Minot International Airport

Minot International Airport (MOT) is not merely a regional transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to North Dakota’s famous "Magic City". Situated amidst picturesque prairies, this modern terminal welcomes travelers with an atmosphere of comfort and northern hospitality, breaking stereotypes about harsh and cramped small airports. Here, where the endless sky meets the horizon, your introduction to the unique character and nature of one of America's most enigmatic states begins.

Airport Features and Benefits

Minot Airport has undergone extensive modernization and boasts a new passenger terminal, opened in 2016. The building is designed with a focus on spaciousness and natural light: huge panoramic windows allow views of take-offs and landings against the backdrop of North Dakota's wide plains. Inside, intuitive navigation has been created to minimize pre-flight stress.

One of the main advantages is the speed of service. Thanks to its compact size and well-organized processes, passing through security (TSA) here takes mere minutes, which favorably distinguishes MOT from congested hubs. Travelers can afford to arrive at the airport a little later than usual without fear of missing their flight.

The airport is renowned for its preparedness for winter conditions. Given the region's climate, ground services possess an advanced fleet of snow removal equipment and high qualifications, ensuring uninterrupted operation of runways even during difficult winter months. Furthermore, its location just a few minutes' drive from the city centre makes it exceptionally convenient for tourists and business guests.

Below you will find contact information for Minot International Airport (MOT) to help you plan your trip and resolve any potential inquiries.

• Official Website: www.motairport.com — here you will find flight schedules, information about airlines, and airport services.
• Information Desk Phone: +1 (701) 857-4724.
• Airport Address: 305 Airport Rd, Minot, ND 58703, USA.
• Email: To contact the airport administration, it is recommended to use the contact form available on the official website.
• Social Media: Current news and updates can be found on the airport's official Facebook page.
• Lost and Found: If you have lost items within the terminal building, please contact the airport administration via the main phone number. For issues related to lost or damaged checked luggage, you should contact your airline representative directly.
• Passenger Support: For general questions and assistance at the airport, you may call the information desk.

Getting to Minot International Airport (MOT), located just a couple of miles north of the city centre, is quite simple. A car journey usually takes less than 10 minutes, making it one of the most accessible regional airports. Below are the main ways to reach the terminal.

Public Transport Currently, direct public transport routes, such as city buses (Minot City Transit), are not provided to the airport. Therefore, travelers should consider other options, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are rushing for a flight.

Taxi and Ride-Sharing The most convenient and fastest way to get to the airport is to use taxi services or ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft, which operate actively in Minot. A trip from the central part of the city will take about 5-10 minutes, and the cost will depend on demand and the time of day. Local taxi services also operate in the city. Additionally, some hotels offer complimentary airport shuttles for their guests, so it is worth clarifying this information when booking.

Car Rental For those who prefer complete freedom of movement, especially if a trip around North Dakota is planned, renting a car is the optimal solution. Offices of several major rental companies, including Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, and National, operate directly at Minot Airport. You can book a car in advance online and pick it up immediately upon arrival or return it before departure.

Airport Parking If you are traveling to the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, short-term and long-term parking lots are at your service. Short-term parking is convenient for quick drop-offs or picking up passengers, with the first hour of parking provided free of charge. For those leaving their car for several days, long-term parking with more favorable daily and weekly rates is available. It is recommended to book a parking space online in advance to guarantee availability.

Minot International Airport (MOT) is a modern and compact aviation hub, making navigation through it intuitive and fast. The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves all domestic flights.

The terminal layout is very simple and logical. The building is designed to minimize travel time and make the passenger experience as comfortable as possible. Since there is only one terminal, there is no need to transfer between different buildings. All zones — from check-in to baggage claim — are within walking distance of each other.

The Departure Zone is located on one level. Immediately at the entrance are airline check-in counters and self-service kiosks. After receiving a boarding pass and checking luggage, passengers proceed to a single security checkpoint (TSA). Due to low passenger traffic, passing through control generally takes significantly less time than in major airports. Beyond the security checkpoint is the airside zone with boarding gates, a small café, and a waiting area.

The Arrival Zone is also extremely simple. After disembarking the plane, passengers enter a general hall, from where they immediately proceed to the baggage claim belts. Car rental counters, the exit to taxis, and parking are located directly opposite the baggage claim hall. The entire process from leaving the plane to retrieving suitcases usually takes no more than 15-20 minutes.

Clear signage is installed throughout the terminal for convenient navigation. Given the airport's compact size, it is practically impossible to get lost here. It is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 90 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This time will be more than sufficient for calm check-in, baggage drop, and passing through security without rushing.

The history of Minot International Airport (MOT) begins in 1927, when "Port Minot" was officially established. Initially, it was a modest airfield designed to serve mail planes and private aviation needs. Over the years, its role in the North Dakota region's transport system grew steadily, leading to the need for more modern and capacious infrastructure to serve the growing number of passengers.

A significant stage of development was the construction of a passenger terminal in the 1950s, which faithfully served the region for over half a century. For decades, the airport was a key transport hub for the city and its surroundings. It also played an important role in logistics for personnel of the nearby Air Force Base of the USA, highlighting its strategic importance.

The beginning of the 21st century brought unprecedented challenges to the airport. The oil boom in the Bakken formation in the 2000s caused a sharp economic upturn and an influx of population to the region. This led to explosive growth in passenger traffic, with which the outdated terminal could no longer cope. The airport faced chronic overcrowding, making the issue of radical modernization particularly acute.

The culmination of the airport's development history was the opening of a completely new passenger terminal in February 2016. This was the most large-scale modernization project in the entire existence of MOT. The area of the new building was about 19,000 square meters, which is almost ten times the size of the old terminal. Passengers gained access to modern amenities: several jet bridges, spacious waiting halls, an expanded security zone, and an efficient baggage handling system.

Interesting fact: at the peak of the oil boom, the old Minot airport terminal was considered one of the busiest in the country in terms of the ratio of passenger traffic to its area. Today, Minot International Airport continues to be an important aerial gateway for North Dakota, maintaining its international status thanks to the presence of customs and border services to process flights, primarily from neighboring Canada.

Minot International Airport (MOT), despite its compact size, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait before departure. In the terminal, you will find a cozy café and grill bar where you can have a full meal or grab light snacks and drinks to go. A gift shop is also open, offering travel goods and souvenirs.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Convenient charging stations for mobile phones and laptops are located in the waiting areas. ATMs are installed in the terminal building for your convenience; however, specialized currency exchange points may be absent, so it is better to arrange this in advance.

The airport is fully equipped to serve passengers with disabilities and complies with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. Ramps, accessible restrooms, and special assistance for boarding are provided, which can be requested in advance through the airline. For travelers with small children, family restrooms with changing tables are equipped. In case of necessity, airport staff are ready to provide first aid and call emergency services, ensuring passenger safety.

Although there are no hotels, VIP lounges, or conference centers within the airport building itself, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity, offering comfortable accommodation and often free transfers for their guests. This is an excellent option for those arriving late in the evening or departing early in the morning.

Minot International Airport (MOT) is a modern and compact airport, so dining options here are concentrated in one main establishment that serves all passengers. When planning a snack or lunch, it is worth noting that the choice will not be as wide as in major hubs.

The main and, essentially, the only place where you can have a full meal is the Magic City Grill restaurant and bar. It is located in the "clean" zone (airside), that is, after passing through security. This is a convenient solution allowing passengers to relax while waiting for their flight. The menu offers classic American dishes: burgers, sandwiches, salads, as well as breakfast options if you are flying on a morning flight. There is also a bar area offering various beverages.

For those looking for a quick snack, Magic City Grill also offers coffee, pastries, and some ready-made snacks to take away. If you are looking for a full lunch, a burger or salad at this establishment would be a good choice. Regarding local cuisine, the menu is dominated by general American standards rather than specific North Dakota delicacies.

Passengers with specific dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free, or halal meals) should be prepared for a very limited selection. The best solution would be to clarify the possibility of modifying dishes with the staff (for example, ordering a salad without dressing or a burger without a bun). However, it is safer to eat before traveling to the airport or bring suitable snacks with you. Besides the restaurant, vending machines with drinks and snacks are also installed in the terminal.

The operating hours of Magic City Grill are directly tied to the flight schedule: the establishment opens before the first morning departure and closes after the last evening plane departs. The price range is average for airports, meaning slightly higher than in city cafés. Overall, Minot Airport offers basic and quality options to refresh yourself before a flight, but without gastronomic extravagances.

To ensure your journey through Minot International Airport goes smoothly, use these helpful tips. This airport serves the city of Minot and its surroundings, and knowing a few nuances will help save time and reduce stress.

Arrival Time and Check-in: It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight departure. Although the airport is not very large, this time will be sufficient for calm check-in, baggage drop, and passing security control. To speed up the process, use online check-in on your airline's website 24 hours before departure.

Security Control: The airport operates under standard Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules of the USA. All liquids in carry-on luggage must be in containers of no more than 100 ml (3.4 oz) and packed in a single transparent bag. Be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronics from bags for separate scanning.

Seat Selection and Carry-on: When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: a window seat will allow you to enjoy views of the North Dakota plains during take-off and landing, while an aisle seat provides more legroom and the freedom to stand up easily. Check your airline's carry-on baggage allowance to avoid extra charges for excess weight or size. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited in carry-on luggage.

Connections and Customs: If you have a connecting flight, check the terminal and gate number for the next flight in advance. For international flights arriving in the USA, you will have to undergo border and customs control at the first airport of arrival. Be prepared to present a passport with a visa and answer questions about the purpose of your trip.

Saving Money and Flight Delays: To save money, book parking online in advance and bring an empty water bottle that can be filled after security screening. In case of a flight delay, follow updates via the airline's mobile app or on information screens. For long delays caused by the carrier, you may be entitled to food vouchers or hotel accommodation — clarify this information with airline representatives.