BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota’s eight commercial airports are showing signs of life after the coronavirus outbreak tanked passenger traffic, according to state aviation officials.
In April, the airports had their lowest monthly passenger count since record keeping began 40 years ago. Approximately 5,000 passengers used the airports, or 5% of normal traffic, according to the state Aeronautics Commission.
The Bismarck Tribune reports that in May that number increased to nearly 13,500 passengers. While that’s still about 14% of normal traffic, Aeronautics Commissioner Kyle Wanner calls it “an encouraging sign.”
“We hope that this trend continues as economic activity increases and restrictions throughout the country are lifted,” he said in a statement. “The safety of all passengers and workers continues to remain a top priority and the flying public can be assured that extra-sanitary precautions are being taken so that a safe environment is being promoted within the airport and on board the aircraft.”
North Dakota has commercial service airports in Bismarck, Minot, Williston, Dickinson, Grand Forks, Fargo, Devils Lake and Jamestown. Year-to-date boardings at the eight airports are down 41% overall.
The Federal Aviation Administration is providing more than $85 million in aid to 53 North Dakota airports through the federal CARES Act economic rescue package, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
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