FARGO (KFGO) – For the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic, North Dakota’s eight commercial airports boarded over one million passengers.
North Dakota Aeronautics Commission Director Kyle Wanner said total boardings in 2022 were 1,028,159. That is an increase of 141,350 from 2021.
1,023,816 passengers deplaned at the airports, meaning a total of 2,051,975 passengers traveled through the state’s airports last year.
2019 was the last year the state’s airports saw over one million passengers. In 2020, due to COVID-19, only 572,093 passengers boarded airplanes at North Dakota commercial airports.
“This past year was one of significant challenges for the aviation industry as it worked to accommodate a large recovery in passenger demand while simultaneously experiencing significant workforce shortages,” Wanner said.
Wanner said airline passenger demand is within reach of a full recovery to pre-pandemic levels.
“The success of this recovery showcases the resiliency of our state as well as the importance and heightened standard of living that air service opportunities provide to our citizens,” Wanner said.