Hector International Airport Installs Immersive Reality Room

First airport in the world to offer immersive reality and sensory rooms for travelers.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 6:36pm

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Hector International Airport in Fargo, North Dakota has become the first airport in the world to install both an immersive reality room and a sensory room within an operational terminal. The immersive reality room allows travelers to explore over 700 interactive digital environments without the need for goggles, while the sensory room provides a calming space for those with sensory sensitivities.

Why it matters

This innovative move by Hector International Airport represents a commitment to providing unique, passenger-focused experiences and accessibility for all travelers. As airports continue to evolve, integrating immersive technologies and sensory-friendly spaces can enhance the overall travel experience.

The details

The immersive reality room uses technology from Immersive Reality USA, allowing travelers to virtually explore destinations like Buckingham Palace and Walt Disney World. The sensory room includes comfortable seating, low lighting, and the first bubble wall in a U.S. airport terminal to provide calming visual stimulation.

  • Hector International Airport broke ground on a major terminal expansion in 2024.
  • The airport opened the new parking ramp in August 2025 and the terminal expansion in February 2026.
  • Crews expect to complete the skyway connecting the ramp to the terminal in late 2026, with renovations to the existing terminal scheduled for early 2027.

The players

Hector International Airport

An airport located in northwest Fargo, North Dakota, served by major airlines with nonstop services to various destinations.

Immersive Reality USA

A company that designs and installs immersive environments using interactive projection and computer-generated imagery, based in Fargo, North Dakota.

Shawn Dobberstein

The executive director of Hector International Airport.

Gareth Jones

The founder of Immersive Reality USA.

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What they’re saying

“We're proud Fargo's airport is the first in the world to offer amenities like our immersive reality and sensory rooms. These additions represent our commitment to providing innovative passenger-focused experiences right here in North Dakota.”

— Shawn Dobberstein, Executive Director, Hector International Airport

“Airports bring together people from every background and age group, and immersive environments offer a simple way to create engaging, inclusive spaces within busy terminals. Seeing the first immersive reality room installed in an operational airport – and doing so with a forward-thinking partner like Hector International – is an exciting milestone for both passenger experience and accessible design.”

— Gareth Jones, Founder, Immersive Reality USA

What’s next

Crews expect to complete the skyway connecting the new parking ramp to the terminal in late 2026, with renovations to the existing terminal scheduled for completion in early 2027.

The takeaway

Hector International Airport's innovative move to integrate immersive reality and sensory rooms sets a new standard for enhancing the passenger experience and accessibility at airports. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates how technology and design can create more inclusive and engaging travel environments.