Stanley Receives Airport Of The Year Award
The Fargo Hector International Airport has been named North Dakota’s 2024 Commercial Service Airport of the Year, while the Stanley Municipal Airport has been recognized as the 2024 General Aviation Airport of the Year. These awards were presented during the North Dakota Aviation Association’s FLY-ND Conference awards banquet, held in Fargo on March 4th, 2025.
Sponsored annually by the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission in partnership with the Airport Association of North Dakota, these awards recognize airports that demonstrate excellence in community outreach, facility management, infrastructure improvements, and the hosting of special events.
Both the Fargo Hector International Airport and Stanley Municipal Airport have exemplified outstanding commitment to aviation, economic development, and service to their communities, making them deserving recipients of this year’s honors.
2024 General Aviation
Airport Award
The Stanley Municipal Airport has made significant strides in aviation growth and development which is highlighted by the recent completion of a new turf crosswind runway. This critical safety enhancement allows pilots to land more safely in challenging wind conditions, improving overall airport operations.
The project was made possible through a collaborative effort between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, and the City of Stanley. Together, they ensured all land acquisition, environmental, and planning requirements were met. To fully fund the construction, the airport also successfully secured a grant from their County Job Development Authority which covered the full costs of construction.
Beyond infrastructure improvements, the Stanley Municipal Airport remains deeply committed to fostering community engagement. The airport proudly hosts an annual fly-in and pancake breakfast, bringing together aviation enthusiasts from across the region. It has also provided valuable career exploration opportunities for local high school students through job shadowing experiences, which has helped to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.
With a strong focus on both safety and community involvement, the Stanley Municipal Airport continues to enhance its role as a vital asset for the region, supporting pilots, travelers, and the future of aviation in North Dakota.