Terminal expansion at Hector International Airport in Fargo.
FARGO (KFGO) – Construction on the terminal addition at Hector International Airport in Fargo is proceeding on schedule with four more passenger gates opening next week.
Initially delayed by the pandemic, work began in 2023. Airport Authority Executive Director Shawn Dobberstein says people flying in and out of Fargo will enjoy more amenities.
“Right now we have 180-plus passenger aircraft at gates that only have seating for about 50 people. So you’re going to see much more space, more restroom space, more concession space with the gift shop and the restaurant that will open later this year. More amenities, the sensory room, the immersive reality room, more things for kids to do as well.”
Terminal expansion at Hector International Airport in Fargo, ND.
Dobberstein says the expansion, parking ramp, skyway connecting the ramp to the terminal, and improvements to the concrete apron total around $200 million.
The city contributed to the project along with the Federal Aviation Administration and the state, which put $45 million into the airport.
Dobberstein says the Airport Authority will have to issue $25 million to $30 million in revenue bonds to help cover the total project cost.
Passengers arriving on a mid-morning flight next Tuesday, Feb. 10 will be the first to come through the terminal addition.
Dobberstein, who’s been at the airport since 1991, says it’s been a long time coming.
“The original footprint of the terminal opened January 1st of 1986 with four gates. At the end of 2008 we added on one additional gate to go to five, and then a third baggage claim. So to transform this terminal project now to have nine gates, it’s pretty neat to see the expansion of Fargo and the growth of passengers.
In 1991, the airport had about 180,000 passengers. Last year, that number grew to nearly 600,000.
Pet relief area in the terminal expansion at Hector International Airport in Fargo, ND.
The TSA checkpoint will be moved before the first arrival. A new bar and restaurant is also part of the project, along with an immersive reality room, play area for kids and service animal room with a fire hydrant.
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