Comprehensive guide to all airports in Delaware, including Wilmington Airport (ILG) with Avelo Airlines service, general aviation facilities, and nearby major airports in Philadelphia and Baltimore.
Delaware's aviation system includes Wilmington Airport (ILG), the state's only commercial service airport, along with several general aviation facilities. After being without commercial air service multiple times in its history, Delaware now has scheduled passenger flights through Avelo Airlines at Wilmington Airport, which has served over 660,000 passengers since launching service in February 2023.
The state's aviation infrastructure includes approximately 40 airports total (public and private), with 9 public-use airports, 1 joint-use civil-military facility at Dover Air Force Base, and numerous private airstrips. Delaware residents also have convenient access to major international airports in nearby Philadelphia (25 miles) and Baltimore (76 miles).
📍 New Castle County, Delaware
Wilmington Airport is a Part 139 FAA Certificated Airport located on 1,250 acres in the heart of the Northeast Corridor. The airport is owned by New Castle County and operated under a lease agreement with the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA). It is currently the only airport in Delaware that serves regular scheduled commercial flights.
| Airport Name | Code | Type | Passengers (2024) | Based Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington Airport | ILG | Commercial Service | 125,071 enplanements | Multiple |
| Delaware Airpark | 33N | General Aviation | - | 40+ (DSU Flight Training) |
| Delaware Coastal Airport | GED | General Aviation | - | 67 (2018) |
| Summit Airport | EVY | General Aviation/Reliever | - | 21 (2016) |
| Civil Air Terminal (Dover AFB) | DOV | Joint Use Civil-Military | - | - |
Avelo Airlines is the only commercial carrier serving Wilmington Airport. The airline began service in February 2023 and has grown to serve 14 destinations as of 2025, with plans to expand to 16 destinations by March 2026.
American Airlines, in partnership with The Landline Company, offers luxury motorcoach service connecting Wilmington Airport to Philadelphia International Airport. This innovative "secure to secure" service allows passengers to check luggage and clear TSA at ILG, then board a motorcoach that delivers them directly to American Airlines gates at PHL Terminal F.
| Airport Name | TSA PreCheck Available | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington Airport (ILG) | YES | Main Security Checkpoint | Dedicated PreCheck lane available. No need to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets. |
Delaware's general aviation infrastructure supports approximately 432 based aircraft with over 163,000 annual operations across 9 public-use airports and numerous private facilities.
Location: Dover, Delaware
Size: 237 acres
Runway: 9-27, 4,200' x 75' (newly paved)
Based Aircraft: 40+ aircraft
Delaware Airpark is a general aviation airport serving Delaware's capital city. It is home to Delaware State University's flight training program, one of only six HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) aviation training programs in the nation. The airport features a newly paved runway and aircraft parking ramp.
Services: Flight training (DSU), aircraft parking, fuel services, business and recreational aviation
Visit WebsiteLocation: Georgetown, Sussex County
Size: 615 acres
Runways: 4/22 (5,500' x 150') and 10/28 (3,109' x 75')
Based Aircraft: 67 (48 single-engine, 8 multi-engine, 7 helicopters, 4 jets)
Annual Operations: 34,310 (2018)
Delaware Coastal Airport (formerly Sussex County Airport) is a critical asset for southern Delaware's general aviation community. The airport serves private pilots, business travelers, and flight training schools, and provides access to Delaware's beach communities. It is capable of handling jets up to the Boeing 737 size.
History: Built in 1943 during World War II as a U.S. Navy auxiliary training facility for Wildwood Naval Air Station. Transitioned to civilian use after the war.
FBO: Skyline Aviation (70+ years of experience, NATA Safety 1st trained staff)
Services: Major airframe repair, power plant repair, charter, flight instruction, aircraft rental and sales, fuel services
Visit WebsiteLocation: Middletown, New Castle County
Size: 209-550 acres (sources vary)
Runway: 17/35, 4,500' x 66' (turboprop and medium-jet capable)
Based Aircraft: 21 single-engine aircraft (2016)
Annual Operations: 31,390 (2016)
Summit Airport is a privately-owned, public-use airport designated as a reliever facility in the FAA National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems. The airport is owned and operated by Summit Aviation, Inc. and serves corporate and private aviation.
Special Operations: The airport hosts training for medivac helicopters and serves as a maintenance base for military Chinook helicopters. It regularly hosts Women in Aviation and Law Enforcement seminars sponsored by Delaware State Police. Heavy helicopter training occurs at all hours with high rotor downwash velocities - pilots are advised to request advisories on UNICOM when CH-47 helicopters are operating.
Visit WebsiteLocation: Dover Air Force Base, Dover
Type: Joint-Use Civil-Military Airport
Runways: Two runways (under 10,000' and 13,000')
Facilities: 1,900 sq ft building, 6-acre aircraft parking ramp, jet fueling facility (5,000-gallon tank), 54-foot taxiway
Joint Use Agreement: 50-year lease signed August 2024
The Civil Air Terminal is one of only 10 joint-use military airfields with the Air Force nationwide. The facility opened in 1982 and is owned by Delaware's Department of Transportation (DelDOT), managed and leased by the Delaware River & Bay Authority (DRBA).
New 50-Year Agreement (2024): In August 2024, a new joint-use agreement was signed upgrading the facility to allow up to 50 years of operation (previously 25 years) and increasing maximum operations from 13,500 to 25,000 flights. This doubling of the lease length aims to encourage more companies and developers to commit to long-term partnerships.
Access: Civilian aircraft operators must obtain prior permission request (PPR) and landing permit with advanced notice to use the terminal, as it is located on a U.S. military installation.
Current Usage (2024): 85 operations through 2024, with 73 for NASCAR events. The facility also serves music festivals and DE Turf Complex athletic events. The runways are among only a few in the U.S. long enough to land a space shuttle.
Note: While the agreement does not currently include provisions for commercial passenger air service, officials continue exploring new partnership opportunities.
Visit WebsiteLocation: Laurel, Sussex County
Type: Privately-owned, public-use
Runway: 3,175' grass strip
Owner: Dest Inc.
Laurel Airport is a public-use airport located one nautical mile southwest of Laurel's central business district. This grass strip airport serves local general aviation and offers a unique experience for small aircraft operations.
Services: General aviation for small aircraft, grass runway operations
Delaware residents have convenient access to several major international airports in neighboring states, particularly for destinations not served by Wilmington Airport.
📍 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Best For: International travel, extensive domestic network, frequent flights, competitive pricing
📍 Baltimore, Maryland
Best For: Budget-conscious travelers, Southwest frequent flyers, southern Delaware residents
Since 1984, Delaware Express has been the largest and most trusted ground transportation provider in Delaware with over 100 dedicated chauffeurs.
Services:
Sample Pricing:
Contact: 800-648-5466 or book online at delexpress.com
Friendly and dependable airport shuttle and car service specializing in Delaware beach areas.
Service Areas:
Destinations:
Website: debeachrides.com
Affordable and convenient Wilmington Airport transportation with transparent pricing and no surge fees.
Services:
Website: gowithus.com
Delaware Limo: 24/7 luxury transportation to major airports across DE, MD, PA, and NY
Additional Services:
Yes, Delaware has one commercial airport: Wilmington Airport (ILG) in New Castle County. The airport is served by Avelo Airlines, which began scheduled passenger service in February 2023. Avelo currently offers nonstop flights to 14 destinations (expanding to 16 by March 2026), primarily in Florida, plus Nashville, Myrtle Beach, Raleigh-Durham, Wilmington NC, San Juan (Puerto Rico), and soon Atlanta and Chicago O'Hare.
Delaware has a unique aviation history - it was the only U.S. state without commercial air service (defined as 2,500+ annual boardings) during multiple periods: 2008-2013, 2015-2021, and briefly in 2022. Since Avelo's launch in 2023, the airport has served over 660,000 passengers with consistent growth.
Currently, only Avelo Airlines operates scheduled passenger flights from Wilmington Airport (ILG). Avelo has established a base at ILG with two Boeing 737 aircraft (growing to three in March 2026) and serves 14 destinations as of 2025, with plans to expand to 16 destinations.
American Airlines also partners with Wilmington Airport through The Landline Company's motorcoach service, which connects ILG passengers to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), where they can access American's full route network.
The airport also hosts significant general aviation and business aviation traffic, with FBO services provided by Atlantic Aviation.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the closest major airport to Delaware. It is located just 22-25 miles from Wilmington (25-40 minute drive) and about 80 miles from Dover. The air distance from Wilmington Airport (ILG) to PHL is only 23.6 miles.
PHL is the most convenient option for Delaware residents needing international flights or extensive domestic connections. All major U.S. carriers operate from PHL, along with numerous international airlines serving destinations throughout Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, and Canada.
American Airlines now offers a unique Landline motorcoach service that connects ILG to PHL with six daily round trips, allowing passengers to check luggage and clear security at Wilmington before boarding a luxury motorcoach directly to PHL's gates.
Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) is another option at 76-80 miles from northern Delaware, popular for budget airlines like Southwest and Spirit.
The best way to connect from Wilmington Airport (ILG) to Philadelphia Airport (PHL) is through American Airlines' Landline motorcoach service, which launched in October 2024. This innovative "secure to secure" service offers six daily round trips.
How Landline Works:
You book this service through aa.com or the American app by entering ILG as your origin and your final destination as your endpoint. You'll earn AAdvantage miles and receive itinerary protection.
Alternative Options: Delaware Express Shuttle, private car services (Delaware Limo, Blue Hen Limousine), Uber/Lyft, or rental car (22-mile drive).
Yes, Wilmington Airport (ILG) has TSA PreCheck available at the main security checkpoint. Passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck can use the dedicated PreCheck lane for expedited screening. PreCheck members do not need to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets, and can leave laptops and liquids in their bags.
TSA PreCheck Benefits:
How to Enroll: Pre-enroll online at tsa.gov/precheck, choose a provider (CLEAR, IDEMIA, or Telos), schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center, bring a REAL ID or passport (required starting May 1, 2025), provide fingerprints, and pay the fee. You'll receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) within 3-5 days.
As of 2025, Avelo Airlines serves 14 destinations from Wilmington Airport (ILG), expanding to 16 by March 2026:
Florida Destinations: Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Fort Myers (RSW), Jacksonville (JAX - new 2025), Lakeland, Orlando (MCO), Sarasota/Bradenton, Tampa (TPA), and West Palm Beach
Other Current Destinations: Myrtle Beach SC, Nashville TN, Raleigh-Durham NC (RDU - new May 2025), Wilmington NC, and San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)
Coming Soon (2026): Atlanta, GA (ATL) starting February 2026 with 5 weekly flights, and Chicago O'Hare, IL (ORD) starting March 2026 with 4 weekly flights. Fares start as low as $34 one-way.
The most popular routes are Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, and San Juan. The longest flight is to San Juan at 1,574 miles (approximately 3 hours 45 minutes).
For destinations not served by Avelo, passengers can use American Airlines' Landline motorcoach to connect to Philadelphia International Airport's extensive network.
Delaware has approximately 40 airports total, including both public and private facilities. The state's aviation system includes:
Public-Use Airports: 9 airports open to all qualified pilots
Joint-Use Facility: 1 civil-military airport (Civil Air Terminal at Dover Air Force Base)
Private Facilities: Approximately 19 private-use airports and numerous private airstrips
Heliports: 12 heliport facilities
The state supports approximately 432 based aircraft with over 163,000 annual general aviation operations. The Delaware River & Bay Authority operates three major airports under its charter: Wilmington Airport, Delaware Airpark, and the Civil Air Terminal at Dover AFB.
Delaware offers several excellent general aviation facilities throughout the state:
Delaware Airpark (33N) - Dover: 237-acre facility with 4,200' runway, home to Delaware State University's flight training program (one of only six HBCU aviation programs). Based aircraft: 40+
Delaware Coastal Airport (GED) - Georgetown: 615-acre facility with two runways (5,500' and 3,109'), capable of handling jets up to Boeing 737 size. Full FBO services through Skyline Aviation with major airframe and powerplant repair. Based aircraft: 67 including 4 jets
Summit Airport (EVY) - Middletown: 209-550 acre facility with 4,500' runway capable of handling turboprops and medium jets. Designated FAA reliever airport. Hosts helicopter training and serves as maintenance base for military Chinook helicopters. Based aircraft: 21
Wilmington Airport (ILG): While primarily serving commercial passengers, ILG is also a premier business aviation airport with three major runways (up to 7,275'), Atlantic Aviation FBO services, and extensive facilities for corporate and private aircraft.
Civil Air Terminal at Dover AFB: Joint-use facility available to civilian pilots with prior permission. Features two runways (under 10,000' and 13,000') long enough to land a space shuttle.
All facilities offer fuel services, aircraft parking, and varying levels of maintenance and support services.
Several professional shuttle and transportation services connect Delaware to regional airports:
Delaware Express (800-648-5466): The largest and most established service since 1984 with over 100 chauffeurs. Offers shared ride shuttles, private vans, town cars, SUVs, and motor coaches to ILG, PHL, BWI, SBY, DCA, and IAD. Children under 12 ride free (one per paying adult). Sample rate: ILG to Delaware City $58 shared/$67 private van.
DE Beach Rides: Specializes in serving Delaware beach communities (Rehoboth, Lewes, Dewey, Milton, Long Neck, Georgetown). Services all major airports plus Amtrak stations, cruise terminals, and out-of-state destinations.
GO Airport Shuttle: Provides private vans, non-stop rides, and premium black car service with transparent pricing and no surge fees regardless of time or weather.
Delaware Limo: 24/7 luxury transportation to major airports across Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York.
American Airlines Landline: Six daily round trips connecting ILG to PHL Terminal F post-security. Book through aa.com with your flight. Includes luggage check-through, TSA PreCheck at ILG, premium motorcoach with Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Additional options include Blue Hen Limousine, Campbell Premier Fleet, Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxi services.
Yes, Wilmington Airport (ILG) is an excellent alternative to Philadelphia Airport (PHL) for travelers going to Avelo's 14 destinations, particularly Florida, Puerto Rico, Nashville, and Myrtle Beach. Here's why:
Advantages of ILG:
When to Use PHL Instead:
Best of Both Worlds: American Airlines' Landline service allows you to start at ILG (with easier parking and security) and connect to PHL's full network via luxury motorcoach. This gives you ILG's convenience with PHL's extensive route network.
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Last updated on November 29, 2025