WILMINGTON, N.C. -- A record-breaking number of passengers using Wilmington International Airport (ILM) explains why a $60 million expansion project is underway.
- The airport records 836,589 total passengers handled in 2017, and as of November 2018 they passed that number by 17,000.
- They're adding a larger checkpoint, more ticket counter space, more room in the terminal, an advanced baggage sorting system, and doubling the number of gates from five to 10.
- Officials say by the time everything is expanded, they may be able to add a fourth airline.
The airport records 836,589 total passengers handled in 2017, and as of November 2018 they passed that number by 17,000. With Christmas around the corner, deputy airport director Gary Broughton said that number will continue to grow.
"I'm extremely confident that we will break 900,000 probably more like 940," said Broughton. "So, this is going to be, absolutely, a record year for the history of this airport."
Broughton attributing much of the growth to the addition of United Airlines in Spring 2018.
ILM's planning and development director Granseur Dick said the airport was built to accommodate about the number of people they bring in now.
In anticipation of even more passengers coming in as Wilmington grows, they're adding a larger checkpoint, more ticket counter space, more room in the terminal, an advanced baggage sorting system, and doubling the number of gates from five to 10.
"Long term, this is going to continue to provide that standard of efficiency and excellence that ILM customers are accustomed to seeing," said Dick.
He said passengers are used to a coast-in and coast-out feel that they don't want to lose.
Some behind-the-scenes renovations are already underway, and they anticipate being completely done by Summer 2022.
Broughton said by the time everything is expanded, they may be able to add a fourth airline.