Record number of travelers at ILM in 2008

The sky is the limit for Wilmington International Airport. New numbers show a record number of travelers flew in and out of ILM in 2008. For many, the choice was simple.

The news in 2008 was not all grim. Wilmington International Airport reported a record number of passengers took to the skies. The airport served more than 800,000 hundred thousand travelers last year. That is an average of more than 100,000 additional passengers in and out per month. For frequent flyers like Kim Vikara, the ease of flying through ILM is what keeps him coming back.

“It’s convenient, and actually it’s a nice airport. It’s not a lot of long lines, it’s easy to get through security so it’s a pretty good deal,” Vikara said.

Robert Rivenbark, also a frequent flyer said, “The airport is small so usually check-in and check-out doesn’t take a whole lot. It’s very convenient.”

Not only is convenience a major draw to ILM, many say the airport is beginning to offer better deals and options for customers. The airport added the low cost carrier, Allegiant in February 2008, with non-stop flights to Orlando. It’s success prompted the airline to add another non-stop destination in September, Tampa/Saint Pete.

Marsha Anderson, a Myrtle Beach resident said, “We live in Myrtle Beach and the availability of flights out of Wilmington is better and much cheaper.”

“Prices have come down, prices are good. It’s a nice clean airport, why would I go anywhere else,” asked Rivenbark.

Even in a tight economy, ILM still managed to serve more passengers who are just looking for a convenient way to travel.

Wilmington International Airport has three carriers, and offers non-stop service to five of its top ten destinations.