Airport has highest boarding increase in January

As it eyes a fourth flight in the near horizon, Williston's Sloulin Field International Airport again garnered the highest increase in boardings for January, according to a report by the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission.

The local landing strip saw its number of enplanements spike by 25.86 percent over January 2007 figures. There were 730 people flying from here last month compared to 580 one year ago at the same time.

Williston just edged over Dickinson which saw a 25.3 percent jump in boarding numbers.

Overall, boardings statewide fell .34 a percent.

Minot saw a slight increase in boardings with an increase of 1.34 percent increase.

Jamestown's boardings rose 9.6 percent. Bismarck's boarding decreased 1.32 percent, and the number of people flying from Devils Lake dropped 16.48 percent.

Fargo's boardings edged down .19 a percent. Grand Forks saw its numbers decrease 3.67 percent.

The first month of 2008 had 183 less or .34 a percent decline in airline boardings at the eight commercial North Dakota airports versus January 2007.

"The slight decline is not surprising as airline capacity nationwide has remained stable with higher airfares due to escalating jet fuel prices," said North Dakota Aeronautics Commission Director Gary Ness.

"We're still working on a fourth flight. A few pieces of the puzzle must still come together," said Williston Airport Manager Rick Marburger. "We have enough demand for another flight. It's a matter of finding enough aircraft and enough pilots."

He said rumors are untrue that passengers are being bumped for oil freight.

"Our problems are with weather. We're so full, there are no available flights for people on the next flight if there is a weather delay. It's so full, there are no seats available," Marburger said.

He added he would like to see a direct flight from Williston to Denver if possible.