport | City | IATA | ICAO | FAA | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devils Lake Regional Airport | Devils Lake | DLR | KDLR | DLR | Primary air service for the northern plains. |
| Jamestown Municipal Airport | Jamestown | JMS | KJMS | JMS | Supports local aviation and emergency services. |
| Hectorville Municipal Airport | Hectorville | KHVC | HVC | General aviation; charter service. | |
| North Central Field | Jamestown | KJMS | JMS | Historically significant for flight training. | |
| Towner Municipal Airport | Towner | TOW | KTOW | TOW | Small public-use field for the southwestern county. |
| Williston Municipal Airport | Williston | WIL | KWIL | WIL | Secondary airport, mainly general aviation. |
How to Use the Airport List
- Determine Your Destination – Match the city or region to its nearest airport.
- Check Flight Availability – Major hubs like Hector International (FAR) and Bismarck Municipal (BIS) regularly list commercial flights.
- Review Airport Services – Look for cargo facilities, customs availability, and ground transportation options.
- Consider Alternate Routes – Some smaller fields handle general aviation or charter flights; useful for remote access.
- Plan Logistics – Use distance and connectivity data to optimize freight or supply chain routes.
FAQ
Q1. Which is the busiest airport in North Dakota?
A1. Hector International Airport (FAR) in Fargo is the busiest, handling over 2.8 million passengers annually.
Q2. Are there any airports in North Dakota with international flights?
A2. Yes, Hector International and Grand Forks International serve occasional international flights, primarily to Canada.
Q3. How can I arrange a charter flight to a small community airport?
A3. Contact local aviation service providers or consult the FAA’s database for each field’s charter capabilities and runway specifications.
Q4. Which airport’s facilities are best suited for cargo operations?
A4. Minot International (MOT) and Williston Basin International (ISI) have significant cargo operations, supporting the energy and freight industries.
Q5. Are there any airstrips for general aviation in the western part of the state?
A5. Yes, Towner Municipal (TOW) and Devils Lake Regional (DLR) serve general aviation and smaller aircraft operations.
Resources
- FAA Airport Data – Comprehensive, up-to-date information on all U.S. airports: FAA Airport Facility Directory
- North Dakota Department of Transportation – Aviation – State‑specific aviation policies, funding, and infrastructure reports: ND DOT Aviation
- AirNav – Detailed airport charts, runway data, and navigation aids: AirNav Airport Information
- SkyVector – Free aeronautical charting service with real‑time weather: SkyVector
- U.S. Travel Association – Statistics on travel trends and air traffic: U.S. Travel Association
Feel free to explore these resources for deeper insights into North Dakota’s aviation landscape or for planning your next trip or shipment!
