Wilmington, Nc: Airport Or Not?

Wilmington International Airport (IATA: ILM, ICAO: KILM, FAA LID: ILM) is located just north of Wilmington, North Carolina, in unincorporated Wrightsboro. Covering 1,800 acres, it is the third-largest airport in the state. The airport is owned by New Hanover County, which leases it to the Wilmington Airport Authority for $1 per year until 2049.

Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is located just north of Wilmington, NC

Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is located just north of Wilmington, North Carolina, in unincorporated Wrightsboro. The airport is 3.5 miles from Wilmington and is accessible via an 8-minute taxi ride. ILM covers 1,800 acres of land and is owned by New Hanover County, which leases the airport to the Wilmington Airport Authority for $1 per year until 2049.

The airport has a single terminal with eight gates and two runways. It is the third-largest airport in North Carolina and is known for its Southern hospitality, beautiful public arts, and convenient facilities. ILM offers a variety of nonstop flights to destinations across the United States, including major cities such as Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte, Chicago, and Dallas/Fort Worth.

In 2023, ILM completed a $60 million expansion project, adding five additional gates, a restaurant, and other concessions to enhance the travel experience for its passengers. The airport also has a 24-hour U.S. Customs and Border Protection ramp built in 2008 to accommodate international flights.

ILM has a rich history, dating back to 1928 when it was named Bluethenthal Field in honour of a decorated World War I pilot. During World War II, the airfield was used by the United States Army Air Forces for anti-submarine patrols and training. The airport has continued to expand and improve its facilities over the years, with recent renovations focusing on expanding the terminal, improving runway safety, and enhancing the travel experience for its growing number of passengers.

With its convenient location, Southern charm, and efficient facilities, Wilmington International Airport (ILM) serves as an important gateway to southeastern North Carolina, providing easy access to the coastal region for travellers from across the country.

ILM is the third-largest airport in North Carolina

Wilmington International Airport, also known as ILM, is the third-largest airport in North Carolina. It is located just north of Wilmington, in unincorporated Wrightsboro, and covers 1,800 acres (728 ha). The airport has a rich history, being named Bluethenthal Field in honour of a decorated World War I pilot and former All-American football player, Arthur Bluethenthal. During World War II, the airfield was used by the United States Army Air Forces Third Air Force for anti-submarine patrols and training.

ILM offers a convenient and hospitality-focused experience for travellers, with easy baggage claim and parking. The airport also boasts beautiful public arts, a putting green, and rocking chairs, welcoming visitors to the gateway of southeastern North Carolina. ILM serves this region with major commercial and general aviation services.

A $60 million airport expansion was completed in 2023, adding five gates, a restaurant, and other concessions to the terminal. ILM offers non-stop flights to various destinations, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Fort Myers, and more. The airport has two runways and a single terminal with eight gates. It is owned by New Hanover County, which leases the airport to the Wilmington Airport Authority.

ILM has a busy schedule, with an average of 214 operations per day as of January 31, 2022. The airport also has a diverse range of aircraft, including single-engine, multi-engine, jet engine, and helicopters. Charter services, such as Air Wilmington, and private and public hangars are also available.

The airport has two runways, a single terminal, and eight gates

Wilmington International Airport (IATA: ILM, ICAO: KILM, FAA LID: ILM) is located just north of Wilmington, North Carolina, in unincorporated Wrightsboro. The airport covers 1,800 acres (728 ha) and features two runways, a single terminal with eight gates, and a 24-hour U.S. Customs and Border Protection ramp for international flights.

The single terminal at Wilmington International Airport efficiently manages passenger traffic with its eight gates. The terminal offers convenient access to baggage claim and parking, ensuring a smooth experience for travellers. The airport served a record-high number of passengers in 2023, with a total of 1,317,897 passengers.

The two runways at Wilmington International Airport are essential for the airport's operations and facilitate the safe takeoff and landing of various aircraft. These runways have undergone rehabilitation and improvements to ensure they meet the necessary standards and can accommodate different planes.

The airport's eight gates provide ample capacity for departures and arrivals, contributing to the efficient management of passenger traffic. The gates are located within the single terminal, providing a convenient and centralised experience for passengers.

Wilmington International Airport's two runways, single terminal, and eight gates support a range of flights, including non-stop services to destinations such as Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte, Chicago, and Dallas/Fort Worth. The airport also serves as an important gateway to southeastern North Carolina, offering both commercial and general aviation services.

ILM served 1,317,897 passengers in 2023

Wilmington, North Carolina, is served by Wilmington International Airport (ILM). The airport is located just north of the city in unincorporated Wrightsboro. In 2023, ILM served a record-high number of passengers, with a total of 1,317,897 passengers travelling through the airport. This number includes both enplanements and deplanements.

The airport covers 1,800 acres and has two runways and a single terminal with eight gates. The terminal was expanded in 2023, with five additional gates, a restaurant, and other concessions added. This expansion cost $60 million. ILM is owned by New Hanover County, which leases the airport to the Wilmington Airport Authority for $1 per year. The airport is also home to two fixed-base operators (FBOs).

ILM offers a range of non-stop flights to destinations across the United States, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and New York City. The airport also serves as an important gateway to southeastern North Carolina, providing major commercial and general aviation services to the region. In addition to its domestic routes, ILM has a separate terminal for international flights, with a 24-hour U.S. Customs and Border Protection ramp built in 2008.

The airport has a rich history, dating back to 1928 when it was named Bluethenthal Field in honour of a decorated World War I pilot. During World War II, the airfield was used by the United States Army Air Forces for anti-submarine patrols and training. The airport has also been used for space shuttle abort landings and training flights by United States Air Force VIP aircraft. With passenger numbers continuing to grow, ILM underwent an $86 million terminal expansion project starting in 2018, which included the renovation and expansion of the concourse and TSA security checkpoint.

The airport is owned by New Hanover County and leased to the Wilmington Airport Authority

Wilmington International Airport (IATA: ILM, ICAO: KILM, FAA LID: ILM) is located in Wrightsboro, just north of Wilmington, North Carolina. The airport covers 1,800 acres of land and is owned by New Hanover County.

New Hanover County leases the airport to the Wilmington Airport Authority for $1 per year until 2049. The lease was extended for another 30 years after it originally expired in 2019. The airport director is Jeffrey Bourk, and the chair is Spruill Thompson. The New Hanover County Airport Authority consists of seven board members, appointed by the New Hanover County Commissioners.

The airport was named Bluethenthal Field on Memorial Day, May 30, 1928, in honour of Arthur Bluethenthal, a former All-American football player and decorated World War I pilot who was the first North Carolinian to die in the war. During World War II, the airfield was used by the United States Army Air Forces Third Air Force for anti-submarine patrols and training. After the war, the army deeded the site back to New Hanover County at no cost.

In the 1950s, the airport became known as the New Hanover County Airport. In 1988, the name was changed to New Hanover County International Airport, and in 1997, it was renamed Wilmington International Airport. The airport has undergone significant expansion and improvement projects in recent years to accommodate increasing passenger numbers.

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