Hoeven Urges Delta Officials To Reinstate Minot Flight

Press Release

Hoeven Urges Delta Officials To Reinstate Minot Flight

Gov. John Hoeven today urged Delta Air Lines officials to reinstate a scheduled flight to Minot that was temporarily discontinued until Oct. 1. In a conversation with company officials, Hoeven said the flight was necessary to accommodate the large influx of visitors, entertainers and exhibitors coming to the city for the Norsk Hostfest, which will be held from Sept. 29 through Oct. 3 this year. The flights need to resume in September at the latest, according to Hoeven. The call followed conversations Hoeven had with Norsk Hostfest officials.

"Airline officials have assured us that they are aware of the situation and will monitor passenger traffic as the date for the festival approaches," Hoeven said. "If necessary, options include adding a flight or providing larger aircraft with additional seating to existing flights to accommodate travelers."

Delta decided last week to drop Minot's 12:47 p.m. arrival and 1:15 p.m. departure for the month of September. Hoeven is urging Delta to continue the flight no later than one week earlier than planned to serve not only the Norsk Hostfest, but the state's growing economy and the opening weekends of several of North Dakota's hunting seasons in late September and early October.

"The Norsk Hostfest is one of the largest tourism events in the state, with a significant economic impact," Hoeven said. "Dependable and adequate air travel for the thousands of visitors who travel to and from Minot is crucial for the success of this event, as well as for other growing sectors of our economy."

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