COVID-19 Information

March 11, 2020

9/24/20

Effective October 1, 2020 parking rates will revert to ILM’s regular rates.  The regular rates, for the lots that are currently open, are posted below.  Any customer that parked prior to October 1st will receive the reduced rate from that time period. 

As a safety precaution, no cash will be accepted for payment in any parking lot.   All lots are self-service and are accepting credit/debit card only.( Visa, Mastercard, and American Express)  Staff will be on-site during commercial flight operations hours to assist customers as necessary and may be reached by calling 910-341-4336. 

Economy Daily (credit-debit only)

0-30 minutes Free
30min-1 Hour $1.00
Each additional hour $1.00
Maximum each 24 hours $8.00
This lot can accept debit/credit card payment including: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

Hourly (credit-debit only)

0-30 minutes Free
30-60 minutes $1.00
Each additional hour. $1.00
Maximum each 24 hours $24.00
This lot can accept debit/credit card payment including: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

Main Daily (credit-debit only)

0-30 minutes Free
30min-1 Hour $1.00
Each additional hour $1.00
Maximum each 24 hours $10.00
This lot can accept debit/credit card payment including: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

8/20/20

Tailwind Grille and restaurants, located post-security, are offering a full menu once again.

6/24/20

Effective immediately, 6/24/20, all passengers, employees, and airport visitors are required to wear a face covering or mask per the State of North Carolina’s Executive Order No. 147.  Review Executive Order 147.

6/23/20

There are no new updates. Due to less frequent updates occurring, ILM will no longer post on a set schedule of Tuesday and Friday. Moving forward, in the event of an airport specific COVID-19 update, ILM will post the update to this page in a reasonable amount of time.  Please note, media inquiries regarding airline-specific flight schedules, fares, load factors, and COVID-19 flight impacts should continue to be asked directly to the airlines. To learn more about ILM’s safety measures and enhanced cleaning protocols, visit the ILM Safe Travels webpage.

6/19/20

There are no new updates.

6/16/20

There are no new updates.

6/13/20

Effective Saturday, June 13, 2020, the main daily and hourly parking lots will be re-open for customer parking.  As a safety precaution, no cash will be accepted for payment in any parking lot.   All lots are self-service and are accepting credit/debit card only.( Visa, Mastercard, and American Express)  Temporarily, the premium lot will be closed to new entry to allow for maintenance.  Staff will be on-site during commercial flight operations hours to assist customers as necessary and may be reached by calling 910-341-4336. 

Economy Daily (credit-debit only)

0-30 minutes Free
30min-1 Hour $1.00
Each additional hour $1.00
Maximum each 24 hours $8.00
This lot can accept debit/credit card payment including: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

Hourly credit-debit only)

0-30 minutes Free
30-60 minutes $1.00
Each additional hour. $1.00
Maximum each 24 hours $15.00
This lot can accept debit/credit card payment including: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

Daily (credit-debit only)

0-30 minutes Free
30min-1 Hour $1.00
Each additional hour $1.00
Maximum each 24 hours $10.00
This lot can accept debit/credit card payment including: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

6/12/20

There are no new updates.

6/9/20

There are no new updates.

6/5/20

There are no new updates.

6/2/20

ILM has been informed that, in response to COVID-19, TSA is rolling out procedure changes nationwide.  On June 10, 2020, the TSA is implementing a ‘Self-Divest’ process to limit TSA Officer contact with traveler’s items, due to COVID-19.  This ‘Self-Divest’ process is ONLY for items that are prohibited from entering the sterile area (e.g. water bottles, etc.).  Prior to this change, a TSA Officer would go into a passengers’ bag, remove the item, and provide the passenger with options for disposition.  When the change takes effect, the Traveler will be required to go back through the ADA Gate to return to the divesture table at the beginning of the screening lane, to ‘Self-Divest’ and dispose of the item, then reintroduce their bags into the x-ray for screening.  Learn More by reviewing TSA’s recent press release, “TSA Prepared for Summer Travelers with Updated Security Procedures”under the “Pack Smart” section.

5/29/20

There are no new updates.

5/26/20

Tailwind Grille, located post-security by the gate area, is now serving alcohol in the restaurant only.  They also offer grab and go, including a few hot options, you may take to your waiting area to enjoy.

5/22/20

Safe Travels:

Have an upcoming flight?  Until the coast is clear, below are steps you can take to protect yourself and others while traveling.  You will also find steps ILM is taking.  Together, these actions will help make travel as safe as possible for everyone.  #ILMSafeTravels

Some of the key changes being implemented at the airport include:

  • Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfecting: In addition to general cleaning protocols, ILM continues to clean all major touchpoints on a schedule frequency of two to three times per day; utilizing a disinfectant which is listed on the CDC’s approved disinfectant list. 
  • Plexiglass/Sneeze Guards: These items have been installed to protect employees and travelers
  • Social distancing Floor Markers: Look for floor markers to help guide where you should stand while waiting in line, in order to keep a 6 foot distance.
  • Seating Changes:  Rocking chairs are spread out and placed in locations to socially distance. 
  • Masks: Airport employees will wear masks
  • Cashless, Self-Service Parking Lots: We have opened parking lots that are credit card only, reducing the use of paper money and staff interface.
  • Modified Restaurant Menus:  To expedite orders and reduce waiting in the gate area, Tailwind’s restaurants offers grab and go, including a few hot options, you may take to your waiting area to enjoy.
  • Clean and Healthy Construction Sites: While ILM continues the Terminal Expansion Project, the contractor, Monteith, has imposed strict guidelines for employees on the premises to keep everyone healthy and working.

Travelers:

  • Healthy for Travel: Ensure you are fever-free and not experiencing COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms, prior to traveling
  • Check the ILM website: for the latest information on available parking lots and other facility changes that may be in effect the day you travel.
  • Allow Time Before Your Flight: Arrive at least two hours in advance of your flight.  This will help ease crowding and congestion at check in and the TSA checkpoint caused by last-minute rushes before scheduled flights.
  • Masks & Face Coverings: Wear face coverings or masks while in the airport
  • Wash Hands: Wash hands regularly, for at least 20 seconds
  • Social Distance: Stay at least 6 feet away from others, even when you do not see 6 foot spacing reminders
  • Reduce Touchpoints: If you can, check in online and use the mobile boarding pass technology.  For a short trip, you may consider packing in a carry-on suitcase rather than checking a bag.
  • Check Airline Requirements: Become familiar with your airline and travel partner requirements, such as airline’s requirements for wearing a mask, before traveling.  Visit the websites for American Airlines, Delta, or United.
  • Visit the CDC’s Website: Learn more about travel health information as well as ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

Visit ILM’s webpage: https://flyilm.com/ilm-safe-travels

5/19/20

Parking Update:

  • There are two lots open for passenger parking – Premium Daily (credit-debit only) and Economy Daily (credit-debit only).  The rates in these lots will be reduced as shown below.
  • NO CASH is accepted for payment in any parking lot.

Further, the Standard Daily lot is closed to new entry.  Customers currently in the lots will be able to exit and pay for their parking as usual.  The Hourly lot and North Daily lots remain closed.

Staff will be on site during commercial flight operations hours to assist customers as necessary and may be reached by calling 910-341-4336.

Reduced Pricing (effective from March 30th):

Premium Daily (credit-debit only)
0-30 minutes Free
30min-1 Hour $1.00
Each additional hour $1.00
Maximum each 24 hours $10.00
This lot can accept debit/credit card payment including: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

Economy Daily (credit-debit only)

0-30 minutes Free
30min-1 Hour $1.00
Each additional hour $1.00
Maximum each 24 hours $8.00
This lot can accept debit/credit card payment including: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

Modified Restaurant Menus:   Tailwind Grille, located by the gate area, has expanded its menu offerings.  Tailwind now offers a few hot grab and go options passengers may take to the waiting area to enjoy.

5/15/20

·         For the safety of ILM employees and passengers, we ask the public to please wear face coverings or masks while in the airport, effective May 15, 2020.  ILM employees will also wear masks/face coverings. 

·         Tailwind Grille, located post-security by the gate area, is now open seven days a week from 4:30 am to 6pm.  Tailwind offers carry-out food only. Alcohol is not available for sale on the airport premises at this time.

5/12/20

The April activity report is posted to ILM’s website under airport statistics.  The change (reduction) in enplanements and deplanements directly correlates with COVID-19 flight impacts as previously reported.  ILM’s airport statistics are consistent with nationwide reports. The ILM Team is preparing for the return of passengers and a busy summer travel season.  Please see the post from 5/8/20 for further information.

5/8/20

ILM Prepares for Return of Travelers

Travelers can feel confident ILM is committed to creating a clean, safe and secure airport.  Early on ILM swiftly took measures to enhance cleaning protocols in the airport. In addition to general cleaning protocols, ILM has and continues to clean all of the major touchpoints on a schedule frequency of two to three times per day utilizing a disinfectant, which is listed on the CDC’s approved disinfectant list.  There are hand sanitizer stations throughout the terminal, located in pre-security and post-security areas, including stations at every entrance and exit of the airport.   

Over the past several weeks, leaders of NC commercial airports, including the ILM Airport Director, have held weekly meetings to collaborate and share best practices to address COVID-19. Through these communications, airport leaders have learned from one another and gained additional insight into best practices to minimize the spread of germs and viruses; ensuring the highest level of safety for the flying public.  ILM will continue to incorporate best practices and implement enhanced safety measures.

ILM also strongly encourages passengers to modify behaviors; following CDC guidelines designed to protect themselves and others. Further, travelers should reach out to their individual airlines and/or travel partners to check on any new requirements, such as face coverings or masks, which may be required during the travel process.

5/5/20

There are no new updates.

5/1/20

Due to COVID-19, some airlines are requiring passengers to wear masks while traveling. ILM encourages travelers to reach out directly to their airline to learn more about any protective measures, such as potential face covering (or mask) requirements, that the airlines may have in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

4/28/20

  • The New Hanover County Airport Authority board meeting, scheduled for May 6, 2020 at 5pm, will be held with special measures. Review the Notice.
  • ILM was informed by American Airlines, Delta, and United of the following schedule changes for May.  Flights that are temporarily suspended have a goal to resume in the future.  Please note, flight schedules are subject to change. 
    • American Airlines is suspending service to Washington Reagan National (DCA). 
    • American Airlines is suspending seasonal service to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Boston Logan (BOS).
    • American Airlines is reducing daily service to Charlotte (CLT) and Dallas Fort Worth (DFW).
    • American Airlines is reducing the frequency of service to Philadelphia (PHL).
    • Delta airlines is reducing daily service to Atlanta (ATL).
    • United airlines is reducing daily service to Washington Dulles (IAD).

Travelers should reach out directly to their airline with flight related questions or rescheduling needs.

Please note, media inquiries regarding airline-specific flight schedules, fares, load factors, and COVID-19 impacts should be asked directly to the airlines.

4/24/20

There are no new updates.

4/21/20

There are no new updates.

4/17/20

There are no new updates.

4/14/20

The FAA released preliminary information today regarding the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Airport Grant Program.  In the guidance, Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is eligible to receive $19.8M in grants to cover eligible operating expenses, specifically employee payroll, utility costs, and debt coverage.  At this time, ILM is researching all of the details.  In the near future, the FAA will release the grant application. 

Passenger activity and revenue at ILM has been significantly below normal levels since March 16, 2020.  However, as flights and ILM employees are considered essential, ILM and our tenant partners continue to operate the airport with a full complement of aviation services. The funding from the FAA will ensure the Cape Fear Region is connected to the global marketplace.

4/13/20

  • The March activity report is posted to ILM’s website under airport statistics. The reduction in enplanements and deplanements directly correlates with COVID-19 flight impacts as previously reported.  ILM’s airport statistics are consistent with nationwide reports.  This is the first month since January 2018 that ILM has not increased enplanements over the previous year.  ILM continues to move essential passengers and cargo through the pandemic.

4/9/20

  • Essential Services and Staff: Airports, including the Wilmington International Airport (ILM), are deemed critical infrastructure.  The operation of flights at ILM and our employees are considered essential as we transport passengers, health care workers and first responders. Therefore, it is critical that the airport remain open.  Our priority is the health and safety of our employees as well as the traveling public.  As such, we continue to sanitize, follow CDC guidance, and take safety precautions daily. Although flight schedules have been reduced by the airlines, the essential airport duties have not changed.  We have however, made shift modifications to allow some employees time to stay at home with their families.  These shift modifications include, in some cases, working remotely.  Careful planning and flexible employee schedules allow ILM to retain full staff.
  • The ILM administration offices will be closed Friday 4/10/20.  The next website update will occur the week of April 13th.

4/7/20

There are no new updates.

4/3/20

There are no new updates.

4/2/20

  • Effective Friday April 3rd Tailwind Grille, located post-security by the gate area, will be open Sunday-Friday 4:30 am to 4:30 pm.(closed Saturdays)  Tailwind will offer carry-out food only. Alcohol is not available for sale on the airport premises.  Passengers on flights departing after 4:30 pm will not have access to concession items.
  • ILM has been informed by Delta airlines of the following flight updates for the month of April.  Please note, flight schedules are subject to change.
    • Delta is reducing the number of daily flights between ILM and Atlanta (ATL).

3/31/20

ILM has been informed, by American and United airlines, of the following flight updates for the month of April.  Please note, flight schedules are subject to change. 

  • American Airlines is suspending flights between ILM and New York La Guardia (LGA).  At this time, the last flight to LGA is scheduled for April 7th, with a goal to resume in the future. 
  • American Airlines is reducing the number of daily flights between ILM and Charlotte (CLT) as well as between ILM and Dallas Fort Worth (DFW).  American will also reduce flights between ILM and Washington Reagan (DCA) to twice weekly.
  • United is reducing the number of daily flights between ILM and Washington Dulles (IAD). 

Travelers should reach out directly to their airline with flight related questions or rescheduling needs. 

Please note, media inquiries regarding airline-specific flight schedules, fares, load factors, and COVID-19 impacts should be asked directly to the airlines.

3/27/20

Tailwind at the gate area will be closed tomorrow (Saturday March 28) for one day only and will reopen on Sunday March 29.

3/24/20

Travel Notice:

Due to the potential impacts from COVID-19, airlines are experiencing daily flight cancellations and, as such, travelers are strongly encouraged to check their flight status regularly. Travelers should reach out directly to their airline with flight related questions or rescheduling needs. 

Please note, media inquiries regarding airline-specific flight schedules, fares, load factors, and COVID-19 impacts should be asked directly to the airlines.

Parking Update:

  • NO CASH will be accepted for payment in any parking lot, effective March 30th*.
  • Also effective March 30th*, only two lots will be open for passenger parking – Premium Daily (credit-debit only) and Standard Daily (credit-debit only).  The rates in these lots will be reduced as shown below.

Further, the Hourly lot and North Daily lots are closed to new entry effective immediately (March 24th).  Customers currently in the lots will be able to exit and pay for their parking as usual.  Ample parking is currently available in the Main Daily lot and the Premium, Standard and Economy Credit/Debit lots.  

Staff will be on site during commercial flight operations hours to assist customers as necessary and may be reached by calling 910-341-4336.

Reduced Pricing Effective April 1st:

Premium Daily (credit-debit only)
0-30 minutes Free
30min-1 Hour $1.00
Each additional hour $1.00
Maximum each 24 hours $10.00
This lot can accept debit/credit card payment including: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

Standard Daily (credit-debit only)

0-30 minutes Free
30min-1 Hour $1.00
Each additional hour $1.00
Maximum each 24 hours $8.00
This lot can accept debit/credit card payment including: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

*The date of the effective parking changes was updated from April 1st to March 30th.

3/21/20

Effective Sunday March 22nd, Tailwind will offer grab and go food choices with hot breakfast sandwiches in the gate area. Basic travel items will also be available for purchase in the gate area.  All other restaurants/bars/retail will be closed at ILM.  These changes are consistent with other Tailwind airport locations.

3/20/20

In an abundance of caution, ILM’s volunteer program is suspended until further notice.  Therefore, ILM’s information desk is closed at this time.  However, our information line remains open.  ILM recommends those with a question to please call the airport’s information line versus walking-in. ILM information: 910-341-4125.

If travelers have questions about current flights, upcoming flights, or fee waivers, they should reach out directly to their airlines.

3/18/20

The Wilmington International Airport (ILM) was informed by TSA’s Assistant Federal Security Director – Screening that a percentage of TSA’s workforce, at ILM, was placed on Safety Leave.  TSA’s Safety Leave status applies to individuals in a high-risk category for COVID-19, such as those with pre-existing health conditions. TSA will operate security lanes at ILM based on available TSA staffing.  Whether or not TSA operates 1 lane or 2, TSA will blend the lane to accept both PreCheck and Standard passengers with PreCheck passengers being comingled in the waiting line along with standard passengers. (PreCheck passengers will then be screened as they would in a “normal” PreCheck lane.) TSA’s Safety Leave process is occurring on a national scale at all airport locations.  Based upon this information from TSA, ILM reminds travelers to allow plenty of time to complete the screening process.

Please direct any media inquiries to Sari Koshetz, TSA National Spokesperson, at sari.koshetz@tsa.dhs.gov

3/17/20

The below updates pertain to restaurants/bars operating in ILM airport.  Menu options are available as takeout only. At this time, alcohol is not available for sale on the airport premises.

  • Tailwind Bar & Grille, located post-security by the gate area, will operate under normal business hours of 4am-last outbound flight boards.
  • Kiosk, located post-security by the gate area, will operate under normal business hours of 4am-last outbound flight boards.
  • Co-Pilot Coffee, located pre-security, will operate 8a-5p.
  • Satellite Bar, located post security by the gate area, is closed until further notice.
  • Radar Bar and Jet Stream Burger Bar, located post security by the gate area, is closed until further notice.

3/14/20
Below is a statement from New Hanover County and ILM Airport Officials:

“New Hanover County Public Health and ILM Airport received notification from Brunswick County Public Health regarding a Brunswick County resident who flew into ILM on Tuesday, March 10 and has since tested presumptive positive for COVID-19. According to Brunswick County Public Health, the resident was symptomatic during travel and is now self-isolated. To protect the confidentiality of the individual, specific flight information and times cannot be shared at this time.

New Hanover County Public Health has been advised that the traveler left the airport and went directly home in their personal vehicle, not visiting any locations in New Hanover County. Local public health staff, in coordination with information from North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, will notify anyone in our community who was within six feet of the traveler on a plane, and those notifications should be made in the coming days. Travelers who are contacted may be asked to self-quarantine and monitor for symptoms.

All residents are encouraged to follow the county’s community guidance for proactive prevention measures, continue to remain informed through trusted sources, and focus on facts – not fear. Preparing, practicing social distancing, and remaining calm are the best things our community can do.

For more than a week, ILM has been cleaning all of their major touchpoints on a schedule frequency of two to three times per day utilizing a disinfectant, in addition to general cleaning protocols. Additional information about ILM’s operations and COVID-19 response can be viewed in the 3/11/20 update below.

Travelers, and all residents, are asked to continue to follow the guidance of personal protective measures and if you experience fever or any potential COVID-19 symptoms, contact your healthcare provider or New Hanover County Public Health at 910-798-3500. Before visiting your doctor, urgent care or walk-in clinic, call ahead so they can plan safety precautions during your visit. As a reminder to the public, the flu is still active in our community so these measures should be followed for all potential viruses, year round.”

3/13/20:
There are no additional updates from the last report.

3/11/20:
COVID-19 is an emerging and evolving situation.  At this time, ILM’s operations are proceeding as normal.  Below is information regarding the airport facility as well as COVID-19 resources.  ILM will post any pertinent COVID-19 updates, specific to ILM, Tuesdays and Fridays between 1-3pm.(Posts will be made to the website: https://flyilm.com/covid-19-information/)  In the event an airport-specific update, of significant importance, occurs outside of those days/times, ILM will post the update to this page in a reasonable amount of time. Please note, media inquiries regarding airline-specific flight schedules, fares, load factors, and COVID-19 impacts should be asked directly to the airlines.

Wilmington International Airport- Facility Cleaning:  In addition to general cleaning protocols, ILM is cleaning all of our major touchpoints on a schedule frequency of two to three times per day utilizing a disinfectant, which was listed on the CDC’s approved disinfectant list.  Examples of touch point areas include but not limited to: seating areas, handles, handrails, elevator buttons, benches, counters, etc.  There are hand sanitizer stations throughout the terminal, located in pre-security and post-security areas, including stations at every entrance and exit of the airport.  Due to customer demand, ILM has increased the quantity of hand sanitizer which is ordered. 

Flight Impacts or Changes*: 

  • ILM was informed by United that United’s ILM-ORD is suspended during April and May, with a goal to resume the flight June 4th.  The dates are subject to change.

*Please note, schedules may change and the airlines have the most up to date information regarding flight schedules and information.

Flights:  If travelers have questions about current flights, upcoming flights, or fee waivers, they should reach out directly to their airlines.

General Information and Resources: ILM encourages the public and travelers to remain informed and rely on New Hanover County, the North Carolina Division of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as trusted resources. Please review their websites for the most up to date information regarding COVID-19.

NCDHHS recommends that all travelers returning from countries and US states impacted by COVID-19 follow DHHS guidance on self-monitoring.

When traveling, NCDHHS asks travelers to please follow these common-sense recommendations:

  • Do not travel if you are sick.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. 
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw it away. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
  • If you feel well, it is not necessary to wear a facemask. Facemasks are most effective when used by people who are already ill to prevent them from spreading viruses and other germs.

CDC has information for travelers, including guidance for travelers returning from China, and a list of Frequently Asked Questions about travel.

Per New Hanover County, if you have traveled to an area with active COVID-19 in the last 14 days and are experiencing symptoms, contact your healthcare provider or New Hanover County Public Health at 910-798-3500. If you use an urgent care or walk-in clinic, call ahead so they can plan safety precautions during your visit.

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