Airlines Increase Seats and Capacity, ILM Experiences Record Passenger Numbers

In August, ILM had the best August on record with total passenger numbers at 106,167, a 5% increase over the last record month, which occurred in August 2019. September and October have seen an increase in seats in the ILM market and preliminary numbers indicate September will be another record month for passengers.

Nationally, from January-October 2022, ILM is the 49^th most recovered airport of the top 150 airports at 102% recovery, when comparing the percent of seats in the market January-October 2022 versus January-October 2019. During this period, ILM ranked number 2 in the state for most recovered.

“Our airline partners are upguaging aircraft and increasing the seats in our market. These larger aircraft, as well as the new nonstop flights, have resulted in more seats and opportunities for additional passengers to fly to/from ILM, aiding in ILM’s strong recovery, stated Jeff Bourk, ILM Airport Director. “We are thankful our airline partners continue to prioritize the Wilmington market. We are on track for a great year with great numbers!”

Heading into October, ILM is the top airport for recovery in North Carolina. When reviewing October 2022 seats versus October 2019 seats as a percentage, ILM is 108%, leading all other NC airports.

A graph of the North Carolina Airports by Seats, ranked by capacity recovery versus 2019. Shows ILM at the top, compared to other large, medium, and ssall hub airports in NC. Graph reflects October 2022 seats versus October 2019 seasts as a percentage.

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About the Wilmington International Airport: The Wilmington International Airport serves southeastern North Carolina with commercial air service on American, Avelo, Delta, and United. These air carriers provide nonstop service to thirteen markets, connecting travelers to over 360 destinations. Avelo Airlines, ILM’s newest carrier will begin nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale, beginning Nov. 11^th. Earlier this year, United launched nonstop service to Newark airport, American increased nonstop service to Boston on a daily seasonal service and resumed seasonal service to Chicago, and Delta announced an increase to daily seasonal service to LaGuardia. In May, ILM set a record for the number of May enplanements at ILM. The NCDOT Division of Aviation’s 2020 report estimated ILM’s economic impact at $2.25 billion and 16,385 jobs. For more information on ILM, please visit flyILM.com

Media Contact:
Erin McNally
Marketing, Air Service Development & PR Manager
emcnally@flyilm.com