The rich history of Hector International Airport dates back to the pioneer days of 1927, when Martin Hector leased the quarter of land that would become home to today’s “Hector International Airport.” Let’s look at the history of Hector through three time periods:
Hector Field (1927-1953)
On September 9, 1927, Martin Hector leased a quarter-section of land at the northwest corner of Fargo to the city for five years at $1 per year. On April 9, 1931, Hector paved the way for Fargo’s airport with his outright gift of the land. In later years, Hector and daughter-in-law, Mrs. Fred M. (Margaret) Hector, donated several more parcels totaling almost 50 acres. This land is part of the present airport property, along with acreage purchased from many adjacent landowners.
Northwest Airlines (founded at what is now the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on September 1, 1926) began scheduled weekly flights into Fargo on February 1, 1928. This was a Minneapolis to Winnipeg flight with a stop in Fargo. Opposition from the Canadian government resulted in suspended service after three months.
It was February 3, 1931, when Northwest Airways began its first passenger service to Fargo. A “giant” six passenger Hamilton Metal plane settled down on the new Fargo Airport to inaugurate air service from Minneapolis to Grand Forks and then on to Winnipeg.
The present terminal was built in 1986. With its construction, the terminal facility moved from the southeast corner of the airport grounds to the west central area. In 1982, Hector Field became Hector International Airport and U. S. Customs opened an office on the field in 1985. In 2013 they moved into their new facility on the north general aviation ramp.
Hector International Airport completed the passenger terminal expansion/update project October 2008. The project updated the existing terminal building, added a fifth gate and third baggage claim, and expanded the security checkpoint area.
Today, American, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier and United serve Hector International Airport with nonstop service.
2019 was the busiest year for total passengers for the airport. Almost 940,000 total passengers either enplaned or deplaned at Hector International Airport. Information from Airport website: (
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