Wilmington International Airport soars to new heights, breaks record with 21% increase in passengers

Named fastest growing airport in NC, 4th fastest in the US

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington International Airport saw a huge increase in passengers in 2023, according to the latest numbers released from ILM.

ILM served 1,317,897 passengers in 2023. The airport says this figure is a new annual record, surpassing the prior record by more than 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,” said ILM Airport Director Jeff Bourk.

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%.