Stanley Municipal Airport — Stanley, North Dakota
Stanley Municipal Airport serves Stanley, the county seat of Mountrail County and an important commercial hub in northwestern North Dakota. Stanley has been significantly affected by the Bakken oil boom, growing from a small agricultural town into a service center for the oil field industry. The municipal airport has seen substantially increased activity during Bakken development as oil company personnel, service companies, and charter operators have used Stanley as a base for northwestern ND operations.
The airport operates under FAA Great Lakes Region oversight with North Dakota Aeronautics Commission support. Stanley Municipal provides public general aviation access for a county that is one of North Dakota's most economically active due to its oil production. The airport serves agricultural aviation for the traditional economy alongside the oil industry aviation that has surged during Bakken development. Minot International Airport (MOT) is the nearest commercial aviation hub, approximately 60 miles to the northeast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How has Bakken development affected Stanley Municipal Airport?
The Bakken oil boom transformed Mountrail County's economy and significantly increased aviation activity at Stanley Municipal, with oil company charters, service company logistics, and personnel flights adding to traditional agricultural aviation.
What services are available at Stanley Municipal Airport?
Stanley Municipal Airport is a public-use general aviation facility with fuel services and basic amenities. Verify current service availability before arrival, as western ND airport services can change with economic conditions.
How far is Stanley from Minot International Airport?
Stanley is approximately 60 miles west of Minot. The flight to MOT takes about 30 minutes, providing connections to commercial airline service.
What is the elevation at Stanley Municipal Airport?
Stanley Municipal Airport sits at approximately 1,900 feet MSL on the Missouri Coteau plateau. Check current aeronautical publications for exact elevation and runway information.
Stanley Municipal Airport Contact Information
Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Stanley, North Dakota.
| Name | Stanley Municipal Airport |
| Address | U.S. Highway 2, Stanley ND 58784 Map |
| Phone | (701) 629-0044 |
| Website | |
| Hours |
Map of Stanley Municipal Airport
Mountrail County Aviation from Agriculture to Oil and Back
Stanley Municipal Airport reflects the economic trajectory of Mountrail County over the past two decades: a traditional agricultural county that became one of the most oil-productive regions in North America, and that is now finding a new balance as Bakken activity has moderated. The airport served dramatically elevated traffic during the boom years and continues to be an important aviation resource as the county's economy evolves.
Agricultural aviation remains the bedrock of Stanley Municipal Airport's year-round activity. Wheat, canola, and sunflower fields across Mountrail County require aerial application services throughout the growing season, and personal aviation connects farm families to the markets, suppliers, and services in Minot and Bismarck. The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission's investment in Stanley Municipal recognizes the airport's importance to both the oil economy that has enriched the county and the agricultural economy that has sustained it for over a century.