Williston Airport Director discusses Las Vegas, Minneapolis flights

WILLISTON, N.D. (KUMV) - Flights to Las Vegas will return to Williston this fall following some uncertainty with the airline carrier.

Sun Country Airlines will fly between Williston and Vegas between Sept. 10 and Dec. 13 on Sundays and Thursdays, a change from last year when flights were on Mondays and Thursdays. Airport Director Ryan O’Rear said last year’s schedule and the lack of Canadian travelers led to a down season in 2025. A city memo said enplanements were down about 500 passengers.

“It’s great that they were willing to commit to another season in Williston. It’s our sixth season operating with them, so being able to partner with them and continue that partnership, we’re hoping for more success with our Sun Country Route to Las Vegas,” said O’Rear.

Sun Country is in the process of being acquired by Allegiant Airlines, which operates in Bismarck and Minot. O’Rear said it will take years before it’s finalized, so there should be no impacts to this coming season.

As part of the agreement to provide flights, city commissioners approved up to $598,181 as part of a minimum revenue guarantee. In December, commissioners approved up to $2.7 million for a minimum revenue guarantee for SkyWest Airlines, which provides three daily Delta flights between Williston and Minneapolis.

Later this spring, O’Rear and other city and county representatives will be meeting to talk about the future of the carrier. Commissioners mentioned the price to maintain Minneapolis flights was becoming unsustainable.

“As of right now, we’re optimistic. Our numbers continue to be slightly above what they were last year. We’re still seeing good utilization and advanced bookings going into the spring and summer time,” said O’Rear.

Williston started to take on these subsidies with SkyWest in 2021 in order to restore services after they were cancelled during the pandemic.