Air travel continues to recover in North Dakota.
According to the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, 43,559 people boarded airplanes in August, at North Dakota’s eight commercial airports. State Aeronautics Commission director Kyle Wanner said since COVID-19 virtually shut down air travel in March, the state has seen passenger numbers rebound.
Wanner said it’s good to see demand returning.
"It's still far below the pre-pandemic number," Wanner sid. "But at the same time, these are encouraging numbers."
Wanner said North Dakota is recovering at a faster rate than the national average.
"That's a good sign as well," Wanner said.
Wanner said he is sensing a pent up demand for air travel.
"People obviously want to get back to the way things were," Wanner said. "That may not be possible in the near term. But right now, the prices are right."
Wanner said the people he has spoken to who have traveled on airlines have felt that it worked.
"They were able to social-distance at the airports," Wanner said. "They wear masks where appropriate. And the airlines are doing the best they can to accomodate travelers.
"Most people who have flown said they are ready to fly again," Wanner said.
Wanner said some airlines are also adding back flights.
American Airlines recently added flights from Bismarck to Phoenix.
