McKenzie County adds additional funding to support Williston Airport, extends partnership through 2025

WATFORD CITY, N.D. (KUMV) - The McKenzie County Commission voted to approve additional dollars towards supporting the Williston Basin International Airport Tuesday.

This year, McKenzie County, Williams County and the City of Williston entered a partnership where the entities would provide funding for a minimum revenue guarantee with SkyWest and Delta Airlines, which flies from Williston to Minneapolis.

McKenzie County initially approved up to $300,000 but increased it to $407,000 after data showed around 15% of passengers come from McKenzie County. Airport Director Anthony Dudas said the funding amount should be equivalent to the percentage of passengers from the area.

“We’re really excited to see that. That is the intent of what we are pushing forward with this type of incentive program,” said Dudas.

The minimum revenue guarantee is a contract with an air carrier that assures the airport will cover any losses over a certain period. Dudas said it was necessary to bring SkyWest back following the pandemic. The City of Williston is expected to pay around $1.4 million for the first half of 2024.

Dudas said he doesn’t see this deal being permanent and as numbers continue to rise, they will be able to have Skywest available without the contract.

“We as the airport and being a department with the City of Williston are not in the business of subsidizing things in perpetuity,” said Dudas.

The vote from the McKenzie County Commissioners was unanimous. Commissioner Joel Brown said losing the air carrier may have severe consequences for the region.

“I do believe that losing Delta would result in an increase in cost to a good chunk of our citizens here as they try to travel,” said Dudas.

Commissioners also approved funding up to $400,000 for 2025. Dudas said he thinks the contract will not be necessary in 2026 if ridership trends continue.

SkyWest covers two daily flights between Williston and Minneapolis.