Hector International Airport breaks passenger record in July

FARGO — Hector International Airport’s passenger traffic continues to significantly increase, including another record-setting month in July. A record

44,902 passengers

boarded a plane at Hector in July.

The previous record for July was set in 2019 with

43,437 passengers

. July 2023 passenger boardings represent a 13% increase over 2022 numbers. The total passenger count, which includes passengers departing from and arriving at Hector, for the month was 89,022, which is up 13% over the same period last year.

There were 513 air carrier departures with an average of 98 seats per flight in July and an average of 2,872 total daily passengers.

This is the sixth monthly enplanement record in the past seven months.

“Travel numbers are continuing to increase and exceed our expectations,” said Executive Director Shawn Dobberstein via statement. “This speaks to the need of our upcoming terminal expansion project. We’re set to break ground in the spring of 2024, and we’ll be adding four additional gates to the existing terminal.”

Hector’s expansion will help the increasing number of travelers begin their travel adventures with greater

efficiencies

and functionality.

“Along with the additional gates, the expansion and redesign of the terminal will provide an improved passenger experience, modernization, post security amenities, updated TSA checkpoints, sensory friendly additions and a parking structure,” said Dobberstein. “This is a really exciting time for Hector and Fargo as a whole.” The expansion has the potential to increase airfare options as well.

Not only are Hector International Airport traveler numbers growing, but the state as a whole is seeing an increase in travel numbers. The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) has released the commercial airline boarding numbers for July 2023 recently, which show 99,448 passengers boarded a plane within the state during the month. This represents a 12% increase from the same period last year. Seven of the eight commercial service airports within the state also noted higher passenger numbers than during July 2022.

To learn more about the ongoing terminal expansion and see more monthly air travel statistics for Hector visit

fargoairport.com

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