Pent up travel demand propels air travel and a strong rebound in passenger numbers at the Wilmington International Airport. Based on June airport trends, passenger numbers are back to Pre-Covid levels.
According to the airport’s May passenger statistics, total passengers flying to/from ILM significantly increased and were at 79% of 2019 levels.(There were 78,875 total passengers in 2021 compared to 99,714 total passengers in 2019.) ILM’s recovery is well above the national average. TSA’s national throughput data shows traveler throughput increased with May 2021 throughput at 67% of May 2019 levels. ILM rebounded at a rate 12% higher than the national average. Further, according to June trends, ILM’s passenger counts are hovering around 95-99% of 2019 levels.
“We are pleased to see our numbers rebound so strongly. Our team remains committed to providing a safe, clean, and exceptional experience for our customers and are excited to welcome back travelers to ILM,” stated Gary Broughton, Deputy Airport Director.
American, Delta, and United have reinstated numerous routes and increased capacity to/from ILM. In June, American Airlines started new seasonal nonstop service between Wilmington and Boston. Originally scheduled for Saturdays only, American has increased the route to now fly nonstop between ILM-BOS five days a week. Further, a third TSA lane, that can be opened at the TSA’s Supervisor’s discretion, is now in service at ILM to help accommodate peaks in passenger screening demand.
Media Contact:
Gary Broughton, C.M.
Deputy Airport DirectorgBroughton@flyilm.com
###
About the Wilmington International Airport: The Wilmington International Airport serves southeastern North Carolina with commercial air service on American Airlines, Delta, and United. In 2019, ILM welcomed 1,075,963 passengers annually. ILM services numerous non-stop destinations; 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 2020 report estimated ILM’s economic impact at $2.25 billion and 16,385 jobs. For more information on ILM, please visit flyILM.com
