XWA

Best window seat at Williston Basin International Airport

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offLEFT

Missouri River, Lake Sakakawea, the Badlands escarpment

LandingRIGHT

Missouri River, Lake Sakakawea, Williston city grid

🛫 Taking Off from Williston (XWA)

Best sideLeft
WhyRunway 32 departs northwest, placing you on a heading that aligns the left side of the aircraft with the Missouri River valley and the more varied terrain of northwestern North Dakota. The right side faces the flatter, more monotonous prairie to the northeast.
Look forMissouri River (visible as a meandering ribbon in the middle distance), Lake Sakakawea (large reservoir visible on the horizon to the northwest), the Badlands escarpment (subtle elevation change on the distant horizon), scattered buttes and coulees of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation terrain

🛬 Landing at Williston (XWA)

Best sideRight
WhyRunway 32 approaches from the southeast, meaning you'll be descending toward the northwest. The right side offers views of the Missouri River valley and the terrain features north and west of the airport, which are more visually interesting than the relatively flat agricultural plains to the south and east.
Look forMissouri River (visible as a meandering watercourse in the middle distance), Lake Sakakawea (large reservoir visible on the horizon to the northwest), Williston city grid (small urban area below during final approach), badlands terrain (subtle elevation changes visible across the landscape)

XWA is a modern replacement airport that opened in 2019, built specifically to handle the surge in air traffic from the Bakken oil boom. It has a single runway and a compact terminal designed for regional jet service rather than high passenger volumes.

⛰️ Elevation2,343 ft
🛫 Runways1 (14/32)
📍 NearbySDY 43 miOLF 85 miGDV 92 mi

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Williston Basin International Airport (XWA)?

At Williston Basin International Airport in Williston: for takeoff, sit on the Left side; for landing, sit on the Right side. Notable views include: Missouri River (visible as a meandering ribbon in the middle distance), Lake Sakakawea (large reservoir visible on the horizon to the northwest), the Badlands escarpment (subtle elevation change on the distant horizon), scattered buttes and coulees of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation terrain.

What can I see during takeoff from Williston Basin International Airport in Williston?

When taking off from Williston Basin International Airport (XWA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Runway 32 departs northwest, placing you on a heading that aligns the left side of the aircraft with the Missouri River valley and the more varied terrain of northwestern North Dakota. The right side faces the flatter, more monotonous prairie to the northeast. Notable sights include: Missouri River (visible as a meandering ribbon in the middle distance), Lake Sakakawea (large reservoir visible on the horizon to the northwest), the Badlands escarpment (subtle elevation change on the distant horizon), scattered buttes and coulees of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation terrain.

What can I see when landing at Williston Basin International Airport in Williston?

When landing at Williston Basin International Airport (XWA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Runway 32 approaches from the southeast, meaning you'll be descending toward the northwest. The right side offers views of the Missouri River valley and the terrain features north and west of the airport, which are more visually interesting than the relatively flat agricultural plains to the south and east. Notable sights include: Missouri River (visible as a meandering watercourse in the middle distance), Lake Sakakawea (large reservoir visible on the horizon to the northwest), Williston city grid (small urban area below during final approach), badlands terrain (subtle elevation changes visible across the landscape).

What factors affect the best window seat at Williston Basin International Airport?

The best window seat at Williston Basin International Airport (XWA) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Williston (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.