A Quick Guide: Wilmington International Airport

February 29, 2020 admin

Wilmington International Airport (ILM) serves the Wilmington area of North Carolina. Two years ago, the airport experienced a massive inflow of passengers. Therefore, the authorities are determined to renovate and expand the airport considerably.

You will find out more about this later in the article. Currently, the airport features two runways and a single terminal. There are eight gates, and a 24-hour US customs and Border Protection Ramp.

Also, the airport features a Fixed Base Operation (FBO). So, let’s begin with a quick guide to the airport’s dining and lounging facilities.

Wilmington Airport Lounges and Restaurants

Wilmington airport offers a decent choice of restaurants and lounges. These are:

Arrivals Lounge, CoPilot Coffee: Located pre-security, it is operational from 8 am to 7 pm. The place serves to grab and go items, coffee, sandwiches, and gift items.
Radar Bar and Jet Stream Service Bar: You can find these bars after the pass the TSA checkpoint. Before catching a flight to your destination, you can chill here while you wait for boarding. You can sip on craft beers or munch on meals. The places are open at 10 am and shut at 6 pm.
Wheels Up Pizza: Fancy a Pizza? Then check out Wheels Up Pizza next to the gate area. You may even order other items such as fries, burgers, etc. The place also features a full-service bar.
Gift Shop Kiosk: Shop for grab and go salads, fruit cups, yogurts, gourmet sandwiches, and a lot more. Find the Gift Shop Kiosk in the gate area.

Wilmington International Airport (ILM) Amenities

When you catch flights to North Carolina, ILM, you shall have a lot of amenities at your service.

Apart from the ATMs, Information Desk, Postal Services, and electronic charging points, here are some of the amenities of Wilmington International Airport:

1) Art Gallery:

The airport has partnered with the Arts Council of Wilmington and Hanover County. The art gallery has a beautifully unique collection showcasing the arts scene in South-eastern North Carolina.

Space is devoted to the creations of local artists. The Arts council ascertains the theme and curates exhibitions every four months. So,

2) Historical Area:

Wilmington International Airport also preserves history. Next to the art gallery, you will find one of the earliest electronic flight trainers used on a large scale.

Its name is Curtiss-Wright Dehmel P-3 Instrument Trainer. Its inventor, Richard C. Dehmel, Ph.D., made it in the 1930s.

It was a turning point in aviation history. Pilots could learn how to fly aircraft artificially on the ground.

3) Greater Wilmington Sports Hall of Fame:

This facility honors the excellence of sports personalities from the Wilmington Area. You can view inductees via plaques that adorn the walls of the ILM airport.

4) Child Restraint System:

If you are catch flights from Wilmington Airports with a child, you can inspect the safety of the car seats.

Did you know Wilmington Airport introduced a permanent on-site checking station to the State of North Carolina? And it is free of charge.

5) Pet Area:

Everyone loves pets! Therefore, travelers with pets can avail of the services of a designated pet area.

It has glass walls and lies to the left and right sides of the entrance of the airport. Also, pets are not allowed inside the terminals. Service animals are exceptions.

Wilmington Airport Terminal Expansion

Wilmington is experiencing an increase in the number of flight ticket bookings. Therefore, expansion is inevitable to facilitate traffic and movement.

New flight routes and the addition of airlines compelled the authorities to initiate expansion in 2018.

The $11.8 million expansion project by the NC General Assembly will expand the airport by 75%. This will lead to newer amenities, better services, and a flight network.

Three Phases of Terminal Expansion

1) Phase 1:

The major focus will be on the addition of a new outbound bag room and screening equipment. This means better baggage handling.

Also, it will ensure that your baggage reaches you without any delay or inconvenience.

Moreover, the scanning system will become safer and more efficient. Further, the delivery of bags from the air ticketing counters to the aircraft will be smooth.

So, when you book flight tickets to Wilmington USA, you may notice construction noise.

Although you won’t be able to view it, as it will be behind the scenes.

2) Phase 2:

The second phase will uplift the airport’s ticketing counters. Then, there are plans to expand the circulation area around the check-in kiosks.

Further, the airport will be given state-of-the-art baggage delivery system for checked baggage.

You will also notice a change in the flooring as well as the ticket counters. Moreover, the color scheme will be refreshed.

This will align the airport with the coastal charm of the Southside. You shall also observe elements such as wrought iron and wainscoting.

Not only passengers, but airlines will be given more room. This will accommodate the newer airlines and charter operations.

All this is in view to expand the number of airlines operating from the Wilmington International Airport.

Unlike the first phase, you will notice the construction and all the renovation work in action. The main goal here is to expand the airline ticket counters, offices, and the lobby.

So, in all, phase two of terminal expansion will lead to 15,000 sq ft of extra space. This phase is ongoing and will achieve its motive by 2020 summer season.

So, gear up your summer favorites and start booking flight tickets now. Let’s move on to the most dynamic phase of them all.

3) Phase 3:

This is the largest expansion phase of them all. The significant areas of focus will be the gate area, the TSA security checkpoints, and the baggage claim. Four new gates will be added as a part of the expanded gate area.

Each one of the four gates will feature new and better seating areas and passenger loading bridges.

Further, the gate area will also include expanded concessions. That means you can expect more lounges, restaurants, and places to make waiting easy.

Also, watch out for the new restaurant and bar as it will offer more food and beverage options.

The plan also consists of a welcoming area right in the center of the lobby. That significant part about this is that it will feature natural light as well as offering panoramic views of the air facility.

TSA checkpoints will expand by three lanes. This includes 1 TSA precheck lane and two standard ones. The baggage claim area will receive a complete makeover. Also included in the renovation process are family restrooms and service animal pet relief areas.

You shall notice a whopping 60,000 sq ft of expanded area inside the terminal complex. This phase of expansion is set to begin this winter. Considering the scale of the project, the phase shall require grants from the Federal, local, and state authorities.

So, be on the lookout. You will notice a tremendous change in the way the airport will look and feel by the end of 2022. Stay tuned for more updates and details. And, if you plan to travel to or from the Wilmington International Airport, you must be aware of those mentioned above.