If you are someone who is planning to visit Wilmington, then you are in the right place. North Carolina’s port city is well-known for its stunning beaches, lively arts and cultural scene, and historic downtown. One can enjoy excursions like touring the US North Carolina Battleship, meandering around the Riverwalk, and touring neighboring seaside towns. But before exploring this city, you will need a proper guide to the closest airports that will take you to Wilmington. So, stay tuned. We are going to discuss everything in detail. 

Location: Wilmington

Wilmington is the eighth-most populous city in the state of North Carolina.

  • State: North Carolina
  • County: New Hanover
  • Country: United States

Closest Airport to Wilmington, NC

Now, let us discuss the closest Airport to Wilmington, NC. We will give an in-depth insight into the airports and their terminals. You will also find information about the airlines that operate from this airport. So, let’s dive in. 

1- Wilmington International Airport (ILM)

Wilmington International Airport is a public airport roughly 6.4 miles north of Wilmington, North Carolina. It is the third-biggest airport in North Carolina. The airport has a single terminal with eight gates and two runways. Flying into or out of Wilmington International, visitors will discover that it’s a pleasant entry point into southeast North Carolina, exhibiting Southern hospitality. 

The airport welcomes guests with lovely public art, a putting green, and rocking seats, all contributing to its cozy and inviting feel. Furthermore, this location offers easy and hassle-free parking, dining options, and baggage claim.

2- Albert J. Ellis Airport (OAJ)

About 56.4 miles from Wilmington, North Carolina, lies Albert J. Ellis Airport, another airport closest to the city. There is only one runway and three gates at this airport. The military, two commercial airlines, and general aviation all use the airport. The OAJ-Ellis Airport in Richlands, North Carolina, close to Jacksonville, has a new terminal with many amenities to make flying more pleasurable for passengers. 

You’re guaranteed to enjoy the tranquil and friendly atmosphere of the airport. It has a café, restaurant, gift shop, Wi-Fi, lost & found, and more at OAJ-Ellis. There are pet rest places outside the terminal as well. Transportation alternatives, including car rentals, taxis, shuttle services, and limousines, are available at the airport.

3- Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)

Located about 85.4 miles from Wilmington, North Carolina, is Myrtle Beach International Airport, another significant airport. With outstanding customer service, it offers nonstop service to over 50 destinations. Travelers looking for unique bargains might consider the airport, which has the lowest average fares in South Carolina. 

The airport recently constructed its single terminal to reduce traveler stress. It delivers an excellent customer experience, from easy parking choices, straightforward ticketing, and a productive security check area to conveniently located gates, a streamlined baggage claim area, and accessible transportation options. Limos, public buses, ride-sharing services, car rentals, shuttles, and taxicabs are available for transportation. 

4- Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY)

One of the closest airports to Wilmington, NC, is Fayetteville Regional Airport, which is around 92.6 miles away. This makes it an excellent alternative. The airport has a single terminal for commercial aircraft. A grab-and-go convenience store and a full-service restaurant and bar are just two of the many attractions the FAY Airport offers visitors.

 A nursing room, business center, ATM, baggage carts, free Wi-Fi, handicap services, and more are other conveniences. Immediately in front of the terminal building, the airport has short-term and long-term parking options. Taxis and rental cars are accessible to travelers. 

5- Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN)

Wilmington is approximately 96.1 miles from Coastal Carolina Regional Airport, a commercial airport. You enter the world through this airport. The airport offers handy connections to facilitate your travel to your destination, whether arriving or departing. The airport features a single terminal that provides simple, effective, and secure travel. The terminal has several amenities, including free Wi-Fi, food and refreshments, baggage claim, TSA security check, and comfortable waiting areas. In the terminal, one can relax in comfort. The airport closes 30 minutes after the last flight and opens two hours before the first flight departs. There are three modes of transportation: ridesharing, taxi services, and car rentals.

6- Raleigh- Durham International Airport (RDU)

Raleigh-Durham International Airport is the primary airport for Raleigh, Durham, and the adjacent Research Triangle area of North Carolina. It is 142.6 miles away from the central city of Wilmington. The airport has two terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) with 45 gates. No airside link exists between the two terminals; travelers can use the moving walkway that winds through the covered parking decks or take a shuttle bus. ATMs, charter buses, Go Triangle bus stops, food and beverages, and retail options are available at the terminal. Passengers can use limos, taxis, rental cars, shared rides, and charter buses.

Airlines flying to and fro from the Nearest Airports 

All the airports mentioned above have different airlines operating from them. Let us discuss what those airlines are- 

Name of the Airports Operating AirlinesTerminal Used



Wilmington International Airport  
Avelo Airlines 



Main Passenger Terminal
Delta Air Lines 
Delta Connection 
Sun Country Airlines 
United Express 
Albert J. Ellis AirportDelta AirlinesMain Passenger Terminal






Myrtle Beach International Airport
Allegiant Air 






Main Passenger Terminal
Avelo Airlines 
Breeze Airways 
Delta Air Lines 
Frontier Airlines
Southwest Airlines 
Spirit Airlines 
Sun Country Airlines 
United Airlines 
Fayetteville Regional Airport Delta AirlinesMain Passenger Terminal
Coastal Carolina Regional AirportBreeze AirwaysMain Passenger Terminal










Raleigh- Durham International Airport
Avelo Airlines



Terminal 1

Breeze Airways
Southwest Airlines
Sun Country Airlines
Spirit Airlines 
Aeromexico





Terminal 2
Alaska 
Air Canada 
Air France 
Bahamas Air 
Copa Airlines 
Delta Air Lines 
Frontier Airlines 
Icelandair 
JetBlue
United 
Lufthansa 

Conclusion

Now that you have all the crucial information about the closest airport to Wilmington, NC, What are you waiting for? Book your tickets now and explore the beautiful city of Wilmington. 

FAQs

Which major airport serves Wilmington, North Carolina?

The fifth-largest airport in North Carolina, Wilmington International Airport (ILM), is the ideal size and a significant hub for convenience and hospitality.

Is Wilmington a decent area to call home?

Wilmington is an excellent city to live, work, and play in because of its expanding craft beer industry, variety of unique restaurants, and proximity to Brunswick County and New Hanover County beaches.

Is Wilmington, North Carolina, a big city?

Wilmington, one of North Carolina’s largest cities, is a port city that serves as a gateway to some of the state’s most famous beach communities, including Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach on the Cape Fear Coast.

What is the cost of living in Wilmington, North Carolina?

Wilmington, North Carolina, has a 1% higher cost of living than the state average and 4% cheaper than the federal average. 

Wilmington, North Carolina: Is it close to the Outer Banks?

Indeed, it is 277 miles by car from Wilmington to the Outer Banks. Driving from Wilmington to the Outer Banks takes about 5 hours and 39 minutes.

What is Wilmington, North Carolina’s airport called?

The Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is ideal in size, convenience, and friendliness.

What is the number of terminals at Wilmington, NC, airport?

There are eight gates at the main passenger terminal at Wilmington International Airport. The airport does not have any ILM Airport lounges.

Why does Wilmington, North Carolina, have such a large following?

The island beaches and historic river district of Wilmington, North Carolina, are well known for their beauty, charm, gracious Southern hospitality, and centuries-long naval heritage. The area is rich in history and legend.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *