Williston Airport Breaks Record | Video

Chris Williams | 12/3/2012

It`s been just over one month since United landed its first jet in Williston, and almost one month since Delta touched down for the first time at Sloulin International. Airport management thought the two airliners would bring in extra passengers, and they were right. In this first month, the airport set a personal best when it comes to the number of passengers traveling through.

With the addition of the two major airlines, more people are starting to fly into Williston.

"This is my first time to fly into Williston. Previously I`ve gone into Bismarck and Minot," said Richard Cloy from Louisiana.

Cloy isn`t alone, in November about 5,000 people flew into or boarded a flight in Williston. That is 2,000 more than the airport`s previous record, but the new record probably won`t stand for long.

"From our conversations with the station manager for Delta Global Services, the numbers are even going up now again. We expect to be significantly higher than even 5,000 we`ve had so far," said airport manager Steven Kjergaard.

To go along with the extra waiting space, there are around 30 Delta employees working at the airport. They do everything from check people in to getting the planes ready for takeoff. Even with the huge increase, the airport is running smoothly, but they have run into one problem.

"The biggest challenge is airport parking. We are pretty limited in space, we added an additional lot that holds about 60 more vehicles. We`re looking at an additional lot, it will probably end up being a pay lot," added Kjergaard.

Kjergaard hopes to have that lot sometime this summer.

In November Delta had 36 flights and United had 78.

"I would like to see more flights. I think with the amount of workers here and activity here you`d fill every flight up," Cloy added.

And that`s exactly what Delta thinks.

"Delta has already announced an additional flight starting March 2. They`ll be adding a third flight, you can actually view it in their website right now," said Kjergaard.

All three flights will have non-stop service to Minneapolis.

COMMENT ON THIS STORY

BACK TO NEWS | BACK TO WILLISTON STORIES