Wilmington International Airport Sets New Passenger Record

Jan. 9, 2019
Throughout the 2018 calendar year, The Wilmington International Airport served 934,058 passengers, a 12 percent increase from 836,589 passengers served in 2017.

The Wilmington International Airport (ILM)’s passenger numbers soared in 2018.  Throughout the 2018 calendar year, ILM served 934,058 passengers, a 12 percent increase from 836,589 passengers served in 2017.

Throughout the calendar year, ILM’s growth was propelled by the addition of a third carrier, United. The airline began nonstop service in April 2018 between ILM and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) as well as Washington-Dulles (IAD).  American Airlines expanded their nonstop service as well, with new service between ILM and Chicago O’Hare during the summer season, as well as year-round daily nonstop service to Reagan National (DCA). American grew service again at the end of 2018, expanding its nonstop seasonal service to Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) to daily year-round service in December.

“2018 has been a year of unprecedented growth,” stated Julie Wilsey, Airport Director. “We acknowledge the investment our airline partners made at ILM.” 

Through Wilmington International Airport’s three network carriers, United, American Airlines, and Delta, travelers can access eight nonstop destinations, seven hubs, six international gateways, and 310 destinations with just one stop. 

“With our terminal expansion underway, and the continued support from our growing community, we look forward to our next milestone of 1 million passengers,” Wilsey shared.

ILM's Top 2018 Accomplishments:

  • United airlines started non-stop service to Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and Washington-Dulles (IAD) in April 2018, adding four flights per day.
     
  • American Airlines added non-stop flights to Washington DC (DCA), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), and Chicago O’Hare (ORD).
     
  • Donna Girardot was named the First Female Airport Authority Chair in the state of North Carolina.
     
  • ILM’s multi-year Terminal Expansion Project started in October 2018.
     
  •  A new Flight School, All American Aviation Services, opened in the ILM Flex Building, located on Gardner Dr.
     
  •  A new Avis Rental Car Service Facility opened on Hall Dr.
     
  •  Airports Council International – North America awarded ILM with the 2018 Honorable Mention in Brand Identity award for the airport’s New Logo and Rebranding Campaign.
     
  •  ILM served 934,058 passengers, a 12 percent increase from 2017.