Bemidji, Minnesota: Your Guide to the Local Airport
Bemidji sits on the western edge of the Mississippi River in northern Minnesota, a city of roughly 14,500 residents and a gateway to the Northwoods. Travelers looking for an airport in Bemidji are served by Bemidji Regional Airport (IATA: BJI, ICAO: KBJI), the only commercial airfield within a 30‑mile radius. The airport’s strategic position—just five miles northwest of downtown—makes it the fastest way for tourists, business visitors, and Bemidji State University students to connect to the nation’s air network.
The airport sits at the intersection of Minnesota State Highway 197 and County Road 5, adjacent to the Lakeside neighborhood and a short drive from the historic Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues. From the terminal, the iconic Bemidji Lake shoreline is visible to the east, and the bustling downtown district along Beltrami Avenue lies only 5.2 miles away. The location is also convenient for residents of the Riverside and College Hill districts, who often use the airport for regional travel.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, Bemidji Regional Airport recorded 84,317 passenger boardings in 2022, ranking it among the top 150 small‑hub airports in the United States. The field features a single concrete runway—13/31—measuring 7,500 feet by 150 feet, capable of handling regional jets such as the Bombardier CRJ‑200 and Embraer 145. In the same year, the airport logged roughly 30,200 aircraft operations, split between commercial flights, general aviation, and air‑taxi services.
Commercial service at BJI is currently provided by Delta Connection, operated by SkyWest Airlines, with up to ten daily departures to Minneapolis‑St Paul International Airport (MSP). The flight schedule includes early morning connections for business travelers and evening returns for weekend tourists heading to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Although Delta is the primary carrier, the airport also supports seasonal charter flights that fly to popular vacation spots like Duluth and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
The terminal building, renovated in 2019, offers a bright, one‑story layout that includes TSA security checkpoints, a ticketing lobby, free Wi‑Fi, and a small café serving locally roasted coffee. Passengers can find a baggage claim area with a single carousel, an information desk staffed by the Bemidji Airport Authority, and a dedicated waiting area equipped with charging stations. For pilots, the airport provides a pilot lounge, weather briefing stations, and a 24‑hour self‑service fuel farm offering Jet‑A and Avgas.
Ground transportation options are plentiful. The airport hosts rental car counters for Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz, each located just outside the main entrance. A short‑term parking lot (Lot A) provides 120 spaces at $2 per hour, while the long‑term lot (Lot B) offers 300 spaces at a flat daily rate of $10. Local taxi services, including Bemidji Taxi and the rideshare partner Uber, pick up passengers at the curbside curb marked “Rideshare.” The Bemidji Regional Transit (BRT) Route 1 also stops at the airport, delivering passengers to downtown and the university campus in under 20 minutes.
The Bemidji Airport Authority office is located at 2200 Airport Drive, Bemidji, MN 56601. The office can be reached at (218) 758‑2250 and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for inquiries about flight schedules, cargo services, and community events. The authority regularly hosts “Fly‑Bemidji” open houses where residents can tour the airfield, meet airline representatives, and learn about upcoming infrastructure projects.
Bemidji Regional Airport plays a vital role in the local economy. It supports over 150 jobs directly at the terminal and another 300 indirect positions in hospitality, tourism, and freight. Each summer, the airport handles a surge of visitors heading to the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon, the Lake Bemidji State Park canoe festivals, and the annual Paul Bunyan Festival, all of which rely on easy air access. Bemidji State University also uses the airport for faculty travel, research field trips, and student exchange programs.
From the airport, a quick 10‑minute drive on Highway 197 takes you to the historic downtown where boutique shops line Beltrami Avenue and the iconic Paul Bunyan statue greets travelers on the riverfront. The Bemidji Lake shoreline, a popular spot for sunrise photography, is only 2 miles east of the runway. Visitors looking to explore the Northwoods can connect to the Bemidji Northwest Minnesota Regional Transportation Center, which offers shuttle services to the Boundary Waters and the Superior National Forest.
Whether you are catching a business flight to Minneapolis, planning a family vacation to the Northwoods, or simply need to drop off a cargo shipment, Bemidji Regional Airport provides a reliable, community‑focused gateway. Use the contact information above to confirm flight times, reserve parking, or learn about upcoming airport improvements. Welcome to the Bemidji airport—your convenient link to the skies.
International Airports
An international airport is a vital component of any major metropolitan area. It connects domestic and international travelers, providing them with a means to connect to the rest of the world.
An international airport is a large airport that is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights. It also has a significant economic impact on the local community.
These major Minnesota Airports generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and other related industries.
A large international airport also offers a variety of amenities for travelers. These can include shopping centers, dining options, lounges, and other services such as currency exchange and luggage storage.
Private Airports
Private airports, also known as general aviation airports, are airports that are not open to commercial airlines and are used primarily by private aircraft.
One of the main benefits of a private airport is the exclusivity and privacy it offers.
These airports are often used by high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and business executives, who value their privacy and want to avoid the crowds and security lines of commercial airports.
Private airports also offer more flexibility and convenience for aircraft owners. They can also be used for training pilots and hosting aviation events.
There are 0 Private Airport in Bemidji, Minnesota.
Regional Airports
Regional airports are smaller airports that serve a rural geographic region, such as a smaller city or county with a population of less than 100,000.
Small airports mostly offer flights within the same country, but some may offer flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of regional airports is their convenience. They also tend to have shorter security lines and fewer crowds, making the overall travel experience more enjoyable.
There are 1 Regional Airport in Bemidji, Minnesota.
Bemidji Regional Airport - Bji
Municipal Airports
Municipal airports which are also called "public airports" are owned and run by local governments like cities and counties.
Most of the time, they are smaller airports that serve a certain area and have mostly domestic flights, but some may also have flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of municipal airports is their accessibility. They are often located in or near major cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.
Municipal airports provide a vital link for businesses in the region, allowing them to easily connect to other parts of the country.
There are 0 Municipal Airport in Bemidji, Minnesota.
Local Airports
There are 2 Local Airport in Bemidji, Minnesota.
Bemidji Beltrami County Airport
Nary National Shefland Airport
Airports near Bemidji
Frequently Asked Questions — Bemidji Airport Services
Below are the most common questions asked by Bemidji residents and visitors regarding the local airport, its services, and how to get there.
What is the phone number for the Bemidji airport office?
The Bemidji Airport Authority can be reached at (218) 758‑2250. The office, located at 2200 Airport Drive in the Lakeside district, answers calls Monday‑Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and provides information on flight schedules, parking rates, cargo handling, and upcoming community events. For fax communications, use (218) 758‑2251, and email inquiries can be sent to info@bemidjiairport.com. The office is situated next to the BJI Café, making it easy for visitors to grab a coffee while waiting for assistance.
How far is the Bemidji airport from the downtown Bemidji lakefront?
Bemidji Regional Airport sits approximately 5.2 miles (about a 10‑minute drive) northwest of the downtown lakefront where the Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues stand. Travelers can take Highway 197 south to reach the lake area in under 12 minutes, even during peak tourist season. An alternate route via County Road 5 and Beltrami Avenue adds only a couple of minutes and passes through the Riverside neighborhood, offering scenic views of the Mississippi River along the way.
What are the airport office hours for Bemidji Regional Airport?
The airport office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Central Time). The staff is unavailable on weekends and Minnesota state holidays, but self‑service kiosks, baggage claim, and parking facilities remain open 24 hours for passengers. After‑hours, an insulated drop‑box located beside the main entrance allows users to leave documents or inquiries, which are addressed the next business day.
Which airlines operate at the airport near Bemidji, Minnesota?
Delta Connection, operated by SkyWest Airlines, is the sole scheduled carrier serving Bemidji Regional Airport, offering multiple daily flights to Minneapolis‑St Paul International Airport (MSP) with Bombardier CRJ‑200 regional jets. While United Express previously provided service, it discontinued operations in 2021. During the summer months, seasonal charter operators such as Sun Country and Lake Air occasionally run limited flights to Duluth International Airport (DLH) and other regional destinations, catering to tourists heading to the Northwoods.
Where can I find parking near the airport in Bemidji and how much does it cost?
Parking is available in two lots adjacent to the terminal. Short‑term Lot A provides 120 spaces at $2 per hour and includes several EV charging stations for electric vehicles. Long‑term Lot B offers 300 spaces for a flat daily rate of $10 and features designated accessible parking spots near the entrance, as well as a covered section for protection against snow. Both lots accept cash, credit cards, and mobile payment via the BJI Parking app, and they are illuminated for safe overnight use.