Sachin Walls
Delaware is one of the few US states without a major airport with scheduled commercial flights. While there are a few privately-owned airports in the state, none can accommodate larger aircraft. Wilmington Airport, located in New Castle County, is the only airport in Delaware that offers commercial flights, but passenger numbers are significantly lower than in other US airports. This airport has had a tumultuous history, with commercial airline services starting and stopping several times since 2013.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for lack of airport | Delaware is one of the US states without major airports with scheduled commercial flights. |
| Nearest airport | Wilmington Airport, New Castle County, Delaware |
| Commercial service | Commercial airline passenger service was available at Wilmington Airport in 2013, but it ended in 2015. Commercial service resumed in 2021 but ended again in 2022. It resumed again in 2023. |
| Passenger numbers | Wilmington Airport had 642 passenger boardings in 2011 and 1,064 in 2012. In 2023, enplanements increased to 133,377. |
| Airlines | Avelo Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Shuttle America, Allegheny Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines |
| Airport code | ILG |
| Facilities | Parking, vending machines, water bottle refill station, The Legend's Restaurant, nearby fast-food options |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Delaware's Wilmington Airport has had an on-off history of commercial service
- There are privately-owned airports in Delaware, but they can't serve larger aircraft
- The state has gone years without any scheduled commercial airline flights
- The airport has been leased to the Delaware River and Bay Authority since the late 1990s
- Airlines like Avelo, American, and United have served Wilmington Airport
Delaware's Wilmington Airport has had an on-off history of commercial service
Delaware does have an airport, Wilmington Airport (IATA: ILG, ICAO: KILG, FAA LID: ILG), which is located in unincorporated New Castle County, Delaware, near Wilmington. However, it has had an on-off history of commercial service.
The airport first opened during World War II, when it was called Wilmington Airport and the Greater Wilmington Airport. It was used by the United States Army Air Forces to facilitate the movement of aircraft to the British and other Allies.
After the war, control of the airport was returned to civil authorities, and it hosted the state's first airline flights in late 1947. From 1959 to 1971, it was the main operational base for Capitol International Airways, a supplemental air carrier with a fleet of DC-8 aircraft.
However, the airport has struggled financially, and in the late 1990s, it was leased to the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA). The DRBA invested heavily in the airport's infrastructure, upgrading buildings and rehabilitating taxiways and runways.
From 2008 to 2013, Delaware was the only US state without any airports offering commercial service (defined as 2,500+ boardings per year). Scheduled commercial passenger service resumed at Wilmington Airport in 2013 through Frontier Airlines but ceased in 2015.
Since then, commercial service to Wilmington Airport has resumed and been discontinued several times: in 2021, 2022, and most recently in 2023, when Avelo Airlines started serving the airport.
Despite these efforts, passenger numbers at Wilmington Airport remain relatively low compared to other US airports.
Napa Valley Airport: Does It Exist?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
There are privately-owned airports in Delaware, but they can't serve larger aircraft
While Delaware does have a few privately-owned airports, none of them can accommodate larger aircraft. 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. Wilmington Airport, located in New Castle County, is the only airport in Delaware that offers commercial flights. However, even this airport has significantly lower passenger numbers compared to other US airports.
The lack of major airports in Delaware has resulted in periods where the state had no scheduled commercial airline flights. Between 1993 and 1998, 2000 and 2006, 2008 and 2013, 2015 and 2021, and 2022 and 2023, Delaware found itself without any commercial airline services. This situation has improved recently, with Avelo Airlines resuming service to Wilmington Airport in 2023, increasing enplanements to 133,377.
Wilmington Airport has a rich history, dating back to World War II when it was known as the Wilmington Airport and the Greater Wilmington Airport. The airport was taken over by the United States Army Air Forces during its construction, becoming the New Castle Army Air Base. It played a crucial role in facilitating aircraft movement for the British and other Allies. The airport has also been associated with famous aviators like Charles Lindbergh, who included Wilmington in his triumphant tour of America after his solo transatlantic flight.
Despite its modest size, Wilmington Airport provides convenient services and easy access for travelers. It offers affordable parking options, with lots available for a daily rate of $9.50, and there is no limit on the length of time parked. The airport also boasts hassle-free passenger drop-off and pick-up, and it is just a short distance from scenic attractions like the Brandywine Valley and the historic Brandywine Battlefield. Additionally, travelers can easily access nearby cities like Philadelphia, which is just an hour and a half away, offering access to historical monuments such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
While Wilmington Airport may not be able to accommodate larger aircraft, it still serves as a vital transportation hub for the region, providing convenient and accessible travel options for residents and visitors to Delaware.
Milan's Airport Options: A Comprehensive Guide to Malpensa and Linate
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The state has gone years without any scheduled commercial airline flights
The state of Delaware has gone years without any scheduled commercial airline flights. From 1993 to 1998, from 2000 to 2006, from April 2008 to June 2013, from April 2015 to February 2021, and from June 2022 to January 2023, Delaware was the only U.S. state without any scheduled commercial airline flights. During these periods, there were no commercial airlines operating at Wilmington Airport, the primary airport in Delaware.
Wilmington Airport, located in New Castle County, Delaware, has a history of intermittent commercial airline service. The airport first began hosting commercial flights in 1947 when Trans World Airlines (TWA) and American Airlines arrived. However, the availability of commercial flights at the airport has been inconsistent over the years.
Between 2008 and 2013, Delaware was the only U.S. state with no airports in the FAA category of commercial service, which includes airports with 2,500 or more boardings per year. In 2013, scheduled commercial airline passenger service resumed at Wilmington Airport through Frontier Airlines, but it was short-lived as Frontier ceased its Delaware service in 2015.
The airport has faced challenges with maintaining consistent commercial airline service, and there have been periods where the state has gone years without any scheduled commercial flights. However, commercial service to Wilmington Airport resumed in 2021 through Frontier Airlines once again, only to be discontinued in 2022. Avelo Airlines began serving Wilmington Airport in February 2023, and the airport currently offers flights to various destinations, including San Juan, Puerto Rico, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami, Florida.
While Delaware has experienced interruptions in commercial airline service, the state does have a few privately-owned airports. However, these smaller airports are not equipped to handle larger aircraft, and their passenger numbers pale in comparison to those of major airports in other states.
Airport Routers and Spectrum: A Compatible Match?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport has been leased to the Delaware River and Bay Authority since the late 1990s
While Delaware does have airports, it is worth noting that the state has experienced periods without any scheduled commercial airline flights. Between 1993 and 1998, and again from 2000 to 2006, Delaware was without commercial airline services. This situation repeated from April 2008 until June 30, 2013, when commercial service resumed at Wilmington Airport. However, this service ended in 2015 and was not resumed until February 2021, only to be discontinued again from June 2022 to January 2023.
The airport in question, Wilmington Airport, has been leased to the Delaware River and Bay Authority since the late 1990s. This lease was established to address the airport's financial struggles. The Delaware River and Bay Authority, operators of the Delaware Memorial Bridge and Cape May-Lewes Ferry, were granted a thirty-year lease with the option for two additional thirty-year extensions.
Since taking over operations, the Delaware River and Bay Authority has significantly improved the airport's infrastructure. They have upgraded aging buildings, rehabilitated taxiways and runways, and constructed new hangars and commercial buildings. These investments have enhanced the airport's functionality and appeal to airlines and passengers alike.
The improvements made by the Delaware River and Bay Authority have contributed to the resumption of commercial airline services at Wilmington Airport. In 2013, Frontier Airlines initiated operations at the airport, increasing enplanements to 52,456. However, this service ceased in 2015, and the airport experienced another period without commercial flights.
Despite these challenges, Wilmington Airport continues to play a role in Delaware's aviation landscape. It is included in the Federal Aviation Administration's National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2017–2021, categorized as a non-hub primary commercial service facility. The airport is also known for its convenient services, affordable parking, and easy access, making it a hassle-free travel option for passengers.
Florida Airport Closures: Timely Updates and Traveler Alerts
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Airlines like Avelo, American, and United have served Wilmington Airport
Wilmington Airport (IATA: ILG, ICAO: KILG, FAA LID: ILG), formerly known as New Castle Airport, is located in unincorporated New Castle County, Delaware, near Wilmington. It is owned by New Castle County and operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority. The airport opened during World War II and was briefly taken over by the United States Army Air Forces, becoming the New Castle Army Air Base.
Avelo Airlines has been serving Wilmington Airport since February 2023, with flights to popular destinations such as San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Florida. Avelo has experienced commercial success at the airport, recently surpassing 200,000 served customers and breaking previous records. The airline has also received recognition for its on-time performance and low flight cancellation rates.
American Airlines also offers worldwide service from Wilmington Airport, providing connections to all 50 states in the US. With American, passengers can travel internationally from Delaware via Landline.
United Airlines previously served Wilmington Airport as part of its campaign to serve all 50 states. From 1984 to 1987, United offered one-stop jet flights to Chicago. Allegheny Airlines also served Wilmington, with daily flights to Philadelphia, Washington's National Airport, Atlantic City, and Trenton.
The Hunt for Bukidnon's Elusive Airport: A Traveler's Conundrum
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Delaware does have an airport, called Wilmington Airport, which is located in New Castle County, Delaware.
The airport is located 5 miles (8 km) south of Wilmington and about 30 miles (50 km) from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Avelo Airlines, American Airlines, and Frontier Airlines have all operated from Wilmington Airport.
Some popular destinations include Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Florida, as well as San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Yes, there have been several periods since 1990 when Delaware was the only US state without any scheduled commercial airline flights.
