Roberta Aguirre
From 2008 to 2013, Delaware was the only US state without a commercial airport. In 2013, scheduled commercial airline passenger service became available at Wilmington Airport, but it ended in 2015. Since then, Delaware has had an on-again, off-again relationship with commercial airlines. In 2021, Frontier Airlines relaunched flights from Delaware to Orlando, ending the state's status as the only state without commercial flights. However, in 2022, Frontier Airlines announced it would be ending its services in Delaware, once again leaving the state without commercial airline service. Despite this setback, the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) remains committed to securing new commercial service for Wilmington Airport, and in 2024, American Airlines launched a new tarmac-to-tarmac luxury motorcoach service connecting Wilmington Airport to Philadelphia International Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Commercial airline service availability | No commercial airline service since June 6, 2022 |
| Commercial service resumption | Commercial service resumed in 2023 |
| Commercial flights | Frontier Airlines |
| Airports | Wilmington-New Castle Airport (ILG) |
| Commercial service challenges | Lack of demand, proximity to larger airports in nearby states |
| Commercial service advantages | Affordable, convenient, superior customer experience, access to global network |
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What You'll Learn
Frontier Airlines is ending its services
Frontier Airlines is an American ultra-low-cost airline that operates flights to over 120 destinations in the United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. The airline was created by Frederick W. "Rick" Brown, a United Airlines pilot, his wife Janice Brown, and Bob Schulman, the latter two having worked at the original Frontier Airlines (1950–1986).
In 2020, there was excitement at the airport in Delaware as Frontier Airlines announced its return to the state in May 2020. However, those plans were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and flights eventually commenced in early 2021. Unfortunately, in May 2022, Frontier Airlines announced that it would be ending its services in Delaware, specifically at the New Castle Airport outside Wilmington. This decision meant that Delaware would once again be the only state in the nation without commercial airline service.
The Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) expressed disappointment with Frontier Airlines' decision to discontinue scheduled service at the New Castle Airport before the busy summer season. They stated, "The management and staff of the DRBA continue to believe that scheduled commercial air service can and will succeed at Wilmington Airport." Despite the investment of $2 million in upgrading security at New Castle Airport, Frontier Airlines cited a lack of demand as the reason for ending its services in Delaware.
The New Castle Airport's proximity to larger airports in Philadelphia and Baltimore likely contributed to the challenge of attracting sufficient passenger demand. However, DRBA officials remain committed to securing new commercial service for the airport and highlight its advantages, including cost-effectiveness, convenience, and strategic location.
While Frontier Airlines' departure left Delaware without commercial airline service, the state's authorities remain optimistic about the airport's overall role and value to the community.
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Lack of demand
Delaware has had an on-again, off-again relationship with commercial airlines. From 2008 to 2013, it was the only US state without a commercial airline service. While commercial airline services resumed in 2021, they ended once again in June 2022, due to a lack of demand.
Frontier Airlines was the only commercial airline serving the state, with flights between Orlando and Wilmington's New Castle Airport. However, the airline decided to end its services, citing a lack of demand. A Frontier spokesperson, Jennifer De La Cruz, stated that "sufficient demand did not materialize to support the service".
The issue of lack of demand is further exacerbated by the proximity of New Castle Airport to larger airports in nearby cities, such as Philadelphia and Baltimore. These airports attract passengers from Delaware, making it challenging for New Castle Airport to generate sufficient demand for commercial flights.
Despite the lack of demand, there have been efforts to resume commercial airline services in Delaware. The Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) has expressed optimism about attracting another airline to provide regular passenger service to New Castle Airport. They highlight the advantages of flying into New Castle Airport, including its convenience, affordability, and hassle-free experience.
In October 2024, American Airlines, in partnership with The Landline Company, launched a new service connecting the Wilmington Airport (ILG) to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) via luxury motorcoaches. This service allows passengers to clear security at ILG and then board a luxury motorcoach to Philadelphia, providing access to American Airlines' global network. While this is not a traditional commercial airline service, it does provide an alternative option for passengers traveling from Delaware.
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New Castle Airport's proximity to Philadelphia and Baltimore
The New Castle Airport, formerly known as Wilmington Airport, is located in New Castle County, Delaware, near Wilmington, Delaware. It is owned by New Castle County and operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA). The airport is approximately 30 miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and 68 miles from Baltimore, Maryland.
Due to its proximity to Philadelphia and Baltimore, New Castle Airport offers a convenient and accessible alternative to the larger regional airports in these cities. Passengers travelling through New Castle Airport can take advantage of its smooth and simple experience, with easy drop-off and pick-up options and parking available next to the terminal. Additionally, the airport's proximity to multiple major highways makes it the most convenient and travel-friendly airport in the Delaware Valley.
New Castle Airport has had an on-again-off-again relationship with commercial airlines. In 2013, scheduled commercial airline passenger service became available, but it ended in 2015. Commercial service resumed in 2021, but ceased again in 2022 when Frontier Airlines discontinued its service. Despite this setback, the DRBA remains committed to securing new commercial service for the airport, and Avelo Airlines began serving the airport in 2023, with plans to expand its routes.
The airport's proximity to Philadelphia and Baltimore provides travellers with additional options for their travel plans. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), located 22.5 miles from New Castle, offers an alternative for passengers seeking a wider range of destinations or flight options. Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI), situated 68 miles away, further expands the travel possibilities for those in the region.
New Castle Airport's location, serving both the Wilmington area and the broader Delaware Valley, ensures that it plays a crucial role in the region's aviation network. While larger airports in nearby cities may offer more extensive services, New Castle Airport fills a vital niche, providing a convenient and accessible option for travellers in the area.
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Wilmington Airport's resumption of commercial service in 2021
Wilmington Airport in Delaware has had a turbulent history of commercial airline service. The airport first offered commercial flights in 1948, operated by Piedmont Airlines, with its first route between Wilmington and Cincinnati, Ohio. However, from 2008 to 2013, Delaware found itself without any commercial airline service, with Wilmington Airport losing its commercial service in 2015.
In 2020, there was excitement as Frontier Airlines announced its return to Wilmington Airport, with plans to begin flights in May of that year. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed these plans, but commercial service did resume in early 2021. This resumption of service was short-lived, as Frontier Airlines ended its flights to Wilmington in June 2022, citing a lack of demand. This left Delaware once again without any commercial airline service.
Despite the setbacks, there is hope for the future of commercial airline service at Wilmington Airport. Avelo Airlines began service at the airport in February 2023, offering flights to five Florida destinations. The presence of Avelo Airlines brings the prospect of increased flight accessibility and potential growth in Delaware's flight options. Additionally, the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) remains committed to securing new commercial service for Wilmington Airport and believes that scheduled commercial air service can succeed at the airport.
The challenges faced by Wilmington Airport in attracting and retaining commercial airline service are partly due to its proximity to major airports in neighbouring states, such as Philadelphia and Baltimore. However, the DRBA highlights the advantages of flying into Wilmington Airport, including its low cost and convenient location. With ongoing improvements and expansions at the airport, there is optimism that Wilmington Airport can establish sustainable commercial airline service in the future.
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American Airlines' new motorcoach service
As of June 2022, Delaware became the only state in the US without a commercial airline service after Frontier Airlines ended its services. However, American Airlines has launched a new motorcoach service in the Delaware Valley Region, connecting Wilmington Airport (ILG) to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). This service commenced on October 7, 2024, and offers six round trips per day.
The motorcoach service, provided in partnership with The Landline Company, offers a "tarmac-to-tarmac" experience. Passengers can clear security at ILG, board the luxury motorcoach at the departure gates, and arrive at a secure gate at PHL's Terminal F. The motorcoaches feature 35 premium leather seats with extended legroom, free WiFi, in-seat power outlets, and an onboard restroom.
Passengers can check their luggage at ILG, which will then be transferred to the motorcoach, and picked up upon arrival at PHL. This service is particularly convenient for travellers connecting to another flight at PHL, as they can proceed directly to their next gate without having to leave the secure area.
The new motorcoach service provides travellers with a hassle-free and comfortable option to reach Philadelphia International Airport. It also offers easy access to American Airlines' global network, with convenient one-stop service to over 100 destinations worldwide via its Philadelphia hub.
American Airlines' partnership with The Landline Company enhances the customer experience by providing a seamless and convenient travel option. This initiative underscores the airline's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, ensuring travellers can enjoy a smooth and enjoyable journey from Wilmington Airport to their final destination.
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Frequently asked questions
No, as of June 6, 2022, Delaware is the only state in the US without commercial airline service.
Frontier Airlines, the only commercial airline operating in Delaware, cited a lack of demand as the reason for ending its services.
Delaware lost its commercial airline service on June 6, 2022.
No, from 2008 to 2013, Delaware was the only US state without any commercial airline service.
There are no current plans for commercial airline service to resume in Delaware. However, the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) remains committed to securing new commercial service for Wilmington Airport.
