Delaware's Commercial Airport: What's The Deal?

Delaware is the second-smallest US state, and the sixth least populated, with 1 million residents. For many years, it was the only US state without any commercial airports. However, Wilmington Airport, also known as New Castle County Airport, has offered commercial flights since 2023, when Avelo Airlines began serving the airport. The airport is located in unincorporated New Castle County, Delaware, near Wilmington, and is owned by the Delaware River and Bay Authority.

Wilmington Airport

The airport covers 1,250 acres (506 ha) at an elevation of 80 feet (24 m) and has three asphalt runways. In the year ending December 22, 2022, the airport had 46,057 aircraft operations, averaging 126 per day. 219 aircraft were then based at the airport, including 94 single-engine, 74 jet, 26 multi-engine, 20 military, and 5 helicopter aircraft. The Delaware Air National Guard Base, located at the airport, is used by President Joe Biden when travelling home from Washington, D.C.

The history of Wilmington Airport dates back to before World War II when it was named the Wilmington Airport and the Greater Wilmington Airport. During the war, the facility was taken over by the United States Army Air Forces and became the New Castle Army Air Base, facilitating the movement of aircraft to the British and other Allies. After the war, control of the airport was returned to civil authorities, and it has since undergone various changes in ownership and improvements in infrastructure.

Commercial flights

From 2008 to 2013, Delaware was the only U.S. state without any airports offering commercial service (defined as 2,500+ boardings per year). Wilmington Airport, located in unincorporated New Castle County, Delaware, near Wilmington, Delaware, began offering scheduled commercial airline passenger service in 2013, but this ended in 2015. Commercial service resumed in 2021 but ended again in 2022. It resumed again in 2023, with Avelo Airlines announcing it would be opening a new base at Wilmington-New Castle Airport with five new nonstop destinations in Florida.

The Wilmington Airport, also known as New Castle Airport, is owned by New Castle County and operated under a lease agreement with the Delaware River and Bay Authority. The airport covers 1,250 acres at an elevation of 80 feet and has three asphalt runways. It is included in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2017–2021 and is categorized as a non-hub primary commercial service facility.

In the year ending December 22, 2022, the airport had 46,057 aircraft operations, averaging 126 per day: 80% general aviation, 12% military, 8% air taxi, and less than 1% airline. 219 aircraft were based at the airport: 94 single-engine, 74 jet, 26 multi-engine, 20 military, and 5 helicopter.

While Delaware now has an airport offering commercial service, it is worth noting that the state's small size and proximity to major airports in nearby states, such as Philadelphia International Airport, have historically made it challenging to establish sustained commercial flight service within the state.

Delaware's small size

Delaware is a small state in the US, with a total area of 1,982 square miles or 2,489 square miles if you include its water areas. It is the second-smallest state in the US, with only Rhode Island being smaller. Its land area is approximately 0.37% the size of Alaska, the largest state.

Due to its small size, Delaware only has three counties: New Castle, Kent, and Sussex. This is the fewest number of counties of any US state. New Castle County is the most urbanised and is considered part of the Delaware Valley metropolitan area surrounding Philadelphia. Kent and Sussex Counties have historically been predominantly agrarian.

Despite its small size, Delaware is the sixth-most densely populated state, with a population density of 442.6 people per square mile. Its most populous city is Wilmington, with around 70,000 residents, and the state capital is Dover, the second-most populous city.

Airport history

The history of airports in Delaware is a story of evolution and change, with the state's aviation landscape undergoing several transformations over the years. From periods with no commercial airline flights to the ebb and flow of different carriers, Delaware's airports have experienced their fair share of challenges and successes.

Before World War II, Wilmington Airport, previously known as Greater Wilmington Airport, opened its doors. During the war, the facility was taken over by the United States Army Air Forces and renamed the New Castle Army Air Base. Its mission was crucial: facilitating aircraft movement to the British and other Allies. The airport also witnessed the service of the historic Women Air Service Pilots (WASP), who are honoured today by a statue at the airport.

After the war ended, civil authorities resumed control of the airport, and a joint-use agreement was established between the United States Air Force and New Castle County authorities. This agreement allowed for a portion of the airport to be retained for an Air National Guard Base. The airport's history continued to be intertwined with military aviation, with the United States Air Force playing a significant role.

In the late 1940s, Wilmington Airport welcomed the state's first airline flights, operated by Trans World Airlines (TWA) and American Airlines. This marked a significant milestone in Delaware's aviation history, paving the way for future commercial aviation in the state. By the 1960s, Eastern Airlines and Allegheny Airlines were operating flights to and from Wilmington, offering nonstop and direct services to various destinations.

However, despite these advancements, Delaware experienced several periods without any scheduled commercial airline flights. From 1993 to 1998, 2000 to 2006, 2008 to 2013, 2015 to 2021, and 2022 to 2023, the state found itself without commercial airline services. This situation prompted various airlines to step in and fill the gap at different times, including Frontier Airlines, Avelo Airlines, and Shuttle America.

Wilmington Airport, now known as Wilmington-New Castle Airport, remains the primary airport in Delaware for commercial flights. However, passenger numbers are relatively low compared to other US airports. The airport has undergone infrastructure upgrades and improvements, ensuring its continued role as a vital aviation hub for the state.

Private airports

From 2008 to 2013, Delaware was the only US state without any airports in the FAA's "commercial service" category, defined as having 2,500 or more boardings per year. While Wilmington Airport offered scheduled commercial airline passenger service from 2013 to 2015 and again in 2021 and 2023, it does not currently offer such services. As such, Delaware does not have any major airports with scheduled commercial flights.

There are, however, a few privately-owned airports in the state. These private airports include Delaware Coastal Airport, which has undergone $40 million in improvements, boasts great pavement conditions, has a large corporate jet capability, and offers convenient access to nearby attractions, including beaches, golf courses, and wineries. Another notable private airport is Albanna Aviation Airport.

While these private airports cater to smaller aircraft, they play an essential role in general aviation and provide alternative options for pilots and aviation enthusiasts. It is worth noting that the availability of commercial passenger service at airports can change over time, and it is always advisable to refer to the latest information when planning air travel.

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