Wilmington Airport (Delaware)

The airport opened before World War II, when it was named the Wilmington Airport and the Greater Wilmington Airport. The facility was taken over by the United States Army Air Forces during the war. Under USAAF control, the airport became New Castle Army Air Base. Its mission was to facilitate the movement of aircraft to the British and other Allies. Members of the historic Women Air Service Pilots (WASP) served as test and ferry pilots and towed targets for student gunners. There is a statue today at the airport that honors the women of the WASP that served their country in the time of need.{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}}

After the war ended, control of the airport was returned to civil authorities. A joint-use agreement was made between the United States Air Force and New Castle County authorities for a portion of the airport being retained for an Air National Guard Base. Trans World Airlines (TWA) operated a large overhaul base for its overseas planes at the airport until 1957, when the airline moved the base to the Kansas City Overhaul Base, which itself became the basis for today's Kansas City International Airport.

{{cite news

| url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2294&dat=19531213&id=M84mAAAAIBAJ&pg=987,5232914

| title = Delawareans Helped To Pioneer Flying; 50th Anniversary to Be Observed Here

| work = Wilmington Sunday Star | date = December 13, 1953

}}

Wilmington hosted the state of Delaware's first airline flights when TWA and American Airlines arrived in late 1947.

From 1959 to 1971, the airport hosted the main operational base of Capitol International Airways, a supplemental air carrier, which had a fleet of DC-8 aircraft engaged in charter flights.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/154432677 Three County Airport Firms Employee 500, Wilmington (DE) News-Journal, 2 July 1959][https://www.newspapers.com/image/111892208 Capitol to Bring Flight Base to Smyrna, The Tennessean, 8 January 1971]

By 1967, Eastern Airlines was operating Douglas DC-9 jet service into the airport with nonstop flights to Newark Airport, Philadelphia Airport, and Washington, D.C.'s National Airport as well as direct flights to Atlanta and Charlotte.http://www.timetableimages.com, June 13, 1967 Eastern Airlines system timetable

Allegheny Airlines also served Wilmington. In 1968, AL had four daily departures using their F-27s nonstop to Philadelphia, Washington's National Airport, Atlantic City, and Trenton. In 1969, Allegheny no longer flew F-27s and changed the four departures to Convair 580 prop-jets with two to DCA, one to PHL, and one to ACY.Allegheny Airlines timetables March 1, 1968; April 27, 1969; April 26, 1970

United Airlines, while on a campaign to serve all 50 states, began service to Wilmington in 1984 with one-stop jet flights to Chicago. Service continued through 1987.United Airlines timetables

Famed aviator Charles Lindbergh made a trip from Atlantic City, New Jersey, to Wilmington, Delaware, on October 21, 1927, as part of his triumphant tour of America after his solo trip across the Atlantic Ocean.{{cite web | url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2009-10-21/atlantic-aviation-history-82-years-later | title=Atlantic Aviation History 82 Years Later }}

During five periods since 1990, Delaware has been the only U.S. state without any scheduled commercial airline flights: from 1993 through 1998, again from 2000 to 2006, from April 2008 until June 30, 2013, between April 2015 and February 2021,{{Cite web|last=Cassidy|first=John|title=Frontier Airlines returns to Delaware with 3 flights per week|url=https://www.delawareonline.com/story/travel/2021/02/10/frontier-back-delaware-find-out-where-you-can-go/4435632001/|access-date=2021-11-21|website=The News Journal|language=en-US}} and from June 2022 to January 2023.

USAir Express carrier Crown Airways provided scheduled service to Parkersburg, West Virginia, briefly beginning in 1992 before its sale to Mesa Airlines in 1994.{{citation needed|date=August 2013}}.

File:Commercial flight XP323 HVN to FLL airplane N701VL Boeing 737-7H4.jpg began service to ILG in 2023.]]

In the late 1990s, the county leased the debt-stricken airport to the bi-state Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA), operators of the Delaware Memorial Bridge, and Cape May-Lewes Ferry, on a thirty-year lease with the provision that the DRBA may seek up to two additional thirty-year leases. Since taking over operations, the DRBA invested heavily in the airport's infrastructure - upgrading many aging buildings, rehabilitating taxiways and runways, and building numerous new hangars and commercial buildings on the property.

Shuttle America offered scheduled flights out of Wilmington from the airline's founding in November 1998 until February 2000. They flew to Hartford, Buffalo, and Norfolk with 50-seat de Havilland Canada DHC-8 Dash 8-300 turboprops. Shuttle America would eventually discontinue its independent operations and become a commuter affiliate of United Express and Delta Connection.

On June 29, 2006, a Delta Air Lines regional airline affiliate began flights from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Wilmington Airport in New Castle County, the first airline service in six years. Delta Connection carrier Atlantic Southeast Airlines flew 50-seat Canadair CRJ regional jets on two daily roundtrip flights. Delta Air Lines ended the Wilmington flights on September 6, 2007, leaving Delaware without any airline service.

On March 8, 2008, Skybus Airlines began Airbus A319 jet flights from Columbus, Ohio, and Greensboro, North Carolina, to Wilmington. Skybus ceased all operations effective April 4, 2008,{{cite news | url = https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna23962964 | title = Low-cost carrier Skybus calls it quits | work = NBC News | date = April 4, 2008 | access-date = April 5, 2008}} once again leaving Wilmington Airport without any airline service. As of August 4, 2010, Avis Rent a Car System, LLC, Budget Rent A Car System, Inc., and Cafe Bama were the only tenants in the Main Terminal.

On July 1, 2013, Frontier began Airbus A320 jet service at Wilmington, initially with flights to Denver, Chicago-Midway, Houston-Hobby, Orlando, and Tampa.{{cite news |last1=Mutzabaugh |first1=Ben |title=Frontier Airlines puts Delaware back on USA's flight map |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/todayinthesky/2013/07/02/frontier-airlines-puts-delaware-back-on-usas-flight-map/2484543/ |access-date=2014-08-02 |work=USA Today |date=2013-07-02}} On June 26, 2013, Frontier announced nonstop jet service to Fort Myers would begin November 16.

{{cite press release

| url = http://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/frontier-airlines-adds-nonstop-route-140000465.html

| title = Frontier Airlines Adds New Nonstop Route Between Wilmington/Philadelphia and Fort Myers, Fla.

| publisher = Frontier Airlines | date = June 26, 2013

}} In June 2015, Frontier Airlines announced that it was ending all service from Wilmington because it was not a profitable operation. Service had actually stopped in April 2015, but at that time, Frontier claimed it was just a seasonal suspension of service.{{cite news |last1=Goss |first1=Scott |title=Frontier Airlines' pullout leaves Delaware with no flights |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/todayinthesky/2015/06/29/frontiers-pullout-leaves-delaware-without-airline-service/29462763/ |access-date=July 1, 2015 |work=USA Today |date=June 30, 2015}}

On January 24, 2020, it was announced that Frontier Airlines has decided to restart service out of Wilmington.{{cite news |last1=Goss |first1=Scott |title=Breaking: Commercial Airline Service Returning to Wilmington Airport |url=https://townsquaredelaware.com/2020/01/24/breaking-commercial-airline-service-returning-to-wilmington-airport/ |access-date=January 29, 2020 |work=Town Square Delaware |date=January 24, 2020}} The start date was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news | title=Frontier plans to launch service from Wilmington-New Castle in mid-November | work=Delaware Business Now | date=April 21, 2020 | url=https://delawarebusinessnow.com/2020/04/frontier-plans-to-launch-service-from-wilmington-new-castle-in-mid-november/ | access-date=May 23, 2020}} Frontier Airlines service between Wilmington and Orlando restarted on February 11, 2021,{{cite news |last1=Quinn |first1=Holly |date=April 5, 2021 |title=Frontier goes public with a $266M market entry |work=Technical.ly Delaware |url=https://technical.ly/delaware/2021/04/05/frontier-goes-public/ |access-date=2021-04-19}} but ended on June 6, 2022.{{Cite web |title=Frontier Airlines' exit will make Delaware the only state without commercial airline service |url=https://news.yahoo.com/frontier-airlines-exit-delaware-only-160035104.html |access-date=2022-05-16 |website=news.yahoo.com |language=en-US}}

On October 20, 2022, Avelo Airlines announced it would be opening a new base at Wilmington-New Castle Airport with the addition of five new nonstop destinations in Florida, which include Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Tampa and West Palm Beach. It was reported the agreement with Avelo and DRBA was for five years. All flights began operating out of ILG in February 2023.

In April 2023, the airline announced nine additional routes from Wilmington. Flights were planned to begin that June.{{Cite web |date=2023-04-20 |title=Avelo Airlines announces 9 new, nonstop flight destinations from Wilmington Airport in Delaware |url=https://6abc.com/avelo-airlines-wilmington-airport-in-delaware-nonstop-flight-destinations-summer-vacation-plans/13160892/ |access-date=2023-04-21 |website=6abc Philadelphia |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Stamm |first=Dan |title=Wilmington to Wilmington: Discount Airline Adds Routes at Delaware Airport. Flights Start at $29 |url=https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/business/avelo-airlines-wilmington-flights/3550574/ |access-date=2023-04-21 |website=NBC10 Philadelphia |language=en-US}}

The Delaware Air National Guard Base, located at the Wilmington Airport, was used by former President Joe Biden when he traveled home from Washington, D.C.{{cite web|date=2021-02-07|work=New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/07/us/politics/joe-biden-wilmington-delaware.html|title=A Longtime Delaware Resident Commutes Home. A Few Things Have Changed.|access-date=2021-02-07}}

The airport covers 1,250 acres (506 ha) at an elevation of 80 feet (24 m). It has three asphalt runways: 9/27 is 7,275 by 150 feet (2,217 x 46 m); 1/19 is 7,012 by 150 feet (2,137 x 46 m); 14/32 is 4,602 by 150 feet (1,403 x 46 m).

The airport terminal building has no jet bridges, thus requiring air stairs in order to board and disembark aircraft.

In the year ending December 22, 2022, the airport had 46,057 aircraft operations, average 126 per day: 80% general aviation, 12% military, 8% air taxi, and <1% airline. 219 aircraft were then based at the airport: 94 single-engine, 74 jet, 26 multi-engine, 20 military, and 5 helicopter.

ARFF is supported via Delaware Air National Guard Fire Department Station 33.

{{Airport destination list | 3rdcoltitle = Refs | 3rdcolunsortable=yes

| {{nowrap|Avelo Airlines}} | Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville (FL) (begins May 23, 2025),{{cite web |title=Avelo Airlines Announces 13 New Routes and Three New Destinations to its Growing Network |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/avelo-airlines-announces-13-new-routes-and-three-new-destinations-to-its-growing-network-302397839.html |website=PR Newswire |access-date=11 March 2025}} Lakeland,{{cite web|title=Avelo Airlines announces 7 new routes out of Lakeland, including San Juan, this fall|url=https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2024/07/24/avelo-to-offer-7-new-routes-out-of-lakeland-linder-airport-this-fall/74523998007/

|website=The Ledger|date=July 24, 2024|access-date=July 24, 2024}} Orlando, Raleigh/Durham (resumes May 22, 2025), San Juan, Tampa
Seasonal: Daytona Beach,{{cite web|url=https://www.wdel.com/news/avelo-adding-major-southeast-hub-to-wilmington-roster/article_574c26e2-53ff-11ef-9538-8b8b73fa56ec.html|title=Avelo adding major Southeast hub to Wilmington roster

|website=WDel|date=August 6, 2024|access-date=August 6, 2024}} Myrtle Beach, Nashville (begins May 1, 2025),{{cite web |last=Fox |first=Allison |title=Avelo Airlines Just Announced 7 New Routes — Including 2 to the Caribbean |url=https://www.travelandleisure.com/avelo-airlines-north-carolina-jamaica-dominican-republic-8756133 |website=Travel+Leisure|date=December 4, 2024|access-date=December 4, 2024}} Sarasota, West Palm Beach, Wilmington (NC) |{{cite web|url=https://www.aveloair.com/destinations/|title=Destinations|website=Avelo Airlines|access-date=January 18, 2022}}

}}

American Airlines announced in July 2024 that it will establish a connecting bus to Philadelphia International Airport from Wilmington Airport.{{cite web|last=Serio|first=Luca|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/american-airlines-bus-wilmington-ilg-philadelphia-international-airport/|title=American Airlines expands 'Landline' Bus service connecting Wilmington Airport with PHL|publisher=CBS News|date=2024-07-30|access-date=2024-08-06}} The service is ticketed & operated as an airline flight but will utilize buses, given Philadelphia's close proximity to Wilmington and available connections as a major hub for American Airlines. This airside-to-airside service, which is solely for screened passengers who booked a seat on the route, is operated by American's bus service partner, Landline, on the airline's behalf.

• On July 20, 1945, a USAF Douglas C-54 on a transition flight crashed crossing the airfield and impacting the ground from a low altitude. All 4 occupants were killed. Cause unknown.{{ASN accident|id=19450720-3|title=44-9026|accessdate= July 28, 2023}}
• On November 18, 1947, a Trans World Airlines Lockheed L-049 Constellation on a training flight crashed on final approach to Wilmington short of the runway and burst into flames. All 5 crew were killed.{{ASN accident|id=19471118-1|title=NC86507|accessdate= July 28, 2023}}
• On June 16, 1992, a Beechcraft 200 Super King Air operated by Omega Air Inc stalled and crashed into trees on final approach to Wilmington because of engine and compressor turbine blade failure. All 4 occupants (2 crew, 2 passengers) were killed.{{ASN accident|id=19920616-0|title=N32HG|accessdate= July 28, 2023}}
• On October 30, 2001, an Aero Vodochody L-39C Albatros caught fire while taxiing in Wilmington. The fire was caused by a ruptured oil line, which resulted in oil spraying onto the APU exhaust and a subsequent fire. The private pilot aboard was not injured.{{Cite web |title=Aero Vodochody Aero. Works L-39C crash in Delaware (N90688) {{!}} PlaneCrashMap.com |url=https://planecrashmap.com/plane/de/N90688/ |access-date=2023-04-21 |website=planecrashmap.com}}
• On February 25, 2002, a Beechcraft C23 Musketeer experienced a total loss of engine power while on approach to Wilmington. A student and instructor aboard were circling to land on runway 19 after shooting the ILS to runway 1. The engine failed during the circle, and the instructor was unable to finish the engine failure checklist before impact due to the low altitude. The probable cause of the accident was found to be the flight instructor's improper fuel management which resulted in fuel starvation. Both occupants survived.{{cite web|url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/297555|title=Accident description for N2192W at Aviation Safety Network|website=aviationsafetynetwork.org|accessdate= July 24, 2024}}
• On September 3, 2007, a Piper PA-34 Seneca was damaged while landing in Wilmington. After touchdown, the aircraft ballooned and settled back to the runway. Upon settling the windshield broke, and the aircraft bounced again before touching down again. Investigation found that the nose landing gear A frame had impacted the base of the windshield after tearing through the fuselage structure located above the nose landing gear wheel well. The right propeller was also damaged. The cause of the accident was found to be the pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.{{Cite web |title=Piper PA-34-200T crash in Delaware (N251AS) {{!}} PlaneCrashMap.com |url=https://planecrashmap.com/plane/de/N251AS/ |access-date=2023-04-21 |website=planecrashmap.com}}

• List of airports in Delaware

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category|Wilmington Airport}}

• Official sites: [http://www.flyilg.com/ FlyILG.com] and [http://www.newcastleairportilg.com/ NewCastleAirportILG.com]
• {{cite web |url= http://www.deldot.gov/information/community_programs_and_services/airports/pdfs/new_castle_airport.pdf |title= New Castle Airport (ILG) |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130512044708/http://www.deldot.gov/information/community_programs_and_services/airports/pdfs/new_castle_airport.pdf |archive-date= 2013-05-12 }} at Delaware DOT website
• Fixed-base operators (FBOs): [http://www.hawkerbeechcraft.com/customer_support/hawker_beechcraft_services/wilmington_de/ Hawker Beechcraft Services], [http://www.aerotaxi.com/ Aero-Taxi], [http://www.aerowaysinc.com/ AeroWays], [http://www.dassaultfalcon.com/en/CustomerService/worldwide-presence/Pages/Dassault-Aircraft-Services-Wilmington.aspx Dassault Aircraft Services], [http://www.atlanticaviation.com/Locations/ILG.aspx Atlantic Aviation]
• [http://msrmaps.com/map.aspx?t=1&s=12&lat=39.6792&lon=-75.6076&w=800&h=800&lp=---+None+--- Aerial image as of March 1992] from USGS The National Map
• {{FAA-diagram|00458}}
• {{FAA-procedures|ILG}}
• {{US-airport|ILG}}

{{Wilmington, Delaware}}

{{Airports in Delaware}}

{{Greater Philadelphia Airports}}

{{DRBA facilities}}

{{Portal bar|Philadelphia|Aviation}}{{Authority control}}

Category:Airports in Delaware

Category:Delaware River and Bay Authority facilities

Category:Wilmington, Delaware

Category:Aviation in Delaware

Category:Buildings and structures in New Castle County, Delaware

Category:Transportation in New Castle County, Delaware