News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2026

PRESS CONTACT
Duluth Airport Authority
Natalie Baker, Director of Communications and Marketing
(218) 625-7768
nbaker@duluthairport.com

Starting February 1, Travelers Without Acceptable Forms of ID Will be Required to Pay a $45 Fee

Duluth, MN – January 30, 2026 – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that airline passengers who do not have REAL ID compliant identification on Sunday, Feb. 1 will be required by the TSA to pay a $45 fee for identity verification before they get to the TSA checkpoint. 

The fee covers the cost of a modernized alternative identity verification system, called TSA ConfirmID. The verification will cover a 10-day travel period, so travelers who plan their return flight within that 10-day period will pay once for both flights.

Acceptable forms of ID include:

• REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
  • If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state Department of Motor Vehicles.
  • A temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification.
• State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

Travelers without an acceptable ID are encouraged to visit the TSA ConfirmID program fee site to complete the form, and pay the $45 fee prior to travel on or after Sunday, Feb. 1. Travelers should take a printed or electronic copy of the receipt and show it to the Transportation Security Officer verifying identification at the airport checkpoint. If travelers arrive to the checkpoint without having paid in advance, they will be directed to do so via the TSA ConfirmID program website. There will be no payment infrastructure at the airport to do so.

Nationally, about 94% of passengers already use their REAL ID or another acceptable forms of identification. TSA expects that wait times will increase for passengers without a REAL ID Act compliant ID when ConfirmID goes into effect. 

TSA’s list of acceptable forms of ID can be found at TSA.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.

For more information on REAL ID, please visit TSA.gov/real-id 

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2026 DLH Rates and Charges

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 17, 2025

PRESS CONTACT
Duluth Airport Authority
Natalie Baker, Director of Communications and Marketing
(218) 625-7768
nbaker@duluthairport.com

Duluth Airport Authority Receives Over $20 Million in Federal Grant Award for Air Traffic Control Tower Replacement

Duluth, MN – November 17, 2025 – The Duluth Airport Authority (DAA) is pleased to announce the receipt of $20,250,968.00 in additional federal grant funding to support the construction of a new Air Traffic Control Tower, located at Duluth International Airport (DLH).

“With the continued growth of air travel and growing aviation cluster at DLH, investing in infrastructure that supports aviation in our region is more important than ever,” said Tom Werner, Executive Director of the Duluth Airport Authority. “We are thankful to the Federal Aviation Administration and our Congressional Delegation for their steadfast commitment to securing this essential funding for this shovel ready project.”

This additional funding was awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Terminal Program (ATP), a competitive grant program established through the IIJA. This program provides a federal funding source for locally owned Air Traffic Control Towers, like the one at DLH.

“Duluth International Airport’s air traffic control tower is one of the oldest in the country and urgently needs an upgrade, which is why I have worked across the aisle to secure this funding,” said Klobuchar. “The Duluth Airport is a gateway for visitors from around the country and the world to visit Duluth, and is critical to the Northland’s economy. With this major federal investment, Duluth International Airport will be able to continue the vital work of relocating this tower, which will boost efficiency to help travelers arrive and depart on time.”

The DAA will continue working with both federal and state officials to secure the remaining funding to move this critical project into the construction phase.

“The Duluth International Airport provides critical service to northern Minnesota, from commercial service to cargo, military and medical flights. Yet it’s operating with a 70-year-old tower – the third oldest in the nation. It’s out of date, doesn’t meet national standards, and has needed replacing for a long time,” said Senator Tina Smith. “Air traffic controllers have been doing a tremendous job making the outdated tower work and keeping our skies safe, but funding a new tower will make air travel in the Northland safer and more efficient. I’m glad to see this announcement, and I’ll keep pushing for the rest of the funding necessary to get the new tower built.”

This critical infrastructure project is essential for enhancing aviation safety, improving operational efficiency, and supporting the regions continued economic growth.

“The Duluth International Airport connects the Northland to the rest of the world, making it an important economic driver for our region. Since arriving in Congress, I have worked to secure the funding necessary to replace this aging tower, not just to ensure safety, but also to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of our airport,” said Representative Stauber. “I’m proud to have worked closely with Secretary Duffy to deliver this significant investment, and I’m grateful to the Trump Administration for recognizing the importance of this project for Minnesota’s Eighth District.”

With full funding, the Duluth Airport Authority anticipates breaking ground on the new tower as early as next year. The project is expected to support hundreds of construction jobs and ensure safe and efficient air travel in the Northland for years to come.

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About the Duluth International Airport

Starting June 1, United Airlines will offer four daily nonstop flights to Chicago and Delta offers four daily nonstop flights to Minneapolis/St. Paul. We are committed to providing our travelers with superior services in a safe, secure and professional environment. Be sure to visit our Club DLH Business Suite, designed with the working traveler in mind. Visit duluthairport.com, and like us on facebook.com/duluthairport.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2025

PRESS CONTACT
Duluth Airport Authority
Natalie Baker, Director of Communications and Marketing
(218) 625-7768
nbaker@duluthairport.com

Sun Country Airlines Suspends Seasonal Service Between Duluth and Fort Myers Florida for Winter 2025-2026

Duluth, MN – October 8, 2025 – Sun Country Airlines has confirmed that it will not be returning to DLH with service to RSW this winter season. The airline, known for its low-cost leisure travel offerings, had previously offered seasonal service to Fort Myers, Florida.

“While we are disappointed that Sun Country will not be returning to Duluth International Airport, we understand that airline route decisions are driven by complex business considerations,” said Tom Werner, Executive Director of the Duluth Airport Authority. “Sun Country has been a valued partner, and we appreciate the service they’ve provided over the past few winter seasons. We hope they will be back in the future.”

The Duluth Airport Authority will continue to engage with current and potential future airline partners, to advocate for expanded air service opportunities for the region.

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About the Duluth International Airport

Currently, United Airlines offers four daily nonstop flights to Chicago and Delta offers four daily nonstop flights to Minneapolis/St. Paul. We are committed to providing our travelers with superior services in a safe, secure and professional environment. Be sure to visit our Club DLH Business Suite, designed with the working traveler in mind. Visit duluthairport.com, and like us on facebook.com/duluthairport.