BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Airline passenger levels in North Dakota and throughout the rest of the country continue their slow recovery from the historically low passenger numbers that were seen in the previous two months.

The lower passenger demand is directly attributed concerns related to the COVID-19 virus.

North Dakota’s eight commercial service airports during the month of June posted a total of 24,313 passengers boardings which amounts to 24% of the passengers that the airports experienced during the same month last year. This is higher than the 5% passenger volume experienced in April or the 14% that was seen in May.

During the first half of calendar year 2020, North Dakota’s commercial service airports have provided a total of 309,217 passenger boardings. This is a decline of 270,864 passengers or a 47% decrease from this same time period in 2019.

“We have now had two consecutive months of passenger growth since the month of April; however, our passengers counts are still only at 24% of pre-crisis levels. Concerns regarding further spread of COVID-19 currently limits the upside of the airline industry and its ability to attract additional demand.” stated Kyle Wanner, Executive Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission.

“Airports in North Dakota and throughout the country are working hard on a daily basis to implement recommended practices to help ensure a safe environment for those who either want or need to utilize air transportation.”