
Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is a public airport located in Wrightsboro, North Carolina. The airport is owned by New Hanover County, which established the Wilmington Airport Authority in 1989 to assist the airport director in running the airport. The airport covers 1,800 acres (728 ha) and is currently undergoing renovations and expansions to accommodate a growing number of passengers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Wilmington International Airport |
| IATA | ILM |
| ICAO | KILM |
| FAA LID | ILM |
| Location | North of Wilmington, North Carolina |
| County | New Hanover County |
| Address | 1740 Airport Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28405 |
| Owner | New Hanover County |
| Director | Jeffrey Bourk |
| Chair | Spruill Thompson |
| Board Members | 7 |
| Area | 1,800 acres (728 ha) |
| Number of Runways | 2 |
| Number of Terminals | 1 |
| Number of Gates | 8 |
| Number of Passengers (2024) | 1,465,869 |
| Fixed-Base Operators | 2 |
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What You'll Learn

Wilmington International Airport is owned by New Hanover County
Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is owned by New Hanover County. The airport is located just north of Wilmington, North Carolina, in unincorporated Wrightsboro. It is the fifth-largest airport in the state, serving the southeastern region with commercial and general aviation services.
The airport's history with New Hanover County goes back several decades. In 1988, the airport was known as the New Hanover County International Airport. The following year, in 1989, the North Carolina General Assembly ratified Senate Bill 410 (Chapter 404), enabling the county to establish the Wilmington Airport Authority. This authority was created to assist the airport director in managing the airport. The current airport director is Jeffrey Bourk, A.A.E., and the chair is Spruill Thompson.
The airport is leased to the Wilmington Airport Authority by New Hanover County for a symbolic $1 per year until 2049. The lease was originally set to expire in 2019 but was extended for another 30 years. The New Hanover County Airport Authority has seven board members who oversee the airport's operations.
Over the years, Wilmington International Airport has undergone expansions and improvements. In 2023, a $60 million expansion added five additional gates, a restaurant, and other concessions to the terminal. The airport also has a separate terminal for international flights and a 24-hour U.S. Customs and Border Protection ramp built in 2008.
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The airport's IATA code is ILM
The Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is located in Wrightsboro, North Carolina, and is owned by New Hanover County. The airport covers 1,800 acres (728 ha) and is the fourth-largest airport in North Carolina. It served a record-high number of passengers in 2024 and is undergoing renovations and expansions to accommodate the increased traffic. The airport's IATA code, ILM, is reflected in its website, FlyILM, where travellers can book trips directly.
The airport was previously known as the New Hanover County Airport in the 1950s, and later as the New Hanover County International Airport from 1988 until December 17, 1997, when it was renamed Wilmington International Airport. The airport is leased to and run by the Wilmington Airport Authority, which was established by the county on July 1, 1989, to assist the airport director.
The IATA code, ILM, is used to identify the airport in various travel and aviation contexts. It is part of the airport's designation across different platforms, such as its website, FlyILM, and is often used in aviation and travel schedules and information. The code is also used in referring to the airport's terminal expansion plans, with the Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County selecting public art commissions for the project.
The IATA code is an important identifier for the airport, used by travellers, aviation professionals, and local authorities. It helps streamline travel bookings, flight schedules, and airport operations. ILM is easily recognisable and associated with Wilmington International Airport, facilitating efficient communication and organisation in the aviation industry.
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It is located in unincorporated Wrightsboro
The Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is located in unincorporated Wrightsboro, just north of Wilmington, North Carolina. The airport is owned by New Hanover County and is leased to the Wilmington Airport Authority for $1 per year until 2049. The lease was originally set to expire in 2019 but was extended for another 30 years.
The airport covers 1,800 acres (728 ha) and features two runways and a single terminal with eight gates. It is home to two fixed-base operators (FBOs) and a 24-hour U.S. Customs and Border Protection ramp for international flights. The separate terminal for international flights was built in 2008.
Wilmington International Airport is known for its Southern hospitality, welcoming visitors with beautiful public arts, a putting green, and rocking chairs. The airport also offers convenient amenities, including easy baggage claim and parking. ILM serves as a gateway to southeastern North Carolina, offering major commercial and general aviation services to various destinations.
The airport's location on the coast, halfway between New York City and Miami, makes it a desirable and less busy entry point to the United States. It has seen significant growth in passenger traffic, with a record-high number of passengers in 2024, totaling 1,465,869 passengers.
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The airport is leased to the New Hanover County Airport Authority for $1 per year
Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is located in New Hanover County, North Carolina, just north of Wilmington, in unincorporated Wrightsboro. The airport is owned by New Hanover County and is leased to the New Hanover County Airport Authority for $1 per year until 2049. The lease was originally set to expire in 2019 but was extended for another 30 years.
The airport's unique location on the coast, halfway between New York City and Miami, makes it an attractive and less congested gateway to the United States. It served a record number of passengers in 2024, with a total of 1,465,869 enplanements and deplanements. The airport features two runways, a single terminal with eight gates, and two fixed-base operators (FBOs). A separate terminal caters to international flights, and a 24-hour U.S. Customs and Border Protection ramp was built in 2008 to accommodate these flights.
Wilmington International Airport has a rich history in aviation. Piedmont Airlines, which was acquired by USAir (later US Airways) in 1989, began commercial flights to Wilmington in February 1948. The airport's first route connected Wilmington to Cincinnati, Ohio, with stops in several cities in North Carolina. In 1988, the airport added "International" to its name, becoming the New Hanover County International Airport. On December 17, 1997, the airport's name was changed to Wilmington International Airport by the New Hanover County Airport Authority.
The New Hanover County Airport Authority consists of seven board members and is currently chaired by Spruill Thompson, with Jeffrey Bourk serving as the airport director. The authority plays a crucial role in managing and developing the airport, ensuring its efficient operation and enhancing its reputation as a convenient and hospitable gateway to southeastern North Carolina.
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ILM is the fifth-largest airport in North Carolina
Wilmington International Airport, also known as ILM, is located in Wrightsboro, North Carolina. The airport is owned by New Hanover County and is leased to the Wilmington Airport Authority, which was established in 1989. ILM is the fifth-largest airport in North Carolina, serving the southeastern region of the state with a range of commercial and general aviation services.
The airport covers 1,800 acres of land and has seen significant growth in passenger numbers in recent years, leading to ongoing renovations and expansions. In 2008, a new terminal was constructed to accommodate U.S. Customs and Border Protection for international flights.
ILM offers a convenient and hospitable experience for travellers, with parking lots available on-site and easy access to multiple major highways. The airport provides direct flights to various destinations, including Baltimore/Washington, Boston, Chicago/O'Hare, Denver, and Miami.
In addition to its operational functions, ILM also showcases public art as part of its terminal expansion. The airport has selected three public art commissions in collaboration with the Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County, enhancing the cultural experience for its visitors.
Overall, ILM plays a crucial role in facilitating air travel in North Carolina, offering a balance of convenience and hospitality for travellers passing through.
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Frequently asked questions
Wilmington International Airport (IATA: ILM) is located in New Hanover County, North Carolina.
The airport was previously known as the New Hanover County Airport and later, the New Hanover County International Airport. In 1997, the airport was renamed Wilmington International Airport.
The airport covers 1,800 acres (728 ha) and is situated just north of Wilmington, North Carolina, in unincorporated Wrightsboro.


































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