Key Highlights
- Mayor Brandon Bochenski of Grand Forks expresses frustration over limited air service at GFK.
- Business attendees often bypass Grand Forks International Airport (GFK) for nearby airports in Fargo or Minneapolis.
- Air Service Task Force aims to attract additional airlines and increase flight options, including a direct route to Denver.
- The UAS industry is booming in the region, with companies citing air service limitations as a hindrance to growth.
Challenges Faced by Grand Forks International Airport
Grand Forks, North Dakota, faces significant challenges related to its limited air service at GFK. Mayor Brandon Bochenski has expressed frustration over the trend of business travelers choosing nearby airports in Fargo or Minneapolis instead of flying directly into Grand Forks. This issue is particularly evident during major events such as the annual UAS Summit and Expo, where attendees often board planes in cities like Denver or Cincinnati, then drive to their final destination.
Impact on Business Travelers
The inconvenience of air service options has affected various business travelers. Ron Bell from Drone Geoscience LLC, a global leader in drone applications, flew into Fargo for the UAS Summit and Expo, despite his preference for direct flights. Similarly, Christopher Hewlett, who runs CScott Solutions LLC, emphasized the importance of improved air service, stating that current options hinder both business visitors and local government agencies.
Efforts to Enhance Air Service
To address these challenges, Grand Forks has formed the Air Service Task Force. The task force’s primary goal is to attract additional airlines to serve GFK and increase flight frequency. Specifically, there are plans to bring back direct flights from Denver, a route that was previously operated by United Airlines but discontinued in 2013 due to financial unviability.
Financial Support and Partnerships
The task force has received substantial support, including a $1 million federal grant aimed at securing new air service providers. Local businesses have also contributed generously, raising over $200,000 through fundraising efforts. The city of Grand Forks has committed $300,000, while the neighboring city of East Grand Forks added an additional $20,000.
Future Prospects and Challenges
While progress has been made, Mayor Bochenski remains optimistic about future developments. He believes that with improved air service, more direct flights to key hubs like Denver, and increased flight frequency between Grand Forks and Minneapolis, the region’s business growth can be significantly enhanced. However, he acknowledges that achieving these goals will require continued efforts and collaboration among local businesses, government entities, and aviation companies.
The situation at GFK highlights the broader issue of air service availability in smaller regional airports.
As major cities continue to expand their airline networks, smaller hubs like Grand Forks face increasing competition for business travelers’ attention. Overcoming these challenges will be crucial not only for local economic development but also for ensuring that businesses and visitors can easily access this growing technology hub.
