ILM Sets New Passenger Record
New Airline and Expanded Service Propels Double Digit Growth
Wilmington, NC (January 8, 2019)— The Wilmington International Airport (ILM)’s passenger numbers soared in 2018. Throughout the 2018 calendar year, ILM served 934,058 passengers-a 12% 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 have made at ILM.” Through Wilmington International Airport’s three network carriers, (United, American Airlines, and Delta) travelers can access 8 nonstop destinations, 7 hubs, 6 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.
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About the Wilmington International Airport: The Wilmington International Airport serves southeastern North Carolina with commercial air service on Delta, American Airlines, and United. In 2018, ILM welcomed 934,058 passengers annually. ILM services 8 non-stop destinations (ATL, CLT, PHL, LGA, DCA, IAD, ORD, DFW); allowing for convenient domestic and international travel. The Wilmington International Airport is the fifth largest airport in North Carolina. The NCDOT Division of Aviation’s 2017 report estimated ILM’s economic impact at $1.752 billion and nearly 13,000 jobs. For more information on ILM, please visit flyILM.com
