WILMINGTON AIRPORT (ILM) INFORMATION

Wilmington International Airport (IATA: ILM, ICAO: KILM, FAA LID: ILM) is a public airport in Wrightsboro, North Carolina, owned by New Hanover County.

It has two runways with a single terminal which has eight gates. ILM covers 1,800 acres, making it the 5th largest Airport in North Carolina. Its height above

Wilmington Airport is 4.9 miles away from the downtown area of N.C., and at least four airlines are operating in the facility.

The Airport has a fixed-base operation (FBO), a facility that serves both private jets and aircraft on international flights.

ILM is situated on the coast side of North Carolina, halfway between NYC and Miami, making it a desirable and lax entry point to the United States.

Its recent addition was a 24-hour U.S. Customs and Border Protection ramp that caters to stop-over flights and an expanded gate area.

Based on the statistical record of the United States Department of Transportation in 2021, the Airport served a total of 461,688 passengers.

History of Wilmington International Airport

In 1928, Wilmington International Airport was formerly called Bluethenthal Field in honor of an American football player and a World War I pilot, the first Wilmingtonian and second North Carolinian to die in the war.

The airfield was also used by the United States Army Air Force during world war II for anti-submarine patrols and training using the P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft, which led them to expand the area with three new 7,000-foot runways. Military flight training was set up at the Airport through the National Civilian Pilot Training program in this era.

By 1941, several airline companies were bidding to include Wilmington in their routes. The postwar led the federal government to declare the Bluethenthal Field a surplus property under the Surplus Property Act of 1944. The facility was then assigned under the care of New Hanover County without cost.

In 1950, the wooden building was replaced and modernized with a control tower. By 1968, there were runway renovations that accommodated Boeing 737 jets.

According to the most recent report of the North Carolina Department of Transportation-Division of Aviation, ILM has a $2.2 billion economic impact on the region, supports 16,385 jobs, and generates $85 million in tax revenue.

Transfer Services at Wilmington International Airport

Wilmington Airport provides safe, affordable, and efficient ground transportation. There are rental cars, taxis, shuttles, rideshares, limousines, and public buses for those who want to commute to/from Wilmington International Airport.

As a general reminder to all travelers, before leaving for a trip, know what items are allowed in your carry-on bag, what you can pack in your checked baggage, and what items are prohibited.

Also, transactions should only be made at the airport counters and other legitimate establishments for your safety.

Rental Car Services at Wilmington International Airport

There are several car rental services available at Wilmington Airport. Look for them at the ground transportation center near the baggage claim area.

Renter should present their driver's license to receive a pre-printed rental document and the car key. Rental rates vary according to the type of car you choose. Rental cars are parked outside the baggage claim area.

When you return the vehicle at the Airport, follow the main road past the terminal and turn right into the rental car return area. Some signs will point you in the right direction. See and compare all rental car companies at Wilmington International Airport.

Park the car at the same spot where you got it. Lock the vehicle and place the keys in the key drop box in the return area. Ensure to clear the car from all your belongings before returning the keys.

Ride Shares at Wilmington International Airport

Rideshares are also available at the Airport. Lyft and Uber are two famous ridesharing companies in the area.

Passengers can reserve rideshare by downloading the company's app on their smartphone and coordinating directly with their driver.

Taxis at Wilmington International Airport

Passengers can also pick up taxis at assigned bays in the ground transportation center. Taxi Fares start at $4.00 for pick-up and $3.00 a mile. They also charge a $0.50 per minute waiting time.

Airport rates are metered within 50 miles. Flat rate schemes also apply for long rides from the Airport. See more information about taxis at Wilmington International Airport.

Trains at Wilmington International Airport

There are no railway services to/from Wilmington Airport.

Travelers who need rail to transfer can get a taxi within the ground transportation center to the nearest Train Station in Fayetteville, North Carolina—some 93 miles or about 2 hours away. More information about train services near Wilmington International Airport.

For safety and convenience, we do not recommend this mode of transportation for passengers.

Buses at Wilmington International Airport

From Wilmington Airport, passengers can also take a bus ride through WAVE Transit Route 207, from Monday to Friday, 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Note, that Route 207 may be unavailable on Saturdays and Sundays. Service operates on a 60-minute frequency. More information about buses to and from Wilmington International Airport.

The $2.00 bus fare applies for adults and the $1.00 fare for seniors and persons with disabilities. Special discounts are available for students, seniors, disabled persons and medicare card holders.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Wilmington International Airport

Most of the hotels in Wilmington provide shuttle services to and from the Airport.

Passengers who have hotel bookings can confirm it with their local hotel and meet their vehicle at the Ground Transportation Center.

Parking at Wilmington International Airport

Wilmington Airport provides a convenient parking area 24/7. Six parking lots are open daily.

For those who would like to park their car, you can park free of charge for the first 30 minutes.

A $1.00 parking fee is required for those who stay for an hour and an additional $1.00 charge for every hour. See more information about short and long term parking at Wilmington International Airport.

Overnight parking is also allowed at the Airport. Its recent addition was a cashless, self-service parking lot that only accepts credit cards for health safety purposes.

Other Services at Wilmington International Airport

Wi-Fi at Wilmington International Airport

The Airport offers complimentary Wi-Fi access for Wilmington Airport guests. Turn on your Wi-Fi and choose the "Fly ILM" network to use this service.

Upon entering, you will encounter a pop-up screen where you will agree to the terms and conditions to access the network.

ATMs at Wilmington International Airport

Two BB&T ATMs are available in the pre-and post-security area of the Airport.

One machine is located behind the information desk, and the other machine is located on the right-hand side after entering the gate area.

Fees may apply. Please check your bank's fee schedule and your daily withdrawal limit if you are traveling internationally.

Currency Exchange at Wilmington International Airport

Currently, money transfer and currency exchange services are unavailable at the Airport.

Travelers may have their currency exchanged at a larger airport or before their departure to and from Wilmington Airport.

Nursing Stations at Wilmington International Airport

For those traveling with their family, especially with infants, one baby changing room has a nursing chair for mothers and is located in the pre-security area.

Family rooms are also available in the restroom areas located both pre-and post-security.

Restrooms at Wilmington International Airport

Restrooms are located in both pre-and post-security areas of the facility.

Food and Beverages at Wilmington International Airport

There are restaurants and lounges in the area that offer food and beverages. Most of the food hubs operate on varying schedules.

Shopping at Wilmington International Airport

Gift shops are located in the gate area and are open seven days a week.

Smoking at Wilmington International Airport

ILM prohibits smoking inside the airport vicinity, but there are designated smoking areas outside the terminal.

Lost and Found Section at Wilmington International Airport

Lost and found sections are actively available within the Airport. Left items are being turned in to different agencies depending on where they're located.

For items left in common areas, such as the gate area, the fastest way is to contact ILM Dispatch at +1 910-341-4336.

Be ready to give the following information:

• Date and location the item was lost or last seen.
• A detailed description of the item.

The owner should pick up found items. Please prepare a valid identification card when you pick up the item.

If you cannot personally pick up the item, have some arrangements with the ILM property officer.

Airport Communication Center at Wilmington International Airport

Information desks actively cater to queries and provide area information for travelers. They have volunteers that act as ambassadors of the Wilmington community.

If you have some questions, you can contact the information desk at +1 910-341-4125.

Pet Relief at Wilmington International Airport

Wilmington International Airport is a pet-friendly facility that gives the best services. When traveling with your pets, the Airport provides a designated area for them.

Pet relief areas are at the left and right of the airport entrance.

Note that pets are not allowed inside the terminal except for service animals.

Baggage Claim at Wilmington International Airport

Please retrieve your luggage at your designated Baggage Claim area. Carts are available for rent to assist passengers with heavy luggage or special needs.

In the case of missing items, contact your respective airline.

Passengers can also inquire at the information desk for further assistance or contact ILM Dispatch at +1 910-341-4336.

Please include essential details such as your name, email, contact phone number, and a brief description of the lost item(s) when leaving a message.

Disabled Passengers at Wilmington International Airport

The Airport provides accessible parking spaces located in the public parking lots of the facility.

Passengers with disabilities and special needs can ask for assistance. If you need wheelchair assistance, ramps are available both outside and inside the terminal Airport.

You may also request a wheelchair ahead of time from your airline or at the ticket counter.

You may contact your airline in advance when making travel reservations for additional travel assistance.

Wilmington International Airport Contacts

Address: 1740 Airport Blvd., Suite 12, Wilmington, North Carolina, USA 28405
General Phone: +1 910341-4125
General Email: info@flyilm.com
Lost and Found Phone: +1 910-341-4336
Official Website: www.flyilm.com

Local Information

Drive on: Right
Currency: USD, US$, $
Wi-Fi at Airport: The Airport offers free Wireless Internet access. Turn on your Wi-Fi and choose the "Fly ILM" network.