The official numbers are in, and ILM served 1,317,897 passengers in 2023. This figure is a new annual record, surpassing the prior record by over 21%. Throughout the year, ILM consistently broke records with eleven months of the year having the most enplanements ever recorded.
In 2023, the airport received new service from Sun Country airlines as well as new nonstop routes from Avelo, American, and Delta. “We have a growing number of airlines and a growing number of nonstops. All the new service, along with our legacy service from American, Delta and United, is great for our community offering a great mix of service. This increase in seats and record numbers means more choices, more convenience, and lower fares,” stated Jeff Bourk, ILM Airport Director.
The back-to-back record years shows the continued growth in travel to/from Wilmington NC and the area’s island beaches. In 2023, due to the increased number of seats allocated to ILM from the airlines, ILM was the fastest growing airport in NC and the 4th fastest growing airport in the U.S. ILM had 23% seat capacity growth, far surpassing the NC average of 14% and national average of 10%.
“We’re excited to build upon this momentum as we head into 2024 and look forward to a great year ahead,” shared Bourk.
Source: Diio Mi
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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, United, and Sun Country. These airlines provide nonstop service to a growing number of markets, connecting travelers to hundreds of destinations. In addition to commercial air service, ILM supports a growing general aviation community and has two FBOs, Modern Aviation and Aero Center Wilmington. The ILM Business Park encompasses 140 acres and is strategically located in an intermodal environment. The NCDOT Division of Aviation’s 2022 report estimated ILM’s economic impact at $2.5 billion. For more information on ILM, please visit flyILM.com
