New Castle County Airport (ILG) — Delaware's Premier Commercial and General Aviation Hub
New Castle County Airport, IATA code ILG, is Delaware's primary commercial and general aviation airport, serving the Wilmington metropolitan area and providing the state's most comprehensive aviation infrastructure. ILG is operated by the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and regulated by the FAA Eastern Region, featuring two paved runways (the longer at 7,165 feet), full FBO services, airline terminal facilities, and Air National Guard operations from the adjacent 166th Airlift Wing — which operates C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. The airport serves as Delaware's only airport with scheduled commercial airline service, with American Airlines historically providing regional connections to hubs including Philadelphia International (PHL), Charlotte Douglas (CLT), and Washington Reagan National (DCA).
ILG's designator derives from the original name "Wilmington Airport" and its connection to the Wanamaker family's industrial heritage in Wilmington's aviation history. The Wilmington area is home to major chemical and pharmaceutical corporations including DuPont's successor companies (Chemours, Corteva, DuPont), AstraZeneca's U.S. headquarters, and the financial services firms that make Delaware the state of incorporation for over 65% of Fortune 500 companies — creating significant corporate aviation demand at ILG. Charter and fractional jet operators regularly serve ILG for the Fortune 500 corporate legal, financial, and executive travel market that Delaware's incorporation advantages attract. The FAA Eastern Region coordinates ILG's Class D airspace and approach corridors through Philly TRACON.
What does the IATA code ILG represent?
The IATA code ILG for New Castle County Airport in Wilmington, Delaware is derived from the historical "Wilmington" airport identity. The code is used in airline ticketing, charter booking systems, and corporate flight planning databases.
What airlines serve ILG?
American Airlines has provided scheduled regional service at ILG, with connections to major hubs. Passengers should verify current scheduled service availability, as smaller markets like Wilmington can experience service changes based on demand and airline route network adjustments.
Who manages New Castle County Airport?
New Castle County Airport (ILG) is managed by the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), which oversees the state's transportation infrastructure. The 166th Airlift Wing of the Delaware Air National Guard also operates from the airport.
What military unit operates at ILG?
The Delaware Air National Guard's 166th Airlift Wing, flying C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, is based at New Castle County Airport and conducts regular military airlift training and operations that coincide with civilian GA and airline traffic.
What industries generate corporate aviation traffic at ILG?
Delaware's concentration of Fortune 500 corporate headquarters (due to Delaware's favorable incorporation laws), DuPont successor companies, AstraZeneca, and major financial and legal firms generate substantial corporate jet traffic at ILG from executives and attorneys servicing Delaware corporations.
New Castle County Airport - ILG Contact Information
Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in New Castle, Delaware.
| Name | New Castle County Airport - ILG |
| Address | 151 North Dupont Highway, New Castle DE 19720 Map |
| Phone | (302) 571-6474 |
| Website | |
| Hours |
Map of New Castle County Airport - ILG
Traveling Through New Castle County Airport (ILG) in Wilmington, Delaware
New Castle County Airport is located at 151 North DuPont Highway in New Castle, Delaware, accessible from I-95 via Exit 5A (Route 141 northbound) or Route 9 along the Delaware River. The airport's FBO provides full-service support for corporate and charter aircraft including Jet-A fueling, hangar storage, catering, and ground transportation. Wilmington's Amtrak station at Wilmington Transportation Center, approximately 5 miles north of ILG, provides Northeast Corridor rail connections to Philadelphia (30 min), New York (90 min), and Washington DC (90 min) — making the ILG-to-train combination a popular option for travelers arriving by charter flight to meetings in multiple Northeast cities.
ILG's competitive advantage over Philadelphia International (PHL) is clear for corporate users: no TSA delays, direct ramp access, faster ground handling, and the ability to depart on short notice. Delaware's no-sales-tax policy also applies to aircraft fuel purchases, providing a cost advantage for Jet-A purchases at ILG compared to Pennsylvania airports across the state line. The Delaware DOT's ongoing capital investment in ILG's infrastructure — including runway rehabilitation, terminal improvements, and security system upgrades — maintains the airport's capability to serve both the Delaware Air National Guard's C-17 mission and the civilian commercial and GA market. Pilots transitioning through ILG from the south should coordinate with Philadelphia TRACON (PHL TRACON) for Class D airspace clearances on both arrival and departure.