Bismarck  (CSi)  North Dakota’s eight commercial service airports during the month of April experienced their lowest monthly passenger count on record since the state began tracking passenger boarding numbers 40 years ago.  Approximately 5,000 passengers or 5% of the normal expected passenger numbers flew out of North Dakota’s airports throughout the month of April which is directly attributed to the mitigation impacts COVID-19 has had on the traveling public.

Jamestown boardings in April this year were, 41, compared to 694 in April of 2019, a decrease of 94 percent.

Year to date in Jamestown boardings were at 2455, compared to 3338 through April of 2019 a drop of about 26-percent.

Airline passenger levels in North Dakota and throughout the rest of the country have begun to slowly rise during the month of May as communities throughout the country begin to re-open.  Historically low passenger levels are expected to continue in the near future as long as mitigation efforts for COVID-19 are in place.

“The safety of all passengers and staff remains a top priority for our commercial service airports.”  stated Kyle Wanner, Executive Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission.  “The airports and airlines have implemented additional sanitizing methods in an effort to take every precaution possible for the safety of the flying public. Airlines throughout the country have also started to require face-coverings to be worn on flights to help slow the spread of COVID-19. To avoid any surprises, please check the policy of your airline before leaving for the airport.”