Wilmington Airport (ILG) opened a newly expanded terminal on January 22, 2026, adding 6,000 square feet, a second gate, and a much larger passenger waiting area. Inside, travelers will find 200+ new seats with power/charging, brighter lighting, upgraded pre-security restrooms, and a new baggage carousel for smoother arrivals. Funded in part by a $5.6 million federal Airport Terminal Program grant, the nearly $10 million project boosts comfort today and capacity for tomorrow. More improvements are coming, including post-security restroom updates, a second TSA screening lane, and a fresh local food option expected in summer 2026. Connect to PHL via Landline.
Date: 2026-02-12
On January 22, 2026, Wilmington Airport (ILG) officially opened its newly expanded passenger terminal. This nearly $10 million project brings big improvements in comfort, capacity, and convenience for travelers in the Delaware Valley.
The project adds 6,000 square feet of new space, makes the passenger waiting area four times bigger, introduces a second gate, and upgrades baggage claim. These changes help ILG grow while keeping the easy, stress-free experience travelers enjoy.
If you haven’t flown from ILG lately, here’s what’s new and what’s coming soon. Or check out the Delaware News Journals take on the opening.
A $9.8 Million Terminal Expansion Focused on Passenger Comfort
The Wilmington Airport terminal expansion began in September 2024 and received a $5.6 million federal grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The total investment of about $9.8 to $10 million updates the 1950s-era building while keeping ILG efficient and easy to use. What the Expansion Includes:
- 6,000 additional square feet of passenger hold room space.
- Second boarding gate, increasing operational flexibility.
- Over 200 new seats, many with charging stations underneath.
- New baggage carousel to improve the arrivals experience.
- Expanded pre-security restrooms (post-security upgrades underway).
- Improved overhead lighting and interior finishes.
- Additional vending options, with a local food vendor expected in the summer of 2026.
The result is a brighter, more spacious terminal that reduces crowding and makes the overall guest experience better, especially during busy travel seasons to Florida. Deputy Director of Communications and Marketing, Jennifer Oberle-Howard said the goal was simple: to make the experience better and more comfortable for the passengers who already rely on Wilmington Airport.
Two Gates, Growing Passenger Demand, and Future Expansion
Adding a second gate isn’t just about extra space; it’s a smart move for the airport’s future. Before, ILG had only one commercial gate, so just one plane could board at a time. Now, with two gates and plans for a second security screening lane, Wilmington Airport can handle more flights, whether from Avelo Airlines or other future partners.
ILG Passenger Growth Since 2023
Since Avelo Airlines established its Wilmington base in 2023:
- Nearly 850,000 passengers have traveled through ILG.
- 262,048 passengers in the first base year.
- 328,715 passengers in 2025.
- An average of 107 departures per month last year.
This steady growth shows that ILG is a convenient choice compared to bigger, busier airports.
Where Can You Fly from Wilmington Airport?
Currently, Avelo Airlines offers nonstop flights to 11 destinations (some seasonal), primarily serving warm-weather markets:
- Daytona Beach, FL (DAB)
- Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL)
- Fort Myers, FL (RSW)
- Myrtle Beach, SC (MYR)
- Lakeland, FL (LAL)
- Orlando, FL (MCO)
- San Juan, PR (SJU)
- Tampa, FL (TPA)
- Wilmington, NC (ILM)
- Sarasota/Bradenton, FL (SRQ)
- West Palm Beach, FL (PBI)
In January 2026, Avelo announced changes to its routes, ending service to Nashville, Durham, and Jacksonville, and putting plans for Atlanta and Chicago on hold. Still, Wilmington is one of Avelo’s four main bases and employs over 100 local crew members.
The expanded terminal helps ILG support its current flights and get ready for future opportunities.
American Airlines Landline Service: Global Access from ILG
Wilmington Airport also gives travelers a unique way to connect to more destinations. Through American Airlines’ luxury motorcoach service operated by Landline, passengers can:
- Check in at ILG
- Clear TSA security at ILG
- Board a premium motorcoach to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
- Connect seamlessly to American Airlines’ global network.
The Landline service recently surpassed 20,000 passengers — a major milestone demonstrating demand for a streamlined alternative to driving and parking at PHL. This service lets ILG connect to hundreds of destinations around the world, while still keeping the convenience of a small airport.
More Parking, Easier Access
The Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA), which operates Wilmington Airport, has also invested in surrounding property improvements. By buying and redeveloping nearby properties, including old motels and restaurants, ILG now offers:
- More than 1,300 parking spaces
- Hundreds of additional close-in spaces
- An overflow lot within walking distance of the terminal
For travelers frustrated with high parking costs and long shuttle rides at major airports, ILG continues to provide a simpler experience.
What’s Still in Progress?
While the new hold room and gate area are open, a few enhancements are still underway:
- Renovations to post-security restrooms
- Planned addition of a second security screening line
- Opening of a local, fresh-made food stand (expected summer 2026)
- Official ribbon-cutting celebration planned this spring.
These last updates will make the passenger experience even better as ILG keeps improving.
Why the Wilmington Airport Expansion Matters
The ILG terminal expansion is about more than just adding space. It shows confidence in the region’s growing air travel needs. With nearly $10 million invested in infrastructure, federal support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and sustained passenger growth since 2023, Wilmington Airport is positioned as:
- A low-stress alternative to Philadelphia International Airport
- A convenient gateway to Florida, Puerto Rico, and coastal destinations
- A regional economic driver for New Castle County and Delaware
Most importantly, the expansion makes sure comfort grows along with the airport.
Plan Your Next Trip from Wilmington Airport (ILG)
Whether you’re heading to Florida for some sun, visiting family in Puerto Rico, or connecting to a global flight with American Airlines, the new Wilmington Airport terminal makes your trip easier from the start. Spacious seating. Charging stations. Short TSA lines. Close-in parking. Two gates are ready for growth. Experience the upgraded Wilmington Airport today.
