(KNOX) – The Federal Department of Transportation has awarded Grand Forks International Airport the one-million-dollar Small Community Air Service Development grant…but the FAA is still developing the paperwork for the Airport Authority to formally accept the grant.
The target is United Airlines to Denver flown by Sky West.
Out of 14 grant recipients, at least six are targeting service to Denver from United Airlines and Sky West.
Executive Director Ryan Riesinger says it may be 2026 before service to Denver begins.
The Grand Forks Airport Authority moved to set airline rates and changes for signatory and non-signatory airlines to use GFK.
Landing fees are set at $2.85 per thousand pounds of landed weight;
Terminal rental rates are $27.94 per square foot; and
The Jet Bridge Use Fee is $23.26 per use.
Those are with airlines who have a signed agreement with GFK.
Airlines who don’t have a signed agreement pay $3.56, $356.10 and $29.20, respectively.
Executive Director Ryan Riesinger says airlines such as Delta and Allegiant do not factor airport rates into their ticket prices from that airport.
“They primarily base their fares on competitive dynamics. However, if an airport’s rates and charges become too high it may affect the ability to retain or add service. We watch our rates and charges closely to ensure they are competitive with other airports of comparable size,” Riesinger told KNOX.
The University of North Dakota Aerospace School set a record for flight hours during the month of October.
Good weather helped the students log 13,764 flight hours, topping the 2022 mark of 12,664 flight hours.
UND has 2,600 aviation students this fall.
UND has also announced the 2026 Hockey Hall of Fame Game is set for Halloween 2026 in Austin, Texas. Allegiant and travel agencies may add direct flights to Austin.