Wilmington airport marks major milestone as nation's best for growth
With people moving to the Wilmington area in record numbers in recent years, one of the Port City's major transportation hubs is seeing big growth as well.
According to a news release from Erin McNally, public relations manager for Wilmington International Airport, or ILM, the airport grew its seating capacity by more than any other U.S. airport during the three-year period from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2025.
The 66% growth in seating capacity, according to the release, eclipsed that of much larger airports in San Francisco, Raleigh-Durham and Washington, D.C. The only other airport with more than 60% growth in its seating capacity was Westchester County Airport, which is about 30 miles north of New York City, with 62%.
The release notes that during the three-period measured, Sun Country, Breeze and JetBlue airlines began serving customers at ILM; Avelo Airlines added a base of operations there; and American, Delta, and United airlines all added flights with bigger planes and more seats.
At ILM, over the three-year period measured, the number of nonstop flights offered grew from nine to 29, according to the release, adding routes directly to Boston, Denver, Houston, Detroit, Washington, D.C., Tampa and other cities.
In the release, Jeff Bourk, director of ILM, said the airport's growth is "a testament to what a strong business market and growing leisure destination Wilmington is," adding that collaboration with New Hanover County, the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau "and other public and private sector partners has been critical" in supporting growth at ILM.
Inside the recently renovated Wilmington International Airport.
