2025 Airport of the Year Awards

2025 Airport of the Year Awards

Posted 3/12/26 (Thu)

The Minot International Airport has been named North Dakota's 2025 Commercial Service Airport of the Year, while the New Town Municipal Airport has been recognized as the 2025 General Aviation Airport of the Year. These awards were presented during the North Dakota Aviation Association's FLY-ND Conference awards banquet, held in Minot on March 10th, 2025.

Sponsored annually by the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission in partnership with the Airport Association of North Dakota, these awards recognize airports that demonstrate excellence in community outreach, facility management, infrastructure improvements, and the hosting of special events.

Both the Minot International Airport and the New Town Municipal Airport have exemplified outstanding commitment to aviation, economic development, and service to their communities, making them deserving recipients of this year's honors.

2025 Commercial Service Airport Award

Minot International Airport has been recognized for its exceptional commitment to community engagement, operational safety, and infrastructure improvements that strengthen aviation service across western North Dakota.

Throughout 2025, the airport remained engaged with its community, hosting educational tours for local students and welcoming service organizations and civic groups into the aviation environment. The airport also supported several meaningful community initiatives, including a potluck and food drive to assist federal employees during the government shutdown. Memorable events throughout the year included multiple Make-A-Wish adventure send-offs and the airport's first North Dakota Honor Flight.

Safety continues to be a defining priority for Minot International Airport. In 2025, the airport conducted its triennial full-scale disaster response exercise in coordination with local law enforcement, fire departments, EMS providers, and regional hospitals. More than 100 volunteers participated as simulated victims, allowing emergency responders and medical personnel to test coordination and response procedures during a large-scale aviation emergency. Additional safety initiatives included fuel-spill response training, winter operations exercises, and continued investment in employee training and development.

Minot International also advanced key infrastructure improvements that enhance both safety and passenger experience. The airport completed a multi-year project to mitigate wetlands and improve drainage across the airfield, reducing wildlife hazards and strengthening operational safety. Inside the terminal, a new public address system replaced aging equipment, restoring clear building-wide communication and ensuring reliable messaging for operational updates and emergency notifications.

This recognition highlights Minot International Airport's continued dedication to serving the region through strong community partnerships, a culture of safety, and strategic investments that support the future of aviation in North Dakota.

The Minot International Airport receives the 2025 Commercial Service Airport of the Year award during the North Dakota Aviation Association's FLY-ND Conference awards banquet on March 10th, 2025. Pictured from left to right is Kyle Wanner (Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, Judy Norby (Minot Airport Safety & Security Specialist), Jessica Long (Minot Airport Business and Development Manager, Maria Romanick (Airport Operations and Maintenance Manager), Jennifer Eckman (Minot Airport Director), and Ryan Riesinger (President of the North Dakota Airport Association)

2025 General Aviation Airport Award

The New Town Municipal Airport has been recognized for its leadership in strengthening aviation infrastructure, expanding emergency access, and fostering a strong connection between the airport and the surrounding community.

In 2025, the airport completed a 300-foot runway extension, bringing the total runway length to 3,740 feet. This improvement expands the range of aircraft able to safely operate at the airport, including critical air medical aircraft such as the Beechcraft King Air 200 and the Pilatus PC-12. With these capabilities, New Town Municipal Airport now provides an enhanced level of emergency access for the region, enabling faster patient transport and improved connectivity to medical facilities when time is most critical.

The project also reflects strong local leadership and investment. More than 90 percent of the project funding was secured through local sources, including $300,000 contributed by the airport and the City of New Town, along with a $1.25 million grant from the Mountrail County Job Development Authority. This collaborative effort demonstrates the community's commitment to maintaining a safe and capable aviation facility that serves both residents and regional transportation needs.

New Town Municipal Airport also maintains a vibrant relationship with the community it serves. Each year the airport hosts a fly-in and pancake breakfast that attracts hundreds of visitors and aviation enthusiasts. The event features aircraft fly-bys from historic warbirds associated with the Dakota Territory Air Museum and offers members of the public an opportunity to experience aviation firsthand. Local pilots also volunteer their time to provide complimentary discovery flights for individuals interested in learning to fly.

These outreach efforts have helped cultivate a growing aviation culture within the community. In recent years, the airport has welcomed new pilots, increased aircraft activity, and expanded local interest in aviation-demonstrating how a community-focused airport can serve as both a transportation asset and a gateway to the next generation of aviators.

The New Town Municipal Airport receives the 2025 General Aviation Airport of the Year award during the North Dakota Aviation Association's FLY-ND Conference awards banquet on March 10th, 2025. Pictured from left to right is Kyle Wanner (Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission), Mylo Wolding (Past Airport Manager and Board Chair), Garret Stubstad (New Town Airport Manager and Board Chair), and Ryan Riesinger (President of the North Dakota Airport Association)