This year marks 95 years of passenger service at Hector International Airport! Thank you for flying FAR! 

Plan Ahead: Spring Break Is Almost Here 

Spring break and vacation time are just around the corner! With over 10 different nonstop destinations and connections worldwide, it’s easy to find somewhere to make memories. Try out either of our new flights to Phoenix or Atlanta to get started. 

American Airlines is currently offering seasonal nonstop flights to Phoenix Sky Harbor in Phoenix, Arizona. It’s the perfect place to catch some rays or hike with your friends. 

With daily nonstop flights, Delta Air Lines to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta is the gateway to adventure around the world. 

Book your Spring break flight easily on our website. 

Save Time and Stress: Pre-book Parking 

Save time by pre-booking your parking to ensure you have a smooth trip from start to finish. Pre-book a spot in our parking ramp, West, East or long-term parking lots. Dynamic pricing is available if you pre-book. 

A friendly reminder that all drop-offs and pick-ups must be conducted on the first level of the parking ramp while the skyway is constructed. Levels 2 and 3 are open for parking. 

For more information or to book your space, visit our website.  

Progress in Action: Terminal Expansion Opening in February 

The terminal expansion is set to open in February! We are excited for you all to see it first-hand. Renovation of the existing terminal is set to be completed in early 2027. 

The Fargo Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber recently toured the terminal expansion. From the pet relief area and updated bathrooms to the children’s play area, they saw the exciting improvements being made. 

The skyway connecting the parking ramp to the terminal is set to open December 2026. Stay up to date with all the latest construction here. 

Airport Master Firefighters 

Congratulations to our newest Airport Master Firefighters: Assistant Chief Todd Hillukka, A.M.F., and Captain Travis Schauer, A.M.F.! 

The Airport Master Firefighter (A.M.F.) designation, created by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and the Aircraft Rescue Firefighting Working Group (ARFFWG), recognizes top-tier expertise in aircraft rescue and airport operations. 

 Candidates must meet strict qualifications, including: 

•  3 years of ARFF experience 
• Completion of Basic ARFF Training 
• NIMS 100/200/700 certifications 

Once enrolled, candidates have 26 months to pass a 150-question exam covering ARFF procedures, FAA regulations, and airport administration. 

Graduates join an elite group of ARFF professionals and earn the respected A.M.F. title. 

With these two new certifications, six of our ten Fire Department members now hold the A.M.F. designation. We plan to certify the entire team within five to six years. 

Be Prepared: REAL ID Reminder 

Beginning February 1, 2026, there is an optional fee of $45 to verify your identity through TSA’s new ConfirmID system if you do not have a REAL ID or another TSA-approved form of ID to fly. 

Avoid the hassle (and the fee!) by making sure your REAL ID is ready to go. Learn more about this update on TSA’s website. 

Closing Out 2025: Q4 Boarding Statistics

October
October 2025 enplanements reached 50,846, up 5% from October 2024’s 48,627, setting a new monthly record. This marked the 19th consecutive month of record-breaking passenger traffic at Hector!

Total passenger count for the month hit 99,884, also a 5% increase year over year. Airlines operated 670 departures in October, averaging 91 seats per flight and 3,222 total passengers per day.

November
November 2025 enplanements totaled 43,182, down 4% from November 2024’s 45,094. This marked the first decline in monthly boardings in the past 20 months.

Airlines canceled 24 flights in November, mostly due to the 43-day government shutdown.

Total passenger count reached 84,395 for the month, a 4% decrease compared to the same period last year. Carriers operated 560 departures with an average of 97 seats per flight and 3,222 total passengers per day.

December
December 2025 enplanements totaled 49,861, a 1% decrease from December 2024’s 50,400.

Total passenger count for the month reached 96,249, down 3% compared to the same period last year. Airlines operated 626 departures, averaging 99 seats per flight and 3,105 total passengers per day.

2025 was the busiest year on record!
We saw strong growth in 2025, with total enplanements reaching 590,542, an 8% increase over 2024’s 546,787. Passenger traffic for the year hit 1,179,442, also up 8% from 2024.

Airlines completed 7,573 landings and averaged 94 seats per flight with an 84% load factor. We’re grateful to every passenger who chose to fly FAR in 2025. We can’t wait to welcome you back in 2026!