Expansion of Wilmington International Airport
Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is undergoing significant expansion to meet the growing demands of its passengers. Over the past three years, ILM has been recognized as the fastest-growing airport in the nation in terms of seating capacity. This growth has led to an increase in non-stop destinations and an expanded terminal. However, the rise in demand has also brought challenges, particularly with traffic congestion, as the current airport infrastructure struggles to keep up with the increased volume.
On August 13, the airport announced that part of its expansion project involves closing the current curbside for a year and a half to complete the necessary work. A new temporary curbfront will open on Tuesday, August 19, to serve passengers during this period. Although the temporary drop-off/pick-up area is 250 feet farther from the terminal than the current one, ILM Airport Director Jeffrey Bourk believes it will be worth the adjustment in the long run.
Why Is the Curbside Being Expanded?
The existing curbside at ILM was designed in 1989 to accommodate 250,000 yearly passengers. Today, the airport handles nearly 1.8 million passengers annually, far exceeding the original design capacity. This has led to significant strain on the current infrastructure. “At peak times, you can’t get through,” Bourk said.
The new project aims to handle all of ILM’s current passenger volume and anticipated growth over the next 20-30 years. The expanded curbside will be triple the length of the current one and designed in a straight line, which is expected to improve traffic flow. The arced design of the current curbside has been identified as a factor that slows down traffic. Additionally, the project includes aesthetic changes to modernize the airport’s appearance, as well as the addition of a parking garage and a modern rental car facility.
Temporary Drop-Off/Pick-Up Area Location
The temporary curbfront is located approximately 250 feet away from the terminal. It has been moved back to facilitate construction work. ILM has installed a covered and air-conditioned walkway to allow pedestrians to navigate through the construction zone safely. A cellphone lot has also been added just before the curb, providing a convenient waiting area for those picking up passengers.
Shifting to the temporary curbfront will enable ILM to complete its new facilities over the next year and a half. Bourk emphasized that this change could bring benefits sooner than expected. “In the short term, even though it’s going to be a little bit further from the terminal, it’s an improvement from what we have today,” he said. “The temporary curb is longer than what we have now, it’s going to be more convenient, it’s straight, it’s going to be easier for people to drop off and pick up.”
Additional Improvements
The temporary curbfront will also feature a golf-cart path and wheelchair assistance for those who need it. In the future, the temporary curbfront will be converted into a parking area, and the scaffolded canopy will serve as a covered walkway to the terminal.
Bourk urged passengers to adapt to the changes and plan accordingly. “Get here a little bit earlier, give yourself a little extra time,” he said. “Be patient with the airport, because we’re making it much more efficient and much better for passengers in the long run.”
