Bemidji Airport

Welcome to Bemidji Regional Airport — a cozy aerial gateway to the land of "10,000 lakes" and the home of the legends of the giant Paul Bunyan. This aviation hub breaks the usual stereotypes of the hustle and stress of air travel: instead of faceless glass and concrete, you will be greeted by a terminal resembling an atmospheric northern lodge finished with natural stone and wood. Here, your journey through picturesque Minnesota begins not upon exiting into the city, but right from the aircraft steps, immersing guests in tranquility and harmony with nature.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Bemidji Airport stands out favourably from large hubs due to its compactness and focus on passenger comfort. Its main advantage is the unique architecture of the new terminal: high ceilings, a fireplace in the waiting hall, and the extensive use of wood in the interior create a feeling of home-like comfort, which is extremely rare in transport hubs.

Another undeniable advantage is the speed of service. Thanks to the small passenger flow, check-in and security procedures take mere minutes. This allows travellers to arrive at the airport a little later than usual, saving precious time for rest or business. Furthermore, the parking is located literally within walking distance of the terminal entrance, eliminating the need to use shuttles or carry luggage for a long time.

If you need to contact representatives of Bemidji Regional Airport (BJI), you can use the following contact details:

• Official Website: www.bjiairport.org — here you will find current flight schedules, news, and general information about services.
• Information Desk Phone: +1 (218) 444-2438. You can contact the airport administration at this number for general inquiries.
• Airport Address: 4140 Airport Dr NE, Bemidji, MN 56601, USA.
• Email: For written inquiries, you can use the address airport@ci.bemidji.mn.us.
• Social Media: It is convenient to follow airport news on their official page on Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your items were lost on board the aircraft, you should contact Delta Airlines representatives directly. If items were lost inside the terminal building, contact the airport administration at the phone number listed above.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance with issues related to terminal operations and services provided, please contact the airport administration by phone at +1 (218) 444-2438.

Bemidji Airport (BJI) is located in close proximity to the city, making the journey there quick and convenient. The most popular way to get to the airport is by taxi or rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft. The trip from the centre of Bemidji to the terminal usually takes no more than 10–15 minutes. The estimated cost of the trip is $15–$25, making this an excellent choice for travellers with luggage or those who value their time. You can also book a private transfer in advance.

If you plan to explore the picturesque north of Minnesota and the natural attractions of the USA, then car rental will be the optimal solution. There are offices of several rental companies at Bemidji Airport where you can pick up or return a car before departure. For those arriving in their own car, parking is provided on the airport territory. Options are available for both short-term and long-term parking. The cost of parking is approximately $10 per day and about $60 per week, making it affordable for long trips.

Public transport options for travelling to the airport are limited. There are no direct bus or train routes to the terminal. Tourists looking for the most budget-friendly method should study the routes of the local bus carrier, Paul Bunyan Transit. It is possible that one of the routes passes near the airport, from where the remaining part of the journey can be covered by taxi. However, this method will require more time and careful planning.

To summarise, for maximum comfort and speed, it is best to use taxi services. For independent travellers wishing to move freely around the region, the ideal choice would be a rental car. Public transport can be considered as an economical but less convenient alternative.

Bemidji Airport (BJI) is a compact and modern aviation hub distinguished by a simple and intuitive structure. Travellers will not have to worry about complex navigation, as the airport has only one passenger terminal serving both departing and arriving flights.

The terminal layout is extremely logical. Immediately after entering the building, you find yourself in the main hall. Located here are the airline check-in counters, the baggage claim area for arriving passengers, and car rental company desks. Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between different buildings or levels, making movement around the airport fast and convenient.

Departure and arrival zones are in the same building but are functionally separated. After completing check-in, passengers proceed to security screening, followed by a small but cozy waiting lounge with boarding gates. The arrival zone with the baggage claim belt is located in another part of the main hall, helping to avoid crowding and confusion.

The main feature of the terminal is its modern design in the style of a northern lodge, using wood and stone, which creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This is atypical for airports and makes waiting for a flight more pleasant. Due to its small size, going through all procedures, from check-in to boarding, usually takes significantly less time than in large airports. On average, it is sufficient to arrive 60-90 minutes before departure. Getting lost here is practically impossible — all signs are clearly visible, and staff are always ready to help.

The history of Bemidji Regional Airport (BJI) is a story of growth and development, reflecting the importance of air travel for the northern part of the state of Minnesota in the USA. The airport was founded after World War II and began operations in 1947. Initially, it was a small airfield created to meet the local community's needs for rapid transport and connection with other regions of the country.

Over the decades, the airport gradually developed, serving a growing passenger flow. The old terminal, built in 1950, eventually ceased to cope with the load and modern requirements for comfort and safety. By the early 2000s, the need for radical modernisation became obvious.

A key moment in the airport's history was 2009, when the construction of a new, modern passenger terminal was completed. This multi-million dollar project completely transformed the airport. The new building became much more spacious, convenient, and efficient, offering passengers jet bridges, spacious waiting lounges, and improved screening zones. This large-scale reconstruction was a joint project of the City of Bemidji and Beltrami County, which are the owners and operators of the airport.

Today, Bemidji Airport is an important transport hub serving as a gateway to the region of "Northern Woods and 10,000 Lakes". It not only provides connectivity for local residents and Bemidji State University students but also plays a key role in tourism development, attracting travellers wishing to explore the natural beauties of northern Minnesota. The airport continues to improve, confirming its status as a vital infrastructure facility for the entire region.

Bemidji Airport (BJI) is a modern and convenient regional air terminal offering passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the terminal is well-equipped. Here you will find a café where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or purchase light refreshments for the road. There is also a small gift shop where you can buy memorable souvenirs.

For the convenience of travellers, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. You can easily stay connected, work, or view your favourite content. The airport building also has stations for charging electronic devices. It is worth noting that there are no specialised VIP halls or business class lounges at the airport.

ATMs are installed in the terminal for cash withdrawals. However, currency exchange services or full-service bank branches are absent, so we recommend taking care of money exchange in advance. Medical assistance in emergency cases is provided by airport staff, who will call the necessary services.

The airport fully complies with modern accessibility standards. For passengers with reduced mobility, ramps, accessible restrooms, and special parking are provided. Airlines provide assistance services, including wheelchairs, which should be requested in advance. Families with small children can use baby changing rooms.

There are no hotels on the airport territory itself, however, just a few minutes' drive away in the city of Bemidji, there are many accommodation options — from budget motels to comfortable hotels. Specialised conference rooms or business centres are also not provided at the airport, but free Wi-Fi allows for handling work matters right in the waiting hall.

Bemidji Airport (BJI) is a small regional aviation hub, so the choice of dining establishments here is limited. Nevertheless, passengers can find everything necessary to have a snack or drink coffee while waiting for their flight.

The main and, as a rule, the only place for dining is a small café-bar located in the main terminal building. Most often, it is situated in the public area, before security control, which is convenient for both departing passengers and those seeing them off. The menu here usually consists of classic American dishes: sandwiches, burgers, salads, and various snacks. This is a great place to have a cup of coffee in the morning or a refreshing beverage in the evening.

If you are looking for a quick snack option, look for ready-made pastries, yoghurts, or packaged sandwiches. For a more substantial lunch, you can order a hot dish from the menu. It is important to consider that the choice for passengers with special dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes) is extremely small or non-existent. In this case, the best solution would be to bring food with you.

Prices in the café can be described as average for airports — slightly higher than in the city, but quite reasonable. The establishment's opening hours depend directly on the flight schedule: it opens some time before the first morning flight and closes after the last departure. Additionally, vending machines with snacks and drinks may be installed in the terminal, available at any time.

Travelling through Bemidji Airport (BJI) is typically a calm and predictable process, as it is a small regional aviation hub. Nevertheless, a few tips will help make your trip even more comfortable and avoid unforeseen situations.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Despite the compact size of the airport, it is recommended to arrive at least 1.5-2 hours before departure. This will give you enough time to check in luggage without rushing and pass security control. To save time, use online check-in for your flight, which is offered by almost all airlines. This allows you to proceed immediately to the baggage drop counter or, if you are travelling light, to the security checkpoint.

Passing Security. The screening procedure at Bemidji airport complies with the standards of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the USA. Be prepared to present your boarding pass and identification, as well as remove electronics and liquids from your carry-on luggage. Queues here are usually significantly shorter than in large airports, which is a big plus.

Carry-on Luggage. Remember the standard rule for liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml (3.4 oz) in volume and packed in a single transparent zip-lock bag. Check the current weight and dimension requirements for carry-on luggage on your airline's website in advance to avoid extra charges at the airport.

Seat Selection and Transfers. When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: a window seat will offer beautiful views of the Minnesota lake country during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat provides more legroom and the ability to exit the plane first. If your route includes a transfer in another city, try to choose flights with a sufficient time margin (at least 1.5-2 hours) between them, especially if you are flying through a major international hub.

Customs Control. Bemidji Airport serves primarily domestic flights, so international customs and border control is generally not conducted here. If you are flying to the USA from another country with a connection, you will go through these procedures at the first airport of arrival within the country.

Economy and Flight Delays. To save money, book tickets in advance and consider travelling with only carry-on luggage. Bring an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security. In case of a flight delay, remain calm and follow updates on information screens or in the airline's app. Since the airport is small, leisure opportunities are limited, so a pre-downloaded film or an interesting book may prove very useful.