Grand Forks Airport to Build New Control Tower

A $74 million air traffic control facility is set to replace the existing tower at Grand Forks International Airport.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Air Travel

Grand Forks Airport to Build New Control Tower

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North Dakota will construct a new 197-foot air traffic control tower at Grand Forks International Airport to replace a structure dating back to 1987. Operations at the new facility are expected to begin in late 2029.

Why it matters

The project aims to improve aviation safety and provide necessary infrastructure to support continued operational growth at the airport. It is being funded through the Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Control Tower Replacement program.

The new facility will feature a 650-square-foot tower cab and a 22,800-square-foot base building. It is slated to cost $74 million to complete.

The players

Federal Aviation Administration

This is the national agency responsible for the safety of civil aviation and the primary funding body for the airport project.

Grand Forks International Airport

The regional airport located in North Dakota that serves as the site for the new air traffic control tower construction.

The details

The new site will incorporate the Brand-New Air Traffic Control System to modernize airport operations. This project replaces the current tower that has served the facility since 1987.

The original control tower was constructed in 1987.
Operations in the new tower are scheduled to begin in late 2029.

Travel Outlook

The construction follows the modernization standards established by the Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Control Tower Replacement program. This initiative reflects a broader shift toward updating aging aviation infrastructure across regional airports to accommodate modern traffic volume.

Travelers and aviation stakeholders should expect minimal impact on daily operations throughout the multi-year construction window. The new facility is designed to improve long-term airport efficiency without disrupting existing flight schedules.

The takeaway

Modernizing local airport infrastructure ensures that regional hubs remain safe and capable of handling future increases in air traffic. Residents should anticipate long-term benefits from this investment as the airport prepares for a significant technological upgrade.