Initial plans for an airfield in Fergus Falls began in 1927.[1] In 1928, a tract of land west of the city of Fergus Falls was leased for use as a municipal airport.[2] When the farmer who owned that land decided to grow wheat there in 1934, the city was forced to relocate the airport.[3]
After World War II, plans were developed for construction of a new airport dedicated in honor of Flying Tiger Einar Mickelson and, "all the other Fergus Falls airmen who lost their lives in the Second World War."[4] The airport and airfield were formally dedicated on September 19, 1948.[5][6] The first airliner landed there in 1953. It was a DC-3 from North Central Airlines.[7]
A new 4,800 foot runway was added in 1980.[8] A new arrival-departure building at the airport opened up in 1983.[9]
Aircraft operations
As of July 31, 2011 there were 47 aircraft based at the airport with an average 23 aircraft operations per day. 85% were general aviation, 13% were air taxi and 1% was military. There were 41 single engine aircraft, 3 multi-engine and 3 ultralight aircraft based at the airport.