Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS) — Bismarck, North Dakota
Bismarck Municipal Airport, carrying the IATA code BIS, is the primary commercial and general aviation hub for North Dakota's state capital and the surrounding region. Located in south-central North Dakota along the Missouri River, BIS serves commercial airline passengers, general aviation, charter operations, and state government aviation. The airport handles scheduled service from United Airlines connecting Bismarck to Chicago O'Hare and Denver International, with additional seasonal routes. Annual passenger volumes typically range from 400,000 to 600,000.
BIS operates under FAA Great Lakes Region oversight with a full-time FAA air traffic control tower. The airport sits at approximately 1,661 feet MSL and has multiple runways capable of handling commercial jet aircraft including Boeing 737s and Embraer regional jets. Full FBO services, U.S. Customs capability, airline terminal with ground transportation, and the North Dakota Air National Guard presence make BIS one of the most capable airports between Minneapolis and Billings. The Bakken oil boom significantly increased business aviation traffic at BIS through the 2010s.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airlines serve Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS)?
United Airlines provides scheduled service to Chicago O'Hare and Denver International from BIS. Check current airline schedules, as seasonal routes and carrier options can change.
Is there a control tower at BIS?
Yes. BIS operates a full FAA air traffic control tower during published hours. Contact BIS Tower on the published frequency for arrival and departure clearances.
What FBO services are available at BIS?
Bismarck Municipal has full-service FBO facilities including Jet-A and AvGas fueling, aircraft maintenance, pilot lounges, rental cars, and catering. Contact the FBO for current pricing.
Does BIS handle international general aviation arrivals?
Yes. BIS has U.S. Customs capability for general aviation international arrivals. Pilots returning from Canada must file appropriate eAPIS notifications before departure.
What is the elevation at BIS?
BIS sits at approximately 1,661 feet MSL in the Missouri River valley near Bismarck.
Bismarck Municipal Airport - BIS Contact Information
Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Noblesville, Indiana.
| Name | Bismarck Municipal Airport - BIS |
| Address | 2301 University Drive, Bismarck ND 58504 Map |
| Phone | (701) 355-1800 |
| Website | |
| Hours |
Map of Bismarck Municipal Airport - BIS
North Dakota State Capital Aviation Hub
Bismarck Municipal Airport anchors commercial aviation for the western half of North Dakota, serving a region that includes the state capital, the agricultural heartland of the Missouri Plateau, and the Bakken oil country to the northwest. State government officials, oil industry professionals, and farmers from across western and central ND use BIS as their commercial gateway to the United States air network.
The Missouri River creates distinctive weather patterns at BIS, including valley fog, temperature inversions, and moisture-enhanced winter storms that require pilot awareness. BIS's full-time tower, ATIS, and comprehensive weather observation infrastructure provide exceptional situational awareness compared to other North Dakota airports. For general aviation pilots staging through Bismarck, the complete FBO services, customs capability, and proximity to governmental and business resources make BIS one of the most capable facilities in the northern Plains.