Airports are places where adventures begin and reunions unfold. For Fargo, North Dakota, Hector International Airport is more than just a transit hub. It is a vital economic engine and the primary gateway connecting the community to the rest of the country and world – and one that needed to grow to keep up with the region.
Bringing decades of expertise in tackling large, complex projects, our team took on the challenge of expanding and renovating this critical community resource. With our commitment to hard work, collaboration, and doing things right, we are helping Fargo reach new heights.
Building the Plane While Flying It
Construction is always complex, but building at an active airport takes that challenge to a new level. The facility must remain operational during construction. Travelers still need to check bags, pass through security, and board their flights without delay, discomfort or disruption.
“This airport is the welcome mat for a lot of people visiting our community,” says Shawn Dobberstein, Executive Director of Hector International Airport. “We need to be here to meet the needs of our growing population.”
Working in a high-profile, secure environment like an airport requires careful planning and exacting execution – things that our McGough team excels at. Our crews navigate strict federal security protocols, coordinate around flight operations, and work on complex building systems that can’t go down unexpectedly. Airports also need to be built to last while remaining attractive with enjoyable standards and amenities to ensure travelers feel welcome and relaxed.
The design team did a fantastic job. I don’t think anybody’s walked through it without ooh- and ahh-ing a little bit,” says Joe Kasper, McGough Senior Project Manager. “I walked through with my son who made the comment, it’s amazing how you can take a piece of paper and turn it into this.”
Upgrades That Enhance the Journey
To support the region’s growth, the Hector International Airport project introduces several improvements. Construction kicked off in the spring of 2024, rolling out in stages to minimize disruptions.
“A lot of the challenges that arose are [because] the buildings are not stand-alone,” Joe says. “The biggest example I can give you is the MEP systems. Some of the new electrical is fed from the existing building, and some of the building we are renovating is now fed from the expansion.”
Key additions to the airport include:
- A major terminal expansion: Opened in February 2026, offering more gates, expanded seating, and modernized amenities.
- A comprehensive terminal remodel: Upgrading the existing facility to match the new expansion, slated for completion in 2027.
- An expansive new parking garage: Opened in August 2025 to increase vehicle capacity.
- A climate-controlled skywalk: Connecting the parking ramp directly to the terminal for safer, warmer access during Fargo winters.
It has a big city feel but you still have the amenities of the classic Fargo airport, just getting through security quickly, no long lines, no long wait times,” notes Rikka Frisk, Project Engineer, McGough. “I think people still very much appreciate [what] this airport offers.”
A Partnership Grounded in Trust
Successfully executing a project of this scale requires more than just technical skill. It takes a deep understanding of how to work effectively with public entities, government agencies, and airport authorities. McGough’s long-standing values of integrity and partnership were crucial in navigating the hurdles of working on public infrastructure.
“The unique parts of this project are the stakeholders and the amount of stakeholders that are involved,” says Shiloh Becher, our senior superintendent on the project, noting our success managing the coordination and, as he puts it, “making sure everybody stays happy.”
As travelers walk through the new and renovated Hector International Airport, they experience the result of that dedication. McGough is proud of our role in building the critical infrastructure that keeps our communities growing, thriving, and soaring.
“We represent not only the city of Fargo, but the whole surrounding region,” Shawn says. “It’s important to us so that we’re meeting the needs of the traveling public and doing anything that we can to improve the customer experience. This expansion is just the beginning of what the airport’s future can be.”
