Bozeman Airport: Size, Scale, And Expansion Plans

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, located in Belgrade, Gallatin County, Montana, is the state's busiest airport. The airport covers 2,481 acres of land and sits 4,473 feet above sea level. Bozeman Airport has a rich history, dating back to 1928, and has undergone several expansions over the years, including the addition of new gates, retail concessions, and an infrastructure upgrade worth $180 million announced in 2024. The airport offers various amenities, including aircraft loading bridges, restaurants, lounges, rental car services, ground transportation, and more, serving over 2 million passengers annually.

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport's history

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is Montana's busiest airport, serving over 2 million passengers a year. The airport covers 2,481 acres (10.04 km2) and is located at an elevation of 4,473 feet (1,363 m) above sea level. It has four runways, the longest of which is 8,994 feet (2,741 m) long.

The airport has gone through many transformations throughout its history. It was originally established in 1928 as Belgrade's first airport, Seifert Airport, named after Gallatin County aviation pioneer Wayne Seifert. However, it was soon relocated due to high-tension wires. In 2011, the Gallatin Airport Authority Airport Board changed the name to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport at Gallatin Field to associate it with Yellowstone National Park. That same year, a terminal expansion designed by Prugh & Lenon Architects was opened, adding three gates and more retail concessions.

International flights have been allowed since 2012, after a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility opened on July 1st. This led to an expansion of service in 2020 and 2021, with a record 31 nonstop destinations, including new routes to previously unserved markets such as Washington, D.C. (Dulles) and Nashville. The airport has also seen a shift in the type of aircraft operated by commercial airlines, with the last Boeing 727 commercial service aircraft operating in 2002, and a move towards the Airbus A319, the A320, and 50 to 70-seat regional jets.

In 2016, Alaska extended its PDX seasonal service, and American Airlines began service to BZN with non-stop service to DFW. The following year, American announced seasonal service to Chicago O'Hare, and Bridger Aerospace Hangar opened. In 2024, the airport announced a $180 million infrastructure upgrade and expansion, the largest in Montana's history, which will include additional baggage carousels, a second security checkpoint, and the capability to add three more gates.

Gallatin Airport Authority

The airport has a rich history, dating back to 1928 when it was first established in Belgrade, Montana. By 1929, the airport had opened with six runways, each 100 feet wide and 1,200 to 1,300 feet long. In 1940, Bozeman City Manager August H. Lake formed an airport commission to discuss the desirability of having an airport in Bozeman. The City of Bozeman had leased a small portion of land at the site of the Belgrade Airport and constructed a hangar to benefit the Civilian Pilot Training (CPT) program offered by Montana State College.

In 2011, the Gallatin Airport Authority Airport Board changed the name to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport at Gallatin Field to associate it with Yellowstone National Park. That same year, a terminal expansion added three gates and more retail concessions. International flights have been allowed since 2012, after a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility opened. The airport has continued to expand and improve, surpassing Billings Logan in 2013 as the busiest airport in Montana for passenger service.

The Bozeman Airport Terminal features upper-level aircraft loading bridges, restaurants, lounges, shops, conference rooms, data ports, wireless internet access, and more. The terminal design incorporates natural wood and stone, showcasing artwork that depicts the character and nature of Southwest Montana. Gallatin Airport Authority ensures that travellers passing through the Yellowstone and Gallatin Valley region have a safe, comfortable, and memorable experience.

The airport's location and surroundings

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is located in Belgrade, Gallatin County, Montana, eight miles west of Bozeman and one mile east of Belgrade, off of Interstate 90, Exit 299. The airport is elevated 4,473 feet (1,363 m) above sea level. It covers 2,481 acres (10.04 km2) of land and has four runways. Bozeman Airport is surrounded by snow-capped mountain ranges and serves as a year-round gateway to Yellowstone National Park. It also serves the recreation areas of Big Sky Resort and Bridger Bowl, as well as the business centres of Bozeman, Belgrade, Big Sky, and Livingston. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is Montana's busiest airport, serving 2.46 million passengers during 2023, a 16.7% increase over the previous year. The airport is committed to providing resources and transparent information about the complexities of airport operations and aircraft noise and their impact on nearby areas.

Passenger statistics

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is Montana's busiest airport. It is located in the town of Belgrade, around seven miles northwest of Bozeman. The airport serves as a year-round gateway to Yellowstone National Park, with two entrances. It also serves Big Sky Resort, Bridger Bowl, Montana State University, Gallatin College, and the business centres of Bozeman, Belgrade, Big Sky, and Livingston.

In 2021, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport handled 1,940,191 passengers, an increase of 118.1% compared to 2020, and a 23.3% increase over the previous record of 1,573,860 set in 2019. This record was broken again in 2022, with 2,264,424 passengers travelling through the airport, a 16.7% increase over 2021. This growth is expected to continue in 2025, with a projected increase of 4.7% compared to the previous year.

In 2021, over 40% of passengers travelling by air to or from Montana travelled through BZN. Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Allegiant Air were the top airlines used by passengers. In 2022, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines remained the top two airlines, with Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines switching places compared to 2021.

In 2011, the airport recorded 397,822 passenger boardings, an 8.9% increase from 2010. The airport handled 73,749 aircraft movements during the same period, a 1.8% increase from the previous year. International flights have been allowed since 2012, after a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility opened. In 2013, the airport became the busiest in Montana for passenger service, surpassing Billings Logan with 879,221 passengers from June 2012 to May 2013.

The airport's amenities

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is Montana's busiest airport, serving 2.46 million passengers in 2023. The airport, located in Belgrade, Gallatin County, covers 2,481 acres (10.04 km2) at an elevation of 4,473 feet (1,363 m) above sea level. It features four runways, with the longest being 8,994 feet (2,741 m) long and 150 feet (46 m) wide.

Bozeman Airport Terminal welcomes visitors with a beautiful state-of-the-art facility that offers a variety of amenities to ensure safe, comfortable, and memorable travel experiences. The terminal features upper-level aircraft loading bridges, providing convenient access to the aircraft.

For dining, the airport offers the Copper Horse restaurant and lounge, where passengers can relax and enjoy a meal before their flight. Additionally, the Ross Peak Grill and Bar provides a more casual dining option. For those on the go, the BZN Market offers a convenient grab-and-go option for passengers looking for a quick bite. Espresso counters are also available throughout the airport for coffee lovers.

The airport also features a variety of shopping options, including gift shops, a convenience store, and the unique "Yellowstone Forever" store, where passengers can purchase souvenirs or last-minute essentials.

Other amenities include a service animal relief area, a Mother's room, an information centre, and a conference room. Passengers can also take advantage of the wireless internet access available throughout the terminal and multiple ground transportation services.

Frequently asked questions