List of Airports in Delaware
As of 2024, there are 3 airports throughout the state of Delaware according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Delaware are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Delaware
# | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Greater Wilmington Airport | ILG | Wilmington, DE | Medium |
2 | Rehoboth Beach Airport | REH | Rehoboth Beach, DE | Small |
3 | Sussex County Airport | GED | Georgetown, DE | Small |
Major Airports in Delaware
Wilmington Airport (New Castle County Airport) (ILG)
Airport Code:
ILG
Time Zone:
Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Address:
Wilmington Airport, 150 N Dupont Hwy, Wilmington, DE 19808
Nearby Cities:
- Wilmington (5 miles)
- Newark (8 miles)
- Philadelphia, PA (30 miles)
- Chester, PA (25 miles)
- Dover (45 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Allegiant Air
- Frontier Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 250,000 passengers annually
Airport Location and History:
Wilmington Airport, officially known as New Castle County Airport (ILG), is located in New Castle, Delaware, just outside of Wilmington. The airport opened in 1927 and has served both as a general aviation airport and as a commercial airport over its long history. Initially, it was a military airfield, and it became a civil airport in the 1940s after World War II. It serves the Delaware Valley region, providing a crucial air link between Delaware and other U.S. cities.
ILG primarily caters to domestic low-cost carriers like Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines, offering flights to popular leisure destinations, such as Florida and South Carolina. Due to its proximity to Philadelphia and the surrounding metropolitan areas, Wilmington Airport is also an attractive option for travelers seeking a smaller, more accessible alternative to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
In recent years, the airport has expanded its commercial offerings, with additional services to accommodate the region’s growing passenger base. While it remains smaller compared to larger regional airports, ILG plays a significant role in supporting tourism and business travel in the region.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Wilmington Airport has one main runway: Runway 9/27, which is 7,000 feet long. This runway is capable of handling narrow-body jets like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, but it does not typically accommodate large wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 747. This runway is suited to the airport’s current operations, which consist primarily of regional and domestic flights.
The terminal at ILG is small but provides necessary services, including ticketing, baggage claim, and food services. The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking options, as well as rental car services. Despite its smaller size, ILG remains an essential part of Delaware’s transportation network, offering travelers in the region an accessible and efficient airport alternative to larger hubs.
Dover Air Force Base (DOV)
Airport Code:
DOV
Time Zone:
Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Address:
Dover Air Force Base, Dover, DE 19902
Nearby Cities:
- Dover (5 miles)
- Camden (10 miles)
- Salisbury, MD (40 miles)
- Wilmington (50 miles)
- Philadelphia, PA (75 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Military flights and cargo operations (no commercial passenger service)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Primarily military and cargo traffic
Airport Location and History:
Dover Air Force Base (DOV) is a major U.S. Air Force base located in Dover, Delaware. Established in 1941, it has served as a significant hub for military aviation, including airlift operations and humanitarian missions. The base plays a crucial role in supporting U.S. military forces, both domestically and internationally, and serves as a vital cargo hub for the Department of Defense.
Although it does not currently offer commercial passenger flights, Dover AFB plays a central role in the regional transportation network, particularly for military personnel and cargo. The base’s strategic location along the U.S. East Coast, near major highways and ports, makes it a key asset for logistical support.
Over the years, Dover AFB has supported various military operations, including airlift missions during the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and humanitarian missions in regions like Haiti. The base’s airstrip is also used for specialized operations and serves as the home of the U.S. Air Force’s 436th Airlift Wing.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Dover Air Force Base has one main runway: Runway 14/32, which is 12,500 feet long. This runway is capable of handling wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380, and is equipped to accommodate military and cargo flights of large scale.
The airport infrastructure at Dover AFB is primarily focused on military and cargo operations, with minimal public access for general aviation. The base features facilities for military personnel, including hangars, cargo handling areas, and administrative buildings. The airport does not have passenger terminals, as its focus is on military logistics and operations.
Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY)
Airport Code:
SBY
Time Zone:
Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Address:
5485 Airport Terminal Rd, Salisbury, MD 21804
Nearby Cities:
- Salisbury (5 miles)
- Ocean City (30 miles)
- Cambridge (20 miles)
- Easton, MD (35 miles)
- Rehoboth Beach, DE (45 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- American Airlines (via Piedmont Airlines)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 100,000 passengers annually
Airport Location and History:
Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY) serves Salisbury, Maryland, and the surrounding Eastern Shore area, which includes popular tourist destinations like Ocean City, Maryland. The airport opened in 1949 as Wicomico County Airport and was later renamed in 2004 to reflect its role in serving both Salisbury and the nearby beach communities of Ocean City.
SBY offers daily flights to Philadelphia, which provides connections to a wide range of domestic and international destinations. Although the airport serves a relatively small number of passengers compared to larger regional airports, it plays an essential role in the region, particularly for tourists visiting the Eastern Shore. In addition to passenger flights, SBY handles cargo, general aviation, and military operations.
The airport has steadily improved over the years, with terminal upgrades and an expansion of services to meet the needs of the local community and visitors. Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport is an important part of the local economy, supporting tourism, business, and regional connectivity.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport has one main runway: Runway 8/26, which is 6,400 feet long. This runway is suitable for narrow-body jets such as the Embraer E175 and regional aircraft, such as the Bombardier CRJ series. While the airport does not accommodate large wide-body aircraft, the runway is well-suited to the airport’s existing flight operations.
The terminal at SBY includes services such as check-in counters, baggage claim, and a small café and free Wi-Fi for passengers. The airport provides short-term and long-term parking options, as well as easy access to taxis and rental cars for travelers heading to Ocean City or other destinations on the Eastern Shore. Despite its smaller size, SBY plays a vital role in supporting the local economy, particularly in tourism and business sectors.
Sussex County Airport (GED)
Airport Code:
GED
Time Zone:
Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Address:
21553 Rudder Ln, Georgetown, DE 19947
Nearby Cities:
- Georgetown (5 miles)
- Rehoboth Beach (20 miles)
- Dagsboro (10 miles)
- Lewes (20 miles)
- Ocean City, MD (35 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- General aviation (no commercial passenger services)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 5,000 passengers annually (general aviation)
Airport Location and History:
Sussex County Airport (GED) is located near Georgetown, Delaware, and primarily serves general aviation. Opened in the 1940s, the airport was originally a military training airfield. After transitioning to civilian use, GED has become a critical asset for regional general aviation, providing services to private pilots, business travelers, and flight training schools.
Though the airport does not handle commercial passenger flights, it is vital to the local community, particularly for residents of the Delaware beaches and surrounding areas. Sussex County Airport serves as a point of departure for those seeking to travel to major cities, as well as a hub for recreational pilots and flight schools. The airport’s location near the Atlantic coast also makes it convenient for charter flights and other aviation services.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Sussex County Airport has one main runway: Runway 4/22, which is 5,000 feet long. This runway is suitable for small to medium-sized aircraft, including general aviation planes, small private jets, and regional aircraft. The runway is not equipped for wide-body jets but is sufficient for the airport’s primary operations, which focus on general aviation.
The terminal at GED offers basic services for general aviation, including flight school operations, hangars, and a small waiting area. The airport provides parking for private planes, along with rental car services for those needing transportation to local destinations. While the airport’s services are focused on general aviation, it remains an essential component of Delaware’s transportation infrastructure.
Delaware Overview
The state of Delaware has 952 thousand residents (2016). It is divided into three counties: New Castle, Kent and Sussex. The capital is Dover.
The first European settlement in Delaware was founded in 1631 by the Dutch in Lewes, but was soon destroyed by the Indians. In 1638, the Swedes founded New Sweden (Nya Sverige), in the north of the state. The English conquered the region in 1664. In the 18th century, it was one of 13 British colonies that fought for independence and formed the United States of America.