Construction Update: Terminal Expansion Open

Our terminal expansion opened in February!

Flights currently depart from the newly constructed terminal expansion, and Dakota Drive is now open for convenient pick-ups and drop-offs.

Renovation of the existing terminal is expected to be completed in early 2027.

The skyway connecting the parking ramp to the terminal is set to be completed December 2026.

All parking lot and parking ramp options are available to prebook and save. You can reserve your spot on our website.

A Time to Honor: Supporting Local Veterans

Former Municipal Airport Authority (MAA) board member and Retired Major General Mike Haugen was recently honored with a Quilt of Valor during the North Dakota Roughrider Association Annual Conference in Fargo.

Haugen enlisted in the North Dakota Air National Guard in 1967 and served in numerous leadership roles, including adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard and commander of the 119th Fighter Wing.

He has years of volunteer leadership with Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

Retired Major General Alexander Macdonald, former MAA board member, was also recently honored with the handmade Quilt of Valor in recognition of his military service and dedication to the community.

The Quilt of Valor, handmade by volunteers with Red River Quilts of Valor, is awarded to express appreciation and gratitude to service members and veterans for their service, sacrifice and valor in defense of our nation.

Photo credit: North Dakota ESGR Public Affairs and Valley News Live

Thank you, TSA!

We want to thank the local TSA employees for working throughout the partial government shutdown that began in February. Because they kept operations running smoothly, Hector didn’t see the long lines other airports across the country experienced. We’re grateful for their commitment and professionalism to our travelers.

We also thank the individuals and organizations who stepped up to support TSA employees. Your generosity matters, and it shows what this community is all about.

A special thank-you to Crystal Dueker and her Fargo Gateway Lions Club who delivered gas station gift cards to TSA employees at Hector.

Travel SMART: International Trip Safety

Before your international flight, register your trip with the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) from the U.S. Department of State. You’ll receive important travel updates and make it easier for the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to contact you in case of an emergency while abroad. Learn more and enroll on their website.

Making History: Immersive Reality Room & Sensory Room

Travelers are enjoying the new immersive reality room and sensory room that are now open. Hector is the first airport in the world to offer both in an operational terminal.

The immersive reality room, powered by Immersive Reality USA, lets travelers step into more than 700 interactive destinations from the Buckingham Palace to Walt Disney World. With 360-degree visuals and no goggles needed, travelers can enjoy this new addition before boarding their nonstop flights.

The new sensory room provides a calm, welcoming environment for children on the autism spectrum and others with sensory sensitivities. This space features comfortable seating, low lighting and a bubble wall for soothing visual stimulation.

See the list of new amenities on our website.

Q1 Boarding Statistics: Record-Breaking Months

January

We started the new year off strong with a record number of passengers for January! Airline passenger traffic in January showed an increase when compared to the same month in 2025. In January 2026, the number of passenger enplanements was 49,186. This is an increase of 2% when compared to the January 2025 number of passenger enplanements of 48,037, which was the previous January record.

The total passenger count for the month was 96,532, which was up 3% over the same period last year.

There were 635 air carrier departures with an average of 97 seats per flight in January and an average of 3,114 total daily passengers.

February

February brought in another record for passengers. Airline passenger traffic in February showed an increase when compared to the same month in 2025. In February 2026, the passenger enplanements were 50,278. This is an increase of 5% when compared to the February 2025 passenger enplanements number of 47,971, which was the previous February record.

The total passenger count for the month was 99,138 which was up 5% over the same period last year.

There were 623 air carrier departures with an average of 97 seats per flight in February and an average of 3,541 total daily passengers.

March

To wrap up the quarter, airline passenger traffic in March showed a slight decrease compared to the record-setting month of March 2025. In March 2026, passenger enplanements totaled 55,390, a 1.8% decrease from last year’s all-time high of 56,399. Even with the decrease, March 2026 was the second busiest month in the airport’s history.

Allegiant broke their all-time monthly record for passengers travelling through Fargo in March!

There were 697 air carrier departures with an average of 97 seats per flight in March and an average of 3,655 total daily passengers.