South Dakota's two largest commercial airports, Rapid City Regional Airport and Sioux Falls Regional Airport reported their busiest first half of the year on record. This surge in air travel comes as the state Aeronautics Commission has allocated $10 million in terminal expansion grants to public airports across South Dakota.

Year-to-date enplanements statewide stand at 546,704, up 4.6% from the same point in 2023. Rapid City's enplanements are up 20.3% and Sioux Falls is up 4.29%.

The number of airline enplanements in Rapid City and Sioux Falls during the first half of the year totaled 522,709, surpassing the previous record of 478,697 – an increase of 8.4% from 2023 year-to-date.

"The demand for air travel is shattering records in Rapid City and Sioux Falls, "Rapid City Regional Airport Executive Director, Patrick Dame said in a statement. "Airports are an economic engine that helps to bolster South Dakota’s economy and Airports have a real need to expand to meet the increased passenger demands."

Dan Letellier, Executive Director at Sioux Falls Regional Airport added, “The increase in passenger traffic is great to see but it is putting stress on airport facilities and highlights the need for new and expanded terminals and gates in our largest airports.”

South Dakota Airport Terminal Program (SDATP)

In addition to the surge in air travel, South Dakota airports are benefiting from significant legislative support through Senate Bill 144. The Legislature

dedicated $10 million to the South Dakota Airport Terminal Program (SDATP), a fund established by the bill passed in the last session.

The program has allocated grants to various airports (including General Aviation) across the state:

Aberdeen: $1,2000,000

Hot Springs: $27,000

Rapid City: $3,047,126

Sioux Falls: $2,561,801

Spearfish: $1,319,073

Sturgis: $210,000

Tea: $735,000

Watertown: $900,000

State-sponsored grants are crucial for enhancing terminal facilities, improving passenger experience, and supporting the ongoing growth in air traffic. With

record-breaking enplanements and substantial legislative support, South Dakota’s airports are poised for a bright future, continuing to serve as vital hubs for travel and economic activity in the region.