Wilmington International Airport Guide
Wilmington International Airport sits just north of Wilmington in southeastern North Carolina, in the unincorporated community of Wrightsboro. It is the main commercial airport for the Cape Fear coast. New Hanover County owns the field and leases it to the Wilmington Airport Authority, which runs it.
The airfield was dedicated on May 30, 1928, as Bluethenthal Field. Piedmont Airlines began scheduled service on February 20, 1948. The army enlarged the field during World War II and returned it to the county afterwards. It became New Hanover County Airport in the 1950s, gained "International" in its name in 1988 and took its current name in December 1997. The state created an independent airport authority in 1989.
A single terminal with nine gates handles all passenger flights. A three-phase, $86 million expansion finished in fall 2023, and a 24-hour U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility supports international arrivals. Two asphalt runways serve the field, 6/24 at 8,016 ft and 17/35 at 7,754 ft. The airport passed one million passengers for the first time in 2019 and set a record in 2025.
Services
4 of 6 availableCompare 10 listed options at Wilmington International Airport, spanning parking, car rentals, hotels and shuttles. Each guide sets out locations, distance from the airport, key features and links to book direct, so you can weigh cost against convenience before you fly. Select a service below to see every provider we track for Wilmington International Airport.
Location
Key facts
- Size
- 1.8M passengers (2025)2 runwaysopened 1928
- Location
- 34.272, -77.905
- Operator
- New Hanover County (operated by the Wilmington Airport Authority)
Terminals
1 terminalWilmington International Airport has 1 passenger terminal — Main Terminal, handling both international and domestic flights for around 7 airlines. Check which terminal your airline uses before you travel, as check-in, security and boarding points differ between them, and moving from one to another can take time.
- Main TerminalMixed
American, Delta, United, Avelo, Breeze, JetBlue, Sun Country
Nearby cities
2 citiesWilmington International Airport is closest to Wilmington (10 km south), and also serves Wrightsville Beach and other nearby areas. With 2 towns and cities within reach, it is a practical gateway for the wider region. Distances shown are straight-line from the airport, so allow extra time for road transfers, traffic and parking.
- Wilmington10 km south
- Wrightsville Beach18 km southeast
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the airport codes for Wilmington International Airport?
What are the airport codes for Wilmington International Airport?
Where is Wilmington International Airport located?
Where is Wilmington International Airport located?
What services are available at Wilmington International Airport?
What services are available at Wilmington International Airport?
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