Parking Ramp Officially Open, New NDSCS Program & More: News From Hector Airport

NDSCS Aviation Maintenance Program Lifts Off in Fargo

North Dakota State College of Science is answering a critical workforce need with its new Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program in Fargo. The demand for certified aviation technicians grows across the country. This two-year program prepares students to step into high-skill, high-opportunity careers.

The program offers hands-on training with real aircraft, engines and FAA-approved tools. Students learn to inspect, troubleshoot and repair systems. They'll graduate ready to test for their airframe and powerplant certificates. This is a direct path to jobs in commercial aviation, corporate fleets, cargo carriers and beyond.

What makes the AMT program stand out is its strong industry support. Partners like Fargo Jet Center, Weather Modification Inc. and the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission helped shape the curriculum, donated equipment and offered mentorship. Their involvement ensures students graduate with real-world skills and job connections from day one.

Local businesses can play a key role in the program's success. Sponsorships, internships and training partnerships all help grow a stronger, more prepared workforce right here in our region.

The first class is already full, and demand is only rising. We thank NDSCS for their investment in the future of aviation in North Dakota.

Learn more at ndscs.edu.

Now Open: Parking Ramp

Our brand-new parking ramp is now officially open and available for travelers to use! Our ribbon-cutting was held in August with the Municipal Airport Authority board, the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber and several government leaders in attendance. The structure is a four-floor parking ramp with approximately 1,000 new parking spaces. The enclosed skyway that will connect the parking ramp to the terminal is currently under construction and set to be completed December 2026.

Travelers can park their cars on levels 2, 3 or 4 for $25/day, while level 1 is for pick-up and drop-off only. A friendly reminder not to leave your car unattended on level 1. To learn more about parking updates, please visit our website.

Plan Your Winter Getaway: ATL and PHX

Planning your warm winter getaway just got easier. Starting this December, we will have two additional flights heading to sunshine.

American Airlines will offer seasonal nonstop flights to Phoenix Sky Harbor in Phoenix, Arizona. Catch a tee time or strap on your hiking boots to catch a view!

Starting December 20, Delta Airlines will offer daily nonstop flights to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia. Fly there and connect to anywhere worldwide.

Book your next flight easily on our website.

Former Board Members Tour Terminal Expansion

Former Municipal Airport Authority (MAA) board members recently toured the terminal expansion they helped plan years ago. Their leadership laid the foundation for what's now becoming a reality. Collectively, their service adds up to more than 130 years of dedication to our airport and community. We thank them for their service.

Pictured from left to right: Maj. Gen. Alexander Macdonald (Ret.), R. Tracy Myers, Don Kilander, Steve Blazek, Maj. Gen. Michael Haugen (Ret.), Tammy Linn, Ken Pawluk, Erik Lind, Rick Engen. Tom Wold, Dick Walstad and Dr. Virginia Clark Johnson could not attend.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Delta and Frontier

Our amazing teams at Hector have been working hard to ensure travelers have the best possible experience, and it's showing!

Delta

Delta's Station of the Month for June 2025 was recently awarded to our Fargo Delta team for providing excellence in customer service, on-time departures, safety and baggage management.

They were the only Category D station to be awarded this important Delta honor. We're thankful for this team's daily efforts to keep flights moving smoothly and to make sure our passengers have an excellent experience.

Frontier

Our Fargo Frontier team was rightfully named the Category D Turn Champion Award winner for 2024! This crew achieved this award by having the best on-time percentage of all Category D stations for Frontier Airlines.

Not only that, but in all of 2024, the Hector Frontier team had zero station-controllable delays, delays caused by maintenance issues, baggage handling, fueling, cabin cleaning, etc., excluding external factors like the weather. A huge congratulations to this dedicated team and their hard work.

Outstanding Performance: 119th Wing

The North Dakota Air National Guard's 119th Wing, the Happy Hooligans, has received its 24th Air and Space Force Outstanding Unit Award (ASFOUA).

The award, presented during a ceremony on base, honors units that distinguish themselves through exceptional service, achievement or combat involvement.

Brig. Gen. Mitch Johnson, North Dakota adjutant general, commended the Airmen as he placed the award's streamer, praising their professionalism, excellence and mission success. Congratulations to the Happy Hooligans on another remarkable achievement.

Go Global: How To Get Global Entry

The Fargo Port of Entry is a Global Entry Enrollment Center, offering in-person interviews weekly. Once applicants receive "Conditionally Approved" status, they can schedule their interview through their Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account at ttp.dhs.gov. Fargo also is an enrollment on arrival location.

Appointment slots open weekly and are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Immediate family members may also walk in for interviews if a relative has a scheduled appointment. For full details, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website.

Soaring High: John M. Agrey Award

Executive Director Shawn Dobberstein received the John M. Agrey Award at UGPTI's Annual Awards Banquet on October 2, 2025. This award recognizes his service and leadership as the executive director of Fargo Hector International Airport. During his tenure, Dobberstein has led the airport through several large projects including the latest terminal expansion and parking ramp.

Another Round of Records: Q3 Boarding Statistics

July
The first month of this quarter showed an increase when compared to the same month in 2024. In July 2025, the passenger enplanements were 53,624. This is an increase of 12% when compared to the July 2024 passenger enplanements of 48,344. The previous record July was set in 2024. This was the second busiest month ever at Hector and was United Airlines' busiest month ever on record at Hector. This is the 16th consecutive month of record enplanements.

The total passenger count for the month was 107,632, which is up 12% over the same period last year. There were 670 air carrier departures with an average of 91 seats per flight in July and an average of 3,472 total daily passengers.

August
The second month of the quarter showed no signs of slowing down. Airline passenger traffic in August showed an increase when compared to the same month in 2024. In August 2025, the passenger enplanements were 50,867. This is an increase of 5% when compared to the August 2024 passenger enplanements of 48,514. The previous record August was set in 2024. This is the 17th consecutive month of record enplanements and the third busiest month on record at Hector. August was also United Airlines' busiest month ever on record at Hector, which was its fourth record enplanement month this year.

The total passenger count for the month was 101,171, which is up 5% over the same period last year. There were 644 air carrier departures with an average of 90 seats per flight in August and an average of 3,264 total daily passengers.

September
Wrapping up the quarter on a high note, September showed an increase when compared to the same month in 2024. In September 2025, the passenger enplanements were 46,258. This is an increase of 6% when compared to the September 2024 passenger enplanements of 43,663. The previous record September was set in 2024. This is the 18th consecutive month of record enplanements on record at Hector.

The total passenger count for the month was 91,973, which is up 6% over the same period last year. There were 624 air carrier departures with an average of 88 seats per flight in September and an average of 3,066 total daily passengers.