Wilmington New Hanover Airport - Your Gateway To The Coast

For folks looking to travel through southeastern North Carolina, the Wilmington International Airport, often called ILM, is that main hub. It connects people with places, offering flights on airlines like Delta, American Airlines, and United. So, it's pretty much your direct link to the coast and beyond.

You know, this airport, which is just a little north of Wilmington itself, helps people get to some truly lovely spots. Think about Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach – all these well-liked coastal communities are served by ILM. It’s a convenient spot for those looking for a bit of sun and sand, or perhaps even a place to start a new business venture, which is that pretty interesting.

Over the years, this place has really grown from its humble beginnings. It’s become a significant part of how people move in and out of the area, making travel easier for many. Actually, it plays a big role in connecting the region to the wider world, and has, in a way, shaped how the area develops.

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Table of Contents

• What Makes Wilmington New Hanover Airport Special?
• A Look at Wilmington New Hanover Airport's Facilities
• Who Manages Wilmington New Hanover Airport?
• How Has Wilmington New Hanover Airport Grown Over Time?
• The Evolution of Wilmington New Hanover Airport's Name
• Expanding Horizons at Wilmington New Hanover Airport
• Where Can You Park at Wilmington New Hanover Airport?
• Finding Your Spot at Wilmington New Hanover Airport
• What Business Opportunities Are There Around Wilmington New Hanover Airport?
• The Wilmington New Hanover Airport Business Park

What Makes Wilmington New Hanover Airport Special?

When you consider what makes the Wilmington New Hanover Airport, or ILM, stand out, it really comes down to its core purpose. This place is set up to provide air service for people in the southeastern part of North Carolina. It’s the spot where folks catch their flights, whether they are going for a quick trip or a longer vacation. We are talking about connecting people to different cities, and it does that with the help of some pretty well-known airlines. You know, Delta, American Airlines, and United all offer commercial flights from here. So, it gives people a good selection of choices when they are planning their travel, which is that quite helpful for many.

This airport, you see, is also situated in a spot that makes it quite handy for travelers. It’s just a little bit north of Wilmington, North Carolina. This location means it serves a bigger area, including those popular coastal spots. We are talking about places like Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach. People heading to these areas for a break often find themselves flying into ILM. It’s, in a way, a gateway to the beautiful beaches and the relaxed atmosphere that this part of the state offers. So, its placement is a big part of what makes it special for many who live nearby or wish to visit.

A Look at Wilmington New Hanover Airport's Facilities

Thinking about the physical setup of the Wilmington New Hanover Airport, you’ll find it’s built to handle a good number of travelers and aircraft. This airport, which is that just north of Wilmington, has a couple of runways for planes to take off and land. Having two runways helps with the flow of air traffic, making things run a bit smoother, especially during busier times. Then, there’s the main building, the terminal. This terminal has eight gates, which are those spots where passengers get on and off their planes. So, it’s got the basic structure needed to get people where they need to go, pretty much.

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Beyond just the passenger terminal and runways, the Wilmington New Hanover Airport is also home to other important operations. It has what are called three fixed base operators. These are businesses that offer services to general aviation, like private planes. They might provide fuel, maintenance, or even hangar space. So, the airport is not just for the big commercial flights; it also supports a lot of other flying activities. This makes it, in some respects, a more complete aviation center for the region, offering a range of services for different types of aircraft and flyers.

Who Manages Wilmington New Hanover Airport?

When you consider who is in charge of the Wilmington New Hanover Airport, it’s actually a publicly owned thing. New Hanover County holds the ownership of the airport. This means it belongs to the people, more or less, and is run for the public good. The way it’s set up for running things was put into place back in 1989. That’s when the North Carolina General Assembly, which is the state’s law-making body, approved something called Senate Bill 410, also known as Chapter 404. This bill gave New Hanover County the go-ahead to create an airport authority. So, this authority is the group that helps manage the airport day-to-day, which is that pretty important for its smooth running.

The New Hanover County Airport Authority is the group that really oversees the airport’s operations. They get together once a month for their meetings. These meetings typically happen on the first Wednesday of each month, usually in the executive conference room right there at ILM, starting at 5:00 PM. Sometimes, the schedule might change, but that’s the usual routine. This authority was set up to help the airport director with running the airport. On July 1, 1989, a formal agreement was signed between the county and this airport authority. This agreement gave the authority the right to lease and manage the airport. So, it’s a clear structure for how decisions are made and how the airport is looked after, really.

Recently, the New Hanover County Airport Authority welcomed a new person to its board. Ms. Faison Gibson Sutton joined the group, which is that a notable addition. She was born and grew up right there in Wilmington, so she has a good connection to the area. Having someone with local roots on the board can, in a way, bring a helpful perspective to how the airport serves its community. This shows that the people guiding the Wilmington New Hanover Airport are always looking to strengthen its leadership and ensure it keeps serving the area well, which is that quite positive.

How Has Wilmington New Hanover Airport Grown Over Time?

Thinking about the history of the Wilmington New Hanover Airport, it has certainly come a long way. It started from what was basically a grassy strip on Floral Parkway. From those very humble beginnings to the runways we see today, ILM has, in some respects, seen a lot of change and development over the years. It’s a story of steady growth, moving from something quite simple to a more complex and capable facility. This kind of progress is, you know, typical for important community assets that need to keep up with the demands of travel and business. It’s really quite interesting to see how far it has come.

The airport’s growth isn't just about its physical size; it’s also about its purpose and how it’s seen. The folks in charge have, over time, worked to make it a better place for travelers and for the businesses that rely on it. This involves looking at what’s needed for the future, and that’s where things like vision plans come into play. The plan for the future, you know, it came about by hearing from many people who have a stake in the airport, like key airport stakeholders. It also involved working together among the airport authority, the people who work at the airport, outside advisors, and people who know a lot about aviation. This collaborative way of planning means that the airport’s future steps are, in a way, thought out by many different viewpoints, which is that quite good for making solid decisions.

The airport authority, the group that helps run the Wilmington New Hanover Airport, is pretty much all in when it comes to supporting the airport’s plans for the next five years. This support is a big deal because it means there’s a clear path forward for how the airport will continue to develop and improve. It shows a commitment to making sure ILM stays a strong and capable asset for the region. This kind of backing is, you know, important for any big operation that needs to keep pace with changes and demands, ensuring it can keep serving its community effectively.

The Evolution of Wilmington New Hanover Airport's Name

The name of the Wilmington New Hanover Airport has, you know, changed a couple of times over the years, reflecting its growth and changing status. Back in the late 1980s, officials felt that the airport, with its high hopes for Wilmington, needed a different name. According to an article from the December 15, 1988, Wilmington Morning Star, this idea of a name change was already being discussed. So, it was a thought that had been brewing for a bit, as the airport started to take on a bigger role in the area, which is that pretty much how these things tend to go.

To show that the airport could meet international standards and to reflect its new status, the word ‘international’ was added to its name. It became known as the New Hanover County International Airport. This was a significant step, signaling a broader reach for the airport. However, that name didn’t stick around forever. In 1997, the airport authority decided to adopt a new name, and that’s when it became the Wilmington International Airport, the name it holds today. This evolution of the name, in a way, tells a story of the airport’s journey and its growing importance in the region, which is that quite interesting to consider.

You know, the Wilmington International Airport, sometimes referred to as the New Hanover County International Airport in the past, is a public airport located just north of Wilmington, North Carolina. It’s specifically in unincorporated Wrightsboro, which is part of Cape Fear Township in New Hanover County. So, while its official name is Wilmington International Airport, its connection to New Hanover County has always been there, from its ownership to its historical names. This close tie means that the airport is, in a way, deeply rooted in the local area it serves, which is that quite important for its identity.

Expanding Horizons at Wilmington New Hanover Airport

The Wilmington New Hanover Airport has taken on a pretty big project to make things better for travelers and its partners. It started a terminal expansion project that cost about $69 million. The main idea behind this was to make the airport bigger, so it could handle more people. This way, it could meet the growing demand for flights and, you know, do a better job of serving the folks who fly, as well as the airlines and aviation businesses that use the airport. It’s a clear sign that the airport is always looking to improve and keep up with what’s needed, which is that quite a good thing for everyone involved.

This big expansion project was done in different steps, or phases, over time. It wasn’t just one big change but a series of improvements. For example, the project included putting in a new room for outbound bags and getting new equipment to screen those bags. This helps make the process of checking luggage smoother and more secure. They also made the airline ticket lobby bigger, which is where people go to check in for their flights. Expanding this area means more space for travelers, making the start of their journey a bit less crowded. So, these changes were really about making the whole airport experience more comfortable and efficient for everyone, which is that pretty much the goal of any such project.

Where Can You Park at Wilmington New Hanover Airport?

For anyone planning to visit the Wilmington New Hanover Airport, finding a spot for your car is, you know, often one of the first things people think about. The airport offers a variety of parking options, so you have choices depending on how long you plan to stay or what your budget looks like. There are different lots available, and they are usually labeled as Lot A, Lot B, Lot C, Lot D, and Lot F, plus there’s a shuttle lot. So, you have a few places to pick from when you arrive. It’s a good idea to check out the parking lot map, along with the rates and how full each lot is, before you head out. This way, you can pick the option that works best for your trip, which is that quite helpful for planning ahead.

Parking at the Wilmington New Hanover Airport was, apparently, a big topic of discussion at a joint meeting between the New Hanover Airport Authority and the county commissioners. It seems that parking took up a lot of the conversation, which suggests it’s a pretty important aspect of the airport’s operations and how people experience it. They also talked about how quickly things were moving at ILM. This focus on parking shows that the airport is, in a way, paying attention to the practical needs of its visitors, trying to make the experience as smooth as possible from the moment you arrive, which is that a good sign of their commitment.

Finding Your Spot at Wilmington New Hanover Airport

When you are getting ready to head to the Wilmington New Hanover Airport, it’s always a good idea to have a plan for where you will leave your car. The airport provides a few different parking options to suit various needs. You can look at the current availability for each lot, which helps you decide where to go. For instance, you might see updates on Lot A, Lot B, Lot C, Lot D, Lot F, and the shuttle lot. Knowing this information beforehand can save you time and hassle when you get there. So, it’s worth taking a moment to check the parking lot map, see what the prices are, and figure out which lot has space. This way, you can pick the option that really fits what you need for your trip, which is that pretty much what everyone wants for a smooth start.

What Business Opportunities Are There Around Wilmington New Hanover Airport?

Beyond just being a place for flights, the Wilmington New Hanover Airport also presents some interesting business opportunities. It has something called the ILM Business Park. This park covers about 140 acres of land right there on the airport property. What’s really neat about it is that it has foreign trade zone status. This status can offer certain benefits for businesses that are involved in international trade, making it an attractive spot for some companies. So, it’s not just about planes coming and going; it’s also about creating a place where businesses can grow and operate, which is that quite a significant aspect of the airport’s role in the area.

Recently, the Wilmington International Airport announced some good news about its business park. Two companies, CIL Capital, LLC, and Edgewater Ventures, have each chosen the ILM Business Park as the place for their plans for putting money in and building things. This means they see the value in setting up shop there, which is that a positive sign for the area’s economy. The fact that these businesses are selecting this spot shows that the airport property is seen as a good location for strategic business growth. It’s, in a way, a testament to the potential that the airport area holds for economic development, which is that quite exciting for the community.

The Wilmington New Hanover Airport Business Park

The Wilmington New Hanover Airport Business Park is, in essence, a large area of land that sits on the airport’s property. As someone mentioned, it covers pretty much all of the airport’s property that isn’t taken up by the terminal building or the areas where planes operate. So, it’s a substantial piece of land set aside for commercial use. This business park has that special foreign trade zone status, which can be a big draw for certain kinds of companies. The airport property itself is owned by New Hanover County, and it’s leased out to the New Hanover County Airport Authority. This arrangement means that the authority is responsible for managing and developing this business park, making it a place where companies can thrive and contribute to the local economy, which is that quite important for the region.

This discussion has covered the Wilmington New Hanover Airport, also known as ILM, from its role as a travel hub for southeastern North Carolina to its management by the New Hanover County Airport Authority. We looked at its facilities, including its runways and terminal, and how its name has changed over time. The airport's recent expansion projects and the opportunities presented by its business park were also explored, along with the various parking options available for travelers.