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(Bismarck, ND) - The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) has released its March 2026 airline passenger statistics for the state's eight commercial service airports.
North Dakota's commercial airports recorded 117,481 passenger boardings in March 2026, a 4.6 percent decrease from the record-setting March 2025 total of 123,187. Despite this decline, March 2026 ranks as the second-strongest March on record, reflecting continued strength in seasonal spring travel demand across the state.
Airline capacity for the month totaled 150,469 available departure seats, slightly down from 154,128 in March 2025. This measured reduction reflects airlines' continued efforts to align capacity following last year's record demand levels, while still maintaining a high level of service across North Dakota's markets. Even with this adjustment, overall seat capacity remains elevated compared to historical trends, reinforcing sustained airline confidence in the state's air service network.
During the month, travelers at several major airports across the country experienced periods of longer TSA wait times, coinciding with ongoing federal workforce and funding uncertainties within the Department of Homeland Security. While short-term relief has occurred following the release of TSA paychecks, broader DHS funding conditions remain an area of continued monitoring, as the agency continues to operate under a partial government shutdown.
"While passenger volumes have moderated slightly from last year's record pace, the overall demand environment remains very strong," said Kyle Wanner, Executive Director of the ND Aeronautics Commission. "We are also closely monitoring federal staffing and funding dynamics nationwide to help ensure a reliable and efficient travel experience as we move into the peak summer season."
Individual Airport - March Passenger Records:
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The Devils Lake Regional Airport established a new monthly passenger record with 1,133 boardings, surpassing its previous March record of 801 set in 2024.
March 2026 Statewide Airline Passenger Statistics
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Total Airline Passenger Boardings: 117,481
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Available Airline Departure Seats: 150,469
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Average Aircraft Load Factor: 78%
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Number of Successful Airline Departure Flights: 1,760
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Number of Airline Departure Flight Cancellations: 35
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Airline Departure Flight Cancellation Rate: 2.0%
March 2026 Airline Boarding Report
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