If you’re thinking about moving to the Cape Fear region, the airport question comes up fast. How easy is it to fly home to see family? Can you commute for work a few times a month? For a lot of the relocating buyers we talk with, Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is part of the decision. And right now, ILM is in the middle of the biggest construction stretch in its history, with a new parking garage expected to open before Thanksgiving. Here’s what’s happening and what it means if you own a home here or are shopping for one.
ILM by the Numbers
ILM has grown quickly. According to the airport’s Vision Plan 2026 executive summary, approved by the airport board on Feb. 25, 2026, ILM served 1,826,994 passengers in 2025, a new record and a 23.2% increase over 2024. The same document says passenger traffic grew 134% from 2015 to 2025, and that the airport added eight new nonstop routes in 2025.
2026 is a steadier year. WilmingtonBiz reported on Feb. 11, 2026 that the airport expected departures to stay flat or dip by about 6% this year after Avelo Airlines closed its Wilmington base and cut several routes. Airport officials said most of those routes are also served by other airlines. ILM is currently served by American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Breeze, Sun Country, and Avelo, and the airport’s website lists a mix of year-round and seasonal nonstop destinations. WECT reported in February that Avelo had extended its remaining ILM schedule through Nov. 17, 2026, so if you rely on one of those routes, check the airline’s schedule for winter dates.
What’s Being Built Right Now
A new parking garage before Thanksgiving
The most visible change is a new parking garage in front of the terminal. In a Sept. 2, 2026 WWAY report, Airport Director Jeff Bourk said the garage is expected to open in November, before Thanksgiving. No exact opening date had been announced in the coverage we reviewed, so watch ILM’s website and social channels if you’re flying out for the holidays.
New roadway, curbfront, and a pedestrian tunnel
The garage is part of a larger project that includes a new entrance road, a new curbfront and canopy, and a tunnel under the roadway with escalators to a new atrium. Bourk told WWAY the old circulation road was built in 1990 to serve 2,300 passengers, and the airport now serves about 1.8 million. The new roadway and curbfront are expected to open around the end of March 2027, with the whole project finishing by summer 2027. Bourk put the cost of the garage and curbfront phase at about $135 million, close to half of ILM’s roughly $300 million capital program, funded through federal and state grants plus airport revenue.
Airfield ramp work and future gates
Work is also moving to the airfield. On Wednesday, Nov. 4, the ILM Airport Authority is set to consider a construction administration contract for the North Commercial Ramp Expansion, according to Port City Daily’s Nov. 2 meeting roundup. Looking further ahead, Bourk said the next terminal expansion could start in 2028 or early 2029 and could add as many as four jetways and five gate positions.
What It Means for Homeowners and Buyers
Easier travel helps the whole region’s appeal
A busy regional airport with nonstops to hubs like Charlotte, Atlanta, New York, Washington, and Philadelphia makes the Cape Fear coast a more realistic choice for remote workers, frequent business travelers, and families who want relatives to visit. That’s part of why we see relocators from the Northeast and Midwest choosing Wilmington, Leland, and Hampstead. Better parking and an easier curbfront won’t change home prices on their own, but they make day-to-day life here a little smoother.
Living near the airport
ILM sits in north-central New Hanover County, near neighborhoods such as Kings Grant and close to the roads that lead to Ogden, Castle Hayne, and downtown. If quick airport access is high on your list, these areas are worth a look. The trade-off is aircraft noise, which varies by street and flight path. Before you commit to a home nearby, visit at different times of day, and ask us to help you look into the property’s location relative to the runways.
Construction-season tips
Through spring 2027, give yourself extra time at the airport, especially around the holidays and spring break. If you’re showing your home to out-of-town buyers who are flying in, a heads-up about construction helps them plan.
For sellers
If your home is in a neighborhood with an easy drive to ILM, say so in your listing. Many buyers relocating from other states put airport access on their must-have list, right next to beach access and schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the new ILM parking garage open?
Airport leadership said in September that it’s expected to open in November 2026, before Thanksgiving. An exact date had not been announced in the reports we reviewed.
How many passengers does ILM serve?
ILM served 1,826,994 passengers in 2025, according to the airport’s Vision Plan 2026 executive summary.
When will the whole expansion be finished?
The new roadway and curbfront are expected around the end of March 2027, with the full project completed by summer 2027, per WWAY’s September report.
Does living near the airport affect a home’s value?
It depends on the home, the street, and the buyer. Convenience appeals to some buyers, while noise matters to others. We look at each property’s specifics rather than assuming one effect.
Thinking About a Move to the Cape Fear Coast?
Whether you’re flying in to tour homes or weighing which part of New Hanover, Brunswick, or Pender County fits your travel needs, we’re glad to help you sort it out. Contact Aspyre Collective to talk through neighborhoods, commutes, and what’s for sale right now.
