JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Jamestown Regional Airport reported 890 boardings in September, marking a modest year-over-year increase of just over 1%. The steady rise in passengers reflects a broader trend of growth across North Dakota’s commercial service airports, with the state experiencing record-breaking airline passenger traffic last month.

According to the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC), a total of 98,371 passengers boarded flights across the state’s eight airports in September, setting a new record for the month. The previous high, set in September 2014, was 92,703 passengers. The September 2024 figures also represent an 8% increase over September 2023, with 7,101 more passengers, a media release states.

This marks the fifth consecutive month of record-breaking passenger numbers across North Dakota, with passenger totals for the year (through the first nine months) up by 77,492 passengers, or 9%, compared to the same period last year. NDAC officials noted that the state is on track to close out 2024 with its highest-ever annual passenger traffic.

Williston Basin International Airport saw Sun Country Airlines resume its twice-weekly direct flights to Las Vegas on September 5th, with the service running through December 17th. Minot International Airport experienced a temporary halt in air service to Orlando/Sanford in September by Allegiant Airlines, though flights resumed in October.

Two of North Dakota’s airports achieved new monthly passenger records. Fargo Hector International Airport saw 43,514 passengers board flights in September, surpassing the previous record of 41,452 passengers set in 2023. Devils Lake Airport recorded 699 passenger boardings, setting a new monthly record and breaking the previous record of 604 passengers in August 2023.