Duluth International Airport

What Duluth International Airport does

Duluth International Airport (DLH) is a publicly owned, FAA-regulated primary airport in Duluth, Minnesota, operated by the Duluth Airport Authority under the City of Duluth. It functions as the principal air access point for Northern Minnesota, providing commercial passenger service via three carriers: Delta (six daily nonstop flights to Minneapolis/St. Paul), United (five daily nonstop flights to Chicago O'Hare as of March 2026), and Sun Country (seasonal nonstop service to Fort Myers, Florida). The facility also hosts general aviation, a seaplane base at the adjacent Sky Harbor Airport, and a co-located Minnesota Air National Guard base. A contracted FBO (Monaco Air Duluth) and ground handler (Unifi) support charter, fueling, maintenance, and ramp operations.

The airport operates a diversified revenue model spanning transaction and subscription streams. Transaction revenue includes daily/hourly parking ($3-6/hr, $15-18/day max), landing and gate fees from commercial carriers, F&B concessions (Arrowhead Tap House restaurant), car rental commissions from five on-site brands (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National), security badging ($65-$125 per badge), and conference room rentals ($40-$300 per session). Recurring/subscription revenue includes corporate annual parking ($1,420-$2,350/year), Club DLH Business Suite membership ($150/year), real estate and hangar leasing, and taxi/limo commercial permits ($200/year). Ancillary services include free public Wi-Fi, TSA PreCheck, lost and found, ADA accommodations, and pet relief areas.

Commercially, the airport pursues demand stimulation through the 'Fly Local' campaign, expanded nonstop frequencies (United's fifth daily Chicago flight), seasonal route reinstatement (Sun Country to Fort Myers), and a Vision 2040 Master Plan supported by a recently FAA-approved Airport Layout Plan and active Air Traffic Control Tower construction through 2028. Customer segments are diversified across leisure travelers, business travelers (concentrated on Chicago day-trip traffic), commercial aviation partners (Delta, United, Sun Country, Cirrus Aircraft, MnANG), and general aviation users. Leadership is provided by Executive Director Tom Werner with a five-director functional team covering operations, finance, communications, and business development.

Name

Duluth International Airport

Legal name

Duluth International Airport

Website

https://duluthairport.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1930

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Duluth International Airport (DLH) is a publicly owned, FAA-regulated primary airport in Duluth, Minnesota, operated by the Duluth Airport Authority under the City of Duluth. It provides commercial passenger service to Northern Minnesota via nonstop flights to Minneapolis, Chicago, and seasonal Fort Myers, supported by general aviation, parking, concessions, and real estate operations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Airport Operations and Aviation Services

NAICS

Airport Operations (48811), Other Airport Operations (488119)

SIC

Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581)

akta.pro primary industry

Airport Ground Transport Terminals (Rail/Bus/Coach) (THAIALAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Bus Stations & Coach Terminals (THAIALAD)

Keywords

• Commercial airport services
• Passenger terminal operations
• Air carrier landing fees
• Airport parking services
• General aviation facilities

Headquarters

HQ city

Duluth

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Airline Fees and Landing Fees: Revenue from commercial airlines for landing rights, gate usage, and facility charges. United Airlines offers 5 daily flights to Chicago and Delta offers 6 daily flights to Minneapolis/St. Paul as of March 2026.
2. Parking Operations: Revenue from daily and hourly parking at Surface ($15/day max) and Ramp ($18/day max) lots, plus corporate annual parking permits ($1,420-$2,350/year).
3. Food and Beverage Concessions: Revenue from Arrowhead Tap House restaurant operations including catering services for conference rooms.
4. Car Rental Commissions: Revenue from rental car partners including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National operating on-site at the airport.
5. Club DLH Membership: Annual membership revenue ($150/year) for access to Club DLH Business Suite with amenities.
6. Conference Room Rentals: Revenue from renting conference facilities ranging from $40 for 2nd floor Secure Business Club Conference Room (0-4 hours) to $300 for 3rd Floor Amatuzio A B & C (0-4 hours).
7. Security Badging: Revenue from security badge issuance for airport workers including SIDA & Sterile badges ($125), AOA badges ($65), and renewal fees.
8. Real Estate and Hangar Leasing: Office space on second floor terminal and hangar space for general aviation available for short-term and long-term lease.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Duluth International Airport operates a passenger terminal providing scheduled commercial air service to Minneapolis/St. Paul, Chicago, and seasonal Fort Myers via Delta, United, and Sun Country. The airport also runs general aviation facilities, parking, dining (Arrowhead Tap House), a business lounge (Club DLH), conference rooms, security badging, and rental car and ground transportation services.

Product overview

Duluth International Airport is a physical airport infrastructure and service provider offering passenger air travel services. The airport operates as a hub connecting Northern Minnesota to major destinations (Minneapolis/St. Paul, Chicago, Fort Myers) via three commercial airlines. The product portfolio includes passenger-facing services such as Club DLH Business Suite (private business lounge with $150 annual membership), Arrowhead Tap House (full-service restaurant and bar), conference room rentals for up to 143 people, and various parking options (surface and covered parking ranging from $15-18/day, plus corporate parking at $1,420-2,350/year). Additional services include free public Wi-Fi, TSA PreCheck enrollment, lost and found recovery, accessibility accommodations, and pet relief areas. The airport also manages general aviation and Sky Harbor Airport operations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Club DLH Business Suite: Exclusive private area at the west end of the secure terminal designed for business travelers with Wi-Fi, coffee, water, and conference facilities
• Arrowhead Tap House

Products and services

• Club DLH Business Suite Exclusive private business lounge at the west end of the secure terminal, designed for working business travelers. Annual membership ($150/year) provides access to quiet workspace, free Wi-Fi, complimentary coffee and water, private bathrooms, and a small conference room.
• Arrowhead Tap House Full-service restaurant and bar located past security at DLH, offering craft beers from local Duluth breweries, spirits from local distilleries, espresso drinks, and a full menu. Opens 30 minutes prior to first scheduled departure and closes at last departure daily. Also provides catering services for conference rooms.
• Conference Room Rentals Conference facilities including multiple meeting rooms on floors 1-3 (Baggage Claim, Secure Business Club, Mezzanine, and Amatuzio rooms A, B, C) accommodating groups up to 143 people. Catering available through Arrowhead Tap House. Hourly rental rates from $40 to $350.
• Parking Services Surface and covered parking options with hourly and daily rates. Surface parking at $3/hour up to $15/day maximum; covered ramp parking at $6/hour up to $18/day maximum. Includes free cell phone waiting lot and access to corporate parking programs.
• Lost & Found Services Three-tier lost item recovery system based on location: TSA handles items lost during screening (218-727-7430), airport security handles items lost in terminal or grounds (218-625-7763), and airlines handle items lost on planes.
• Corporate Parking Program VIP reserved parking for frequent business travelers, featuring enclosed climate-controlled garage access with dedicated parking spots and easy terminal access. Annual subscription pricing: covered garage at $2,350/year; surface spots at $1,420/year.
• General Aviation Facilities General aviation facilities operated by Monaco Air Duluth as Fixed Base Operator (FBO), handling private planes, charter services, fueling, and maintenance for general aviation users at Duluth International Airport.
• Real Estate and Hangar Leasing Office space on the second floor of the terminal and hangar space for general aviation available for short-term and long-term lease as part of the airport's Business@DLH program.
• Security Badging Services Security badge issuance for airport workers including SIDA and Sterile badges ($125), AOA badges ($65), renewal fees, and replacement for lost badges. Managed by the airport's Badging Office.
• Commercial Vehicle Program Commercial Vehicle Ordinance No. 001 and policy regulating transportation services at DLH. Annual permit fee of $200 for Taxi, Limo, and Shuttle services, with participating providers including Lyft, Uber, Allied Taxi, Al Capone Limo, and JetBlack Executive Rides.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $760 million in annual economic activity generated for the region

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Sun Country AirlinescoreOthers · 29 January 2027Seasonal leisure airline partner returning to Duluth with nonstop service to Fort Myers, Florida from January 29 to April 12, 2027. Service operates primarily Mondays and Fridays, with some Thursday/Sunday flights. This route serves the significant leisure travel demand for Southwest Florida destinations.
• Delta AirlinescoreOthers · 29 March 2026Primary airline partner providing six daily nonstop flights to Minneapolis/St. Paul as of March 2026. Delta has served Duluth for many years with daily service connecting Northern Minnesota travelers to their global network through MSP hub.
• United AirlinescoreOthers · 29 March 2026Primary airline partner providing five daily nonstop flights to Chicago O'Hare as of March 2026. United added a fifth daily flight in March 2026, demonstrating increased commitment to the Duluth market and providing improved connectivity.
• Alamo Rent A CarcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOn-site rental car partner at Duluth International Airport operating from a counter in the terminal. Hours based on flight operations.
• Avis Budget GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOn-site rental car partner operating both Avis and Budget brands from airport counters. Duluth International Airport Counter: (218) 727-7233.
• Enterprise HoldingscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOn-site rental car partner operating Enterprise and National brands from airport terminal. Counter: (218) 727-7426.
• TUROminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPeer-to-peer car sharing platform available as alternative transportation option at the airport.
• LyftcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRideshare transportation network company operating at Duluth International Airport under commercial vehicle program.
• UbercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRideshare transportation network company operating at Duluth International Airport under commercial vehicle program.
• Monaco Air DuluthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFixed Base Operator (FBO) handling all private and charter aircraft operations, including fueling and maintenance services for general aviation at Duluth International Airport. Contact: (218) 727-2911 or www.monacoairduluth.com
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA)coreOthersFederal agency providing security screening services at Duluth International Airport. TSA PreCheck lane available at main screening checkpoint. TSA application center located at 1419 Tower Ave., Superior, WI.
• Duluth Transit Authority (DTA)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProvides daily public transit service from Duluth International Airport, connecting travelers to the greater Duluth area via bus transportation.
• Arrowhead TransitminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTransit service provider offering transportation options from the airport to destinations in the Arrowhead region. Contact: 1 (800) 862-0175.
• LandlineminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBus service provider offering connections between Duluth International Airport and Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) for travelers needing additional ground transportation options.
• Allied TaximinorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLicensed taxi service operating at Duluth International Airport under commercial vehicle program. Contact: (218) 722-3311.
• Al Capone LimominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLimousine and private transportation service available at Duluth International Airport. Contact: (218) 428-7433.
• JetBlack Executive RidesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExecutive transportation and limousine service at Duluth International Airport. Contact: (218) 626-5571.
• Car Service Up NorthminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrivate car service operating in the Northern Minnesota region, serving Duluth International Airport travelers.
• Cirrus AircraftcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAircraft manufacturer based in Duluth with significant presence at the airport. DLH hosts annual economic activity from Cirrus including aircraft delivery flights and has partnered on facility developments including Hangar 101. Cirrus operates manufacturing facilities adjacent to the airport.
• Minnesota Air National GuardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-located at Duluth International Airport (MnANG Base) sharing airfield facilities and contributing to regional aviation ecosystem.
• Unifi ServicescoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGround handling services provider for Delta and United airlines at Duluth International Airport, employing ramp agents and customer service agents.
• U.S. CustomscoreOthersIn-house U.S. Customs services available at Duluth International Airport for international arrivals processing.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Rochester International Airport: RST is a similarly-sized Minnesota regional airport serving a comparable mid-size market with scheduled service to a small set of hub destinations (e.g., MSP, ORD) and similar municipal-authority governance. Closely comparable on traffic scale, route structure, and operating model.
• Fargo Hector International Airport: FAR is a regional airport in the Upper Midwest with comparable nonstop hub service (typically Delta to MSP and United to ORD) and similar passenger throughput, serving a city of comparable size and economic profile to Duluth.
• Bismarck Airport: BIS is a non-hub regional airport in North Dakota with similar Delta/United hub connectivity, comparable enplanement scale, and an authority/commission governance model — making it a directly comparable small-market regional peer.
• Appleton International Airport: ATW is a Wisconsin-based regional airport with a similar route structure (United to ORD, Delta to MSP, Allegiant leisure service) and a comparable focus on leisure plus business-traveler mix. Directly comparable in scale and GTM motion.
• Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport: GRB is a Wisconsin regional airport with nonstop hub service to MSP and ORD, similar cargo and general aviation activity, and comparable mid-market enplanement volumes — closely mirroring DLH's market position.
• La Crosse Regional Airport: LSE is a smaller Wisconsin regional airport serving a similar university/healthcare-driven market, with comparable hub connectivity and a small but stable set of regional airline partners — directly comparable on operational scale.
• Bemidji Regional Airport: BJI is a smaller Minnesota regional airport with hub connectivity (Delta to MSP) and a similar seasonal/leisure traveler mix in a Northern Minnesota market — a scaled-down version of DLH's operating context.
• Dane County Regional Airport: MSN is a comparable regional airport serving Madison, Wisconsin, with nonstop service to similar hubs and similar enplanement scale. Comparable on route mix, passenger profile, and authority governance model.

Broad incumbents

• Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport: MSP is the dominant Upper Midwest hub and the principal alternative for DLH's catchment. While much larger, MSP competes for the same regional travelers on price and nonstop diversity and operates the same Delta and United hub partnerships at scale.
• General Mitchell International Airport: MKE is a larger Wisconsin airport with broader route diversity, but it shares DLH's geography, several of the same airline partners, and competes for a portion of the same leisure traveler catchment in the Upper Midwest.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/duluthairport
• Facebookfacebook.com/duluthairport
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/duluth-airport-authority

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Duluth International Airport