Q2 at Hector: Building Community, Celebrating Progress

Welcoming Brooks Burgum to the Airport Authority Board

Brooks Burgum was appointed to a five-year term on the Airport Authority board this quarter by the mayor of Fargo. As the co-founder and CEO of LongWater, Burgum leads capital formation, governance, strategic direction and performance enhancement across the firm's growing suite of investment strategies. Brooks holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of North Dakota and an MBA in Finance from Southern Methodist University. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Bell Bank and the Burgum Foundation, and lives in Fargo with his wife and three children.

Municipal airport authority board members include:

• Chair - Rick Berg

• Vice Chair - Dr. Dean Bresciani

• Paula Ekman

• John Cosgriff

A Farewell to Board Member: James Kapitan

Hector International Airport would like to thank James (Jim) Kapitan for his years of dedicated service to the airport. Kapitan served a five-year term as an Airport Authority board member beginning in 2021. During his time on the board, he provided key aviation expertise with over 40 years in the industry, supported the MAA's financial stability by advocating for local funding, and led major advancements in the terminal expansion project as board chairman. Prior to his board appointment, Kapitan was the airport manager for 18 years. Thank you, Jim, for your service!

Parking Ramp Named Project of the Year

Airport Business recognized the Hector International Airport parking ramp as a Project of the Year, celebrating our commitment to thoughtful planning and clear communication. Since its grand opening in August 2025, the four-story ramp has increased accessibility and year-round reliability for travelers. The award reflects the dedication of our team and project partners in delivering infrastructure that meets growing demand and elevates the passenger experience.

The ongoing skyway project, connecting the second floors of the parking ramp and terminal, will further enhance the passenger experience by protecting travelers from harsh weather conditions. With glass panes and ceiling panels installed, the project remains on track to be completed in December 2026.

Fargo Jet Center Hosts MQ-9 Operations

Fargo skies have seen an increase in MQ-9 operations as Fargo Jet Center at Hector International Airport hosts General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. and U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations.

Runway reconstruction at Grand Forks Air Force Base led the two MQ-9 operators to temporarily relocate to Hector through September, allowing them to continue training missions and regular operations without disruption.

North Dakota Air National Guard's 119th Wing have flown the unmanned aircraft over Fargo since 2008, but the temporary relocation is a rare example of non-U.S. government MQ-9s regularly operating on an active commercial airport.

Travel Made Easier for All

Accessibility upgrades across the terminal have made traveling easier for all. Inside the Mother's Room, nursing parents can relax in a private space with comfortable seating, clean surfaces and outlets for equipment. Family restrooms throughout the terminal expand accessibility with larger facilities featuring both child and adult changing tables.

Hidden Disability Sunflower lanyards and bracelets can be found at the first-floor Information Center desk. Anyone with a visible or nonvisible disability may wear the Sunflower, indicating to airport staff that extra time or assistance may be needed while in the airport.

A list of all amenities can be found on our website.

Checking In on Renovation Progress

The terminal renovation project continues to make steady progress. Airline ticket agents have moved to the new counters, pictured above, while the original space is remodeled. Follow signage and verify your airline is pictured on the screen behind the counter before checking in.

Rental car office renovations are complete, and the third baggage claim is now available, opening the area for arriving passengers.

Terminal renovations remain on track for completion in early 2027.

Q2 Boarding Statistics

April

The new terminal served a record breaking 722 departures this April. Airline passenger traffic showed an increase when compared to the same month in 2025. In April 2026, the passenger enplanements were 49,544. This is an increase of 4.9% when compared to April 2025 passenger enplanements of 47,232.

The total passenger count for the month was 103,380 which is up 4% over the same period last year.

Air carrier departures averaged 92 seats per flight and 3,446 total daily passengers.

May

Numbers continue to rise in May with 49,603 passenger enplanements in 2026. This is an increase of 3% when compared to the May 2025 passenger enplanements of 47,983.

The total passenger count for the month was 102,836 which is up 6% over the same period last year.

June

June marks the fifth record breaking month for the year with 50,959 passenger enplanements. This is an increase of 6% when compared to the June 2025 passenger enplanements of 47,898.

The total passenger count for the month was 104,681 which is up 7% over the same period last year.

There were 668 air carrier departures with an average of 92 seats per flight in June and an average of 3,489 total daily passengers.