The 5 Busiest Airports in South Dakota, Ranked

There’s no place quite like South Dakota. While best known as the home of Mount Rushmore, people flock to the state to see natural wonders referred to as the ‘Great Eight.” The Badlands National Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, Jewel Cave Monument, Wind Cave National Park, Deadwood and the Missouri River all make this state notable. With so many attractions, it’s no surprise that South Dakota is home to some of the busiest airports in the nation.

South Dakota’s most-used airports offer a variety of domestic and international flights. Small towns brimming with their own unique qualities, attractions and charm have established themselves as tourist worthy stops near the airports.

Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD)-The Busiest Airport in South Dakota

Also known as Joe Foss Field, Sioux Falls Regional Airport was the port for 501,423 flights in 2021. Serving over 200 domestic destinations as well as offering international flights, this airport offers travelers the amenities they need.

Passengers can grab a quick pizza or sub, purchase a souvenir at the gift shop, or tour the art gallery. The airport partners with local artists to curate a revolving display of visual arts while maintaining permanent displays celebrating the history of flight and other artists. Short-term and long-term parking is available.

Sioux Falls Regional Airport also provides two quiet, private areas for passengers with young children. Located near Wildcat Corner and the public restrooms, these rest stations provide welcome areas to nurse and change younger travelers.

If you’re in need of lodging, the airport provides easy links to options on their website, including the AeroStay hotel. The AeroStay hotel is within walking distance of the terminal, providing unbeatable ease.

Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)

The closest airport to Mount Rushmore, Rapid City Regional Airport welcomed 337,788 flights in 2021. Rapid City Regional offers travel to eight domestic destinations across the United States.

The airport is not only ideal for destination travel, but is also perfect as a layover airport for connecting flights. Travelers find accommodation in two bar areas, one established outside of security check zones. Dining options include prepared salads, sandwiches, and breakfast items.

In 2023, the airport entered into a partnership with several chain restaurants, including Cinnabon, Grab and Go Express, and Flight Line Grill and Tap. Diners can support the airport’s altruistic efforts by donating their spare change during their security check. Spare change is donated to fund the Empty Pockets=Full Plates program.

In 2022, the airport raised over three thousand dollars for the Cornerstone Rescue Mission. The airport is also the first in the state to support the Hidden Disabilities Sunshine Program. Travelers can pick up a free sunflower lanyard at the SkyCap or parking office. The lanyard is a visual cue for airport staff and security that travelers may have a range of exceptional needs and need compassionate assistance. Souvenier hunters can browse the airport gift shop for the perfect item to remember their travels, or to select a gift for loved ones. Airport parking is available at daily or long-term rates.

Aberdeen Regional Airport

Services such as free parking, free Wi-Fi, charter options and domestic flights to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport helped Aberdeen Regional complete 21,850 flights in 2021. The airport also offers many dining options nearby, including a local mobile food truck.

In a nod to the city’s long military history, the airport displays a war memorial designed by Benjamin Victor. Construction began on Veterans Day, 2003 and concluded in 2005. If you’re in need of lodging, there are several hotel options in the city. For those that love novelty, consider staying at the local Super 8 Motel. The first in the chain to open, it’s earned the city of Aberdeen the local designation of ‘the birthplace of Super 8.”

Aberdeen is a small, college city. Whether you fly often or are taking a one-time trip, a layover can be spent enjoying local dining and shopping establishments close to the airport.

Watertown Regional Airport

The airport began life as an Air Force training field during World War II, but in 2021 served 19,920 passengers on regional flights to Denver and Chicago. Danger Von Dempsey’s recently opened inside the airport, supplying pizza and calzones to hungry passengers. The airport supplies free parking to all passengers as well as vending machines. Watertown Regional Airport has the distinction of hosting President Barack Obama twice. His first visit through the airport was during his presidential campaign, however, he returned in 2015 to deliver an address to graduates.

Don’t let the small town feel of Watertown fool you. In addition to a zoo, Watertown hosts performances at the Goss Opera House. Additionally, visitors can find dining for every craving, from breweries to sushi.

Pierre Regional Airport-The Busiest Airport in the Capital

The city of Pierre, South Dakota, is not only South Dakota’s capital city; it’s recognized as an outdoors paradise with exceptional hunting, fishing, and recreation. Due to this, the airport hosted 17,510 flights in 2021. Constructed in 1942 as the Pierre Army Airfield, the original airport structure was demolished and replaced in 2012. Today, the airport provides regional domestic service to several major United States cities. Pierre Regional Airport provides free parking and Wi-Fi to passengers. Passengers have a variety of dining options ranging from sushi, steakhouse and pizza within miles of the airport. Several chain hotels and locally-run establishments are also nearby.

Are you still curious about busy airports and the towns around them? Don’t miss our post here, where we detail the busiest airports in the United States.