Greater Wilmington Airport

Greater Wilmington Airport (ILG) is a true gem for travelers who value their time and peace of mind. Located in cozy New Castle, this aviation hub breaks the stereotypes of stressful flights, offering an intimate atmosphere instead of the echoing halls of giant hubs. Here, the journey from the car to the airplane seat takes mere minutes, allowing you to start your vacation with a cup of coffee rather than a sprint through terminals.

Features and Benefits of the Airport

Despite its modest size, Greater Wilmington Airport confidently competes with neighboring giants thanks to a number of unique advantages:

• Time Saving: The compactness of the terminal is ILG's main trump card. The absence of long security queues and simple navigation allow passengers to arrive at the airport later than is customary at major international hubs, without the risk of missing their flight.
• Affordable Parking: The parking lot here is located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal entrance and costs significantly less than at the neighboring Philadelphia airport, making traveling by private car cost-effective and convenient.
• Base for Low-Cost Carriers: The airport has become an important hub for budget airlines, such as Avelo Airlines. This opens up access for residents of the region to direct and affordable flights to popular resort destinations in Florida and other tourist spots.
• Strategic Location: Being close to major highways I-95 and US-13, the airport is easily accessible not only for residents of Delaware but also for travelers from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey looking for a calm alternative to congested hubs.

You can contact representatives of Greater Wilmington Airport (ILG) in several ways. Below is the main contact information for passengers.

• Official Website: www.flyilg.com
• Information Desk Phone: +1 (302) 328-4632
• Airport Address: 151 N Dupont Hwy, New Castle, DE 19720, USA
• Email: For general questions and feedback, it is recommended to use the contact form available on the airport's official website.
• Social Media: You can follow updates and news on the airport's official Facebook page.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage was lost or damaged during the flight, you should immediately contact your airline's representative. For items left in the airport terminal, please contact the administration via the main phone number.
• Customer Support Contacts: For consultations and assistance regarding your stay at the airport, you can call the main phone number.

Getting to Greater Wilmington Airport (ILG), located near the city of New Castle in the USA, is possible via several convenient methods. The choice depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences.

Taxis and Ride-sharing Services, such as Uber and Lyft, are the fastest and most direct way to get to the airport, especially if you are traveling from Wilmington or its surroundings. A trip from downtown Wilmington usually takes about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. This is a convenient, albeit more expensive option compared to public transport, ideally suited for travelers with a large amount of luggage.

Public Transport is represented by the DART First State bus network. Several routes pass near the airport, connecting it with Wilmington and other settlements in the county. This is the most budget-friendly way, however, it may require more time and possibly transfers. It is recommended to check the current schedule and routes on the official DART website in advance. The Amtrak railway station is located in Wilmington, from where you will need to take a taxi or bus to the airport.

For those who prefer complete freedom of movement, car rental is an excellent choice. Representations of several rental companies operate at Greater Wilmington Airport. If you are arriving in your own vehicle, convenient parking is available on the airport territory, offering both short-term and long-term parking options at reasonable prices.

It is worth noting that for a greater selection of international and domestic flights, many travelers also consider the nearby Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), which is approximately a 30-40 minute drive away.

Greater Wilmington Airport (ILG) is a compact and convenient aviation hub distinguished by a simple and clear structure. It operates one passenger terminal serving all commercial flights. This arrangement makes the airport an ideal choice for travelers who value speed and the absence of the hustle and bustle inherent in large international hubs.

The terminal layout is extremely simple. All key zones—check-in counters, security screening, the departure area with gates, and the arrival area with baggage claim—are located in one building a short distance from each other. Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for walkways, shuttles, or trains to move between different parts of the airport. Navigation is intuitive, and signs are easy to read, allowing even first-time visitors to orient themselves quickly.

The departure and arrival zones are logically arranged. After entering the terminal, you will immediately see the check-in counters. After completing check-in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to security screening, which is just a few steps away. Immediately behind it is a small but cozy waiting hall with boarding gates. The arrival zone with the baggage claim belt is also located in the same building, ensuring a quick exit from the airport upon arrival.

One of the main advantages of Greater Wilmington Airport is the minimal time for completing procedures. Thanks to the small number of flights, queues for check-in and security screening are a rarity here. As a rule, the entire process from entering the building to arriving at the gate takes significantly less time than in major airports. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 90 minutes before departure to calmly go through all formalities.

The history of Greater Wilmington Airport (ILG) begins during the years of World War II. It was founded in 1943 as a military airbase named New Castle Army Air Base. The base's primary mission was training crews for C-47 Skytrain aircraft and gliders, as well as servicing and modifying aircraft before their deployment to the European and Asian theaters of war. After the war ended, the airport was transferred to civilian use, marking the beginning of its new, dual role—as both a military and civilian facility.

In the post-war years, the airport began receiving its first commercial flights. At various times, it was served by major airlines such as TWA, United Airlines, and American Airlines. However, due to its proximity to the larger airports of Philadelphia and Baltimore, maintaining stable passenger service was always a complex challenge. The history of commercial transport at ILG is a series of ups and downs, with airlines coming and going in response to changing demand.

One of the most notable stages in the airport's recent history relates to Frontier Airlines, which attempted several times to make Greater Wilmington its regional hub, offering direct flights to popular tourist destinations. These attempts attracted much attention and temporarily revitalized the passenger terminal. Despite the periodic cessation of commercial flights, the airport's infrastructure is constantly maintained and modernized. Runways and the terminal have undergone reconstruction to meet modern standards.

Interesting fact: besides its role in civil aviation, Greater Wilmington Airport continues to remain an important base for the Delaware Air National Guard. It is also a popular center for corporate and private aviation thanks to the state's favorable location for doing business. This multifaceted character—from a military base to a center for business flights—makes the history of the airport in New Castle truly unique.

Greater Wilmington Airport (ILG), being a compact regional hub, provides passengers with a basic set of services necessary for a comfortable journey. Although the selection here is not as wide as in major international airports, you will find everything essential for waiting for your flight.

Dining and Shopping: A cafe operates within the terminal where you can order light snacks, sandwiches, and drinks. For those wishing to buy something for the road, there is a small shop with press, souvenirs, and essential goods.

Wi-Fi, Waiting Areas, and Business Services: Passengers are provided with free access to the Wi-Fi network throughout the airport. The departure lounges feature comfortable seating, as well as charging stations for mobile phones and other gadgets. There are no specialized VIP lounges, conference rooms, or business centers at the airport, but the general waiting areas are sufficiently comfortable.

Financial Services: In the terminal, you can find ATMs for cash withdrawal. Please note that currency exchange bureaus are absent, so it is recommended to exchange money in advance, before arriving at the airport.

Services for Passengers with Special Needs and Families with Children: The airport is fully accessible for passengers with reduced mobility—ramps and specially equipped restrooms are available. For assistance with boarding and moving through the terminal, you should notify your airline in advance. For travelers with small children, changing tables are available in the restrooms.

Medical Assistance: There is no stationary medical clinic at the airport. In case of an emergency or feeling unwell, you must immediately contact any airport employee or call the emergency service at number 911. Staff are instructed on how to act in such cases and will be able to promptly call for qualified medical assistance.

Accommodation: Several hotels of various price categories are located in the immediate vicinity of Greater Wilmington Airport. You can reach them in 5-10 minutes by taxi or a special shuttle, which is convenient for those with an early departure or late arrival.

Greater Wilmington Airport (ILG) is a compact regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments corresponds to its size and is focused on meeting basic passenger needs. Instead of a wide variety of restaurants, here you will find one main establishment that serves all flights.

The main place for a snack and waiting for a flight is the café-bar, located in the main terminal building. It is situated in the general area, before security control (landside). It is important to consider this when planning your time: you should have lunch or coffee before you head to the departure zone. Here, passengers are offered a classic American menu:

• For a full lunch: sandwiches, burgers, salads, and hot appetizers.
• For a quick snack: pastries, chips, muffins, and other snacks.
• Drinks: coffee, tea, soft drinks, as well as beer and wine.

Regarding special dietary needs, choices may be limited. Passengers can find basic vegetarian options, for example, a salad or vegetable sandwich, but specialized vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes are likely absent. It is recommended to check the ingredients of dishes with the staff. The price range in the cafe is moderate, typical for small airports. The establishment's operating hours are directly tied to the flight schedule: it opens a few hours before the first departure and closes after the last plane leaves. For those looking for something very quick, vending machines with drinks and snacks are also installed in the terminal.

Planning a trip through Greater Wilmington Airport? A few useful tips will help make your journey as smooth and pleasant as possible. Follow these recommendations to save time, money, and nerves.

Arrival Time and Check-in. To avoid rushing, arrive at the airport well in advance. For domestic flights within the USA, it is recommended to be on-site 1.5-2 hours before departure. This will give you enough time for parking, checking in for the flight, dropping off luggage, and passing security control. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website, which usually opens 24 hours before the flight.

Security Control and Hand Luggage. When going through screening, be prepared to present your boarding pass and ID. All large electronics (laptops, tablets) must be removed from your bag into a separate tray. Remember the "liquids rule": all gels, aerosols, and liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent resealable bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited in hand luggage.

Seat Selection and Transfers. If you want to enjoy the views, choose a window seat. If you need more legroom or the ability to stand up freely, choose an aisle seat. If you have a connecting flight, find the number of your next gate on the information board immediately upon arrival. The airport in New Castle is not very big, so navigation usually does not cause difficulties.

Saving Money and Unforeseen Situations. To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it after passing security screening. Prices for food and drinks at airports are often inflated, so bringing a light snack with you is also a good idea. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative to find out about the flight status and possible options (rebooking, compensation). Remain calm and use the free time to rest.