Bismarck Airport Launches Terminal Expansion Project

The Bismarck Airport (BIS) is set to begin a $132.2 million terminal expansion to keep up with passenger demand. The current terminal, completed in 2005, was designed to handle 240,000 passengers annually. In 2025, more than 309,000 people boarded commercial aircraft at the airport.

“We’ve exceeded the number of expected enplanements in 12 of the past 14 years,” says Gregory Haug, director of the Bismarck Airport. “Passenger forecasts developed as part of the terminal study anticipate that this growth will continue. We need to be prepared for it to ensure Western and Central North Dakota have access to the global air transportation network.”

The recently completed terminal area study forecasts indicate BIS will grow to 450,000 passenger enplanements over the next 20 years. The terminal expansion will allow the airport to scale its operations and keep up with current and future demand.

The Terminal Expansion is a Passenger-Facing Project

Most improvements at BIS happen behind the scenes, with little visibility to passengers. The terminal expansion project, however, will provide major and highly visible improvements to address the airport’s growing passenger demand. BIS plans to address many of the needs identified in the terminal area study, with major focuses on:

• Adding additional passenger boarding bridges
• Increasing departure lounge space
• Expanding concessions
• Streamlining baggage handling systems
• Increasing TSA passenger and baggage screening capacity
• Adding other amenities, including a pet relief station and additional bathrooms in the boarding area

“Terminal projects are exciting for the airport and the community we serve,” says Haug. “We’re adding a lot of space in the boarding area because that is what is lacking now. People will get to see the changes directly, as opposed to a project where we reconstruct a runway or expand an apron out on the airfield, which is far from the public view.” 

BIS Has a Large Economic Impact on the Community

BIS will fund the project through federal, state, and local funds. The investment will benefit the region for decades to come.

The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission recently released an economic impact study on BIS based on 2024 data. There are 466 direct jobs at the airport, which produce an annual payroll of $43 million. The airport’s direct impact on the community is $171 million, with an indirect output of $284 million annually.  

“The airport is a huge economic engine for the whole Bismarck-Mandan economy,” says Haug. “Everyone thinks the airport is just the terminal building, but there’s so much more that it contributes to the community.”

Additionally, the airport imports approximately 3 million pounds of cargo each year and exports 1 million.

Two fixed-based operators, Bismarck Aero Center and Executive Air Taxi Corporation, provide flight instruction, fueling, aircraft maintenance, aircraft charter, and other flightline services. Two companies also provide air ambulance and medivac services at BIS. Additionally, BIS is home to several corporate aviation departments and an aviation support facility for the North Dakota Air National Guard.

“The airport links the community to the worldwide aviation system,” says Haug. “We provide essential transportation infrastructure to commercial airlines, general and business aviation companies, and other aircraft operators.”

The New Upgrades Will Reflect the Bismarck Community

When the current terminal was built in the early 2000s, airport architects and designers wanted to create a space the community could take pride in. Drawing inspiration from the North Dakota landscape, they incorporated natural color palettes, decorative flooring that echoes the Missouri River, and vaulted ceilings painted with blue skies. The terminal expansion will carry this same design forward, ensuring the airport continues to reflect the character and beauty of central and western North Dakota.

“The airport is the front door to the Bismarck-Mandan community,” says Haug. “We want travelers to have a positive experience when they land in Bismarck, North Dakota.”

Currently, four commercial airlines operate at BIS: Allegiant, American, Delta, and United. These airlines reach seven direct destinations and four major hubs, giving residents access to the entire country and beyond.  

“We deeply appreciate the support of the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC, local businesses, and local governments as we developed our terminal expansion plans,” says Haug. “This is a big lift, but it will pay dividends to North Dakota residents and visitors for decades to come.” 

Learn About the Bismarck-Mandan Airport Ecosystem

Several companies work together to meet the aviation needs of Bismarck-Mandan. Learn more about this infrastructure asset and how it connects communities. A great place to start is the Bismarck Aero Center, which is developing the next generation of aviators.

Are you looking to expand your business in Bismarck? Let’s talk. Contact the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC to review your travel and supply chain needs.