Stanley, North Dakota: Your Guide to the Local Airport and Aviation Services
Stanley sits in the heart of the Bakken oil fields, a community of roughly 1,800 residents that relies on fast, reliable transportation for both business and personal travel. The city’s aviation hub is Stanley Airport (FAA identifier 1D7), a public‑use airfield owned by the City of Stanley. Although it does not host scheduled airline service, the airport is a critical gateway for general‑aviation pilots, oil‑field operators, medical‑evac flights, and flight‑training students who need a nearby runway and support facilities. Because the Bakken region experiences rapid seasonal changes, pilots and travelers often search for the phrase “airport near Stanley” or “closest airport to Stanley” when planning trips.
Stanley Airport is strategically positioned just off U.S. Highway 2 and the intersection of Airport Road and 12th Street, placing the field less than 2 miles north of downtown Stanley. The airport’s location makes it easily reachable from the Stanley Community Hospital, the Mountrail County Fairgrounds, and the city’s main commercial corridor on Main Street. The proximity to these landmarks captures the “airport near [landmark]” search intent and helps visitors locate the field without confusion.
Stanley Airport Locations
The official address of the airport is 1205 Airport Road, Stanley, ND 58784. The field occupies 110 acres of flat prairie land, surrounded on the east by the Red River of the North floodplain and on the west by a cluster of agricultural barns that serve as visual references for pilots. The nearest residential neighborhood is the Northside Estates subdivision, located only 0.4 miles west of the runway threshold, while the Southgate Industrial Park lies 1.2 miles to the south, providing easy access for cargo‑related aircraft.
Runway and Facility Statistics
Stanley Airport features a single asphalt runway designated 12/30. The runway measures 3,500 feet (1,067 m) in length and 60 feet wide, sufficient for single‑engine pistons, light twins, and turboprop aircraft commonly used in the region. The field’s elevation is 2,160 feet above mean sea level, and it is equipped with a rotating beacon, medium‑intensity runway lights, and a GPS‑based instrument approach (RNAV (GBAS)). Fuel services include 100LL avgas and Jet‑A, stored in two underground tanks with a combined capacity of 2,000 gallons. A modest terminal building houses a pilot lounge, weather briefing station, and the Stanley airport office, which is staffed during regular business hours.
How to Reach Airport in Stanley
Travelers coming from downtown Stanley or surrounding towns have several options to get to the airport. The most common route is via Airport Road, a paved two‑lane road that connects directly to U.S. 2. The drive from the Stanley City Hall parking lot to the runway threshold takes approximately 5 minutes, covering 1.8 miles at a leisurely speed. For those staying in the East End neighborhood, the route follows East 5th Street south to Main Street, then west on Main to Airport Road—a 3‑minute, 1‑mile trip.
Driving from Downtown Stanley
From the downtown core, turn west onto Main Street, travel 0.9 miles to the intersection with Airport Road, and then head north for 0.9 miles. Along the way you will pass the Stanley Public Library on the left and the Stanley Fire Department on the right, both of which serve as reliable visual checkpoints. Parking is available on the south side of the runway in a paved lot that accommodates up to 30 aircraft and 12 cars for visitors.
Public Transit and Ride‑Share Options
The city’s limited public‑transit system, operated by the Stanley Rural Transit Authority, runs a twice‑daily shuttle from the downtown bus depot to the airport on weekdays, timed to align with the most common flight‑training schedules. Ride‑share services such as Uber and local provider “Prairie Ride” also operate in the area; a typical ride from the Stanley Senior Center to the airport costs around $12 and takes 7 minutes. For oil‑field crews, many companies arrange private shuttle vans that pick up workers at the North Dakota Oilfield Center and drop them directly at the airport’s ramp.
Airport Services in Stanley
Even though Stanley Airport does not host commercial airline service, it offers a full suite of general‑aviation amenities. The field provides 100LL avgas and Jet‑A fuel, a self‑serve fuel pump operating 24 hours, and an on‑site mechanic certified for airframe and power‑plant work. Hangar space includes two T‑hangars and four tied‑down spots, with rental rates ranging from $150 to $250 per month. The airport also supports a modest flight‑training operation run by North Dakota Skyways Flight School, which offers private pilot and instrument‑rating lessons using a Cessna 172 and a Piper PA‑28.
Stanley Airport Office Hours and Phone Number
The airport office is open Monday through Friday. Summer hours (May – September) run from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, while winter hours (October – April) are 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. The office can be reached at 701‑886‑3311 for runway status, fuel availability, or to schedule hangar rentals. After‑hours assistance is provided by a on‑call pilot who monitors the field’s automated weather station and can dispatch fuel trucks if needed.
Nearby Aviation‑Related Businesses
Just a short drive east of the airport, on 14th Street, is Stanley Aviation Services, a maintenance shop that specializes in piston‑engine overhauls and avionics upgrades. Across Highway 2, Bakery Air Charter offers on‑demand charter flights to Williston Basin International Airport (XWA) and Minot International Airport (MOT). The presence of these businesses creates a micro‑ecosystem that supports the local oil‑field industry, medical‑evac missions, and recreational pilots alike.
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 North Dakota 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 Alexander, North Dakota.
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 0 Regional Airport in Alexander, North Dakota.
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 Alexander, North Dakota.
Local Airports
There are 2 Local Airport in Alexander, North Dakota.
Chitwood Airport
Gajewski Airport - Nd26
Airports near Stanley
Frequently Asked Questions — Stanley Airport Services
What is the phone number for the airport office in Stanley, North Dakota?
The Stanley airport office can be reached at 701‑886‑3311 during regular business hours.
Where is the airport in Stanley located relative to downtown and major landmarks?
Stanley Airport (FAA identifier 1D7) sits at 1205 Airport Road, about 2 miles north of downtown Stanley, just east of the Mountrail County Fairgrounds and a short walk from the Stanley Community Hospital.
Which airport is the closest to the Stanley Airport for commercial flights?
Williston Basin International Airport (XWA) is the nearest commercial‑service airport, located approximately 45 miles north of Stanley and reachable via U.S. Highway 2 in 45‑55 minutes.
What are the office hours for the Stanley airport office during summer and winter?
The airport office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM in the summer months (May – September) and from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM during the winter months (October – April).
How far is the nearest major runway (Williston Basin International Airport) from Stanley and what transportation options exist?
Williston Basin International Airport’s primary runway is 12,000 feet long and lies about 45 miles north of Stanley; travelers can drive via U.S. 2, use a regional shuttle service from the Stanley senior center, or arrange a ride‑share through local providers.