B-Roll of Avelo One Million at ILG

NEW CASTLE, Del. - Officials from the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) and Avelo Airlines gathered today at Wilmington Airport (ILG) to celebrate a significant aviation milestone: welcoming the one millionth passenger to fly through the airport since Avelo launched its service in February 2023.

The milestone couple, John and Cindy Sparco of Newark, Delaware, was completely surprised upon deplaning Inbound Flight #560 from Orlando International Airport (MCO), which landed at 12:33 PM. The couple was returning to Delaware following a visit with family in the Orlando, Florida area. The celebratory atmosphere continued into the terminal with festive balloon displays, custom event branding, and a special reception area at baggage claim featuring commemorative giveaway items and custom cookies for all arriving customers. To mark the occasion, DRBA and Avelo Airlines leadership presented the one millionth customer with a special grand prize featuring an Avelo travel voucher for four (4) round trip tickets for future flights.

"Welcoming our one millionth passenger is an incredible validation of everything we have worked to build here at Wilmington Airport," said Ceil Smith, DRBA Deputy Executive Director. "This achievement proves that customers in the tri-state area value the convenience, affordability, and hassle-free experience that our neighborhood airport provides. We appreciate our customers’ decision to fly local and look forward to serving millions more in the years to come."

Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy said, “Reaching one million Customers at Wilmington Airport is a powerful milestone for Avelo and a testament to the strong support we’ve received from the greater Delaware Valley community. What started with a single flight to Orlando has grown into a network of over a dozen nonstop destinations, with a goal to make travel more affordable, convenient, and reliable – and we’re incredibly grateful to every Customer who has trusted us to get them where they want to go. We look forward to continuing to grow and serve even more travelers in the years ahead.”

The arrival of the one millionth passenger cements Avelo Airlines' status as the most successful commercial carrier in Wilmington Airport’s modern history. In fact, historical airport data reveals that Avelo has carried more customers through ILG than all other commercial airlines combined since the era of deregulation. While previous carriers—including Shuttle America, Delta Connection, Skybus, and Frontier Airlines—served a combined total of 402,505 customers during their service times at the airport, Avelo alone has now handled more than twice the number, setting a record at ILG.

To support this rapid rise in passenger traffic, Wilmington Airport recently completed a major infrastructure upgrade. On January 22, 2026, ILG opened a newly expanded, nearly $10 million terminal funded in part by a $5.6 million federal Airport Terminal Program grant via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  The project added 6,000 square feet to the facility, introducing a second commercial gate to allow multiple aircraft to board simultaneously, a much larger passenger waiting area with over 200 new seats equipped with power charging stations, upgraded restrooms, and a new baggage carousel for smoother arrivals.

"Adding a second gate and expanding our terminal footprint was a smart, necessary move to align with the growing passenger demand we are experiencing alongside Avelo," said Ben Clendaniel, Director of Airport Operations. "This infrastructure ensures we can maintain the low-stress, seamless airport experience our travelers love while positioning ILG as a premier regional economic driver. With further expansion on the horizon, including a second TSA screening lane and fresh local food options, ILG is fully equipped for a bright future."  For more information regarding flight schedules, nonstop destinations, and low fares, visit flyilg.com.

About Wilmington Airport (ILG) 
Wilmington Airport (ILG), operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA), is the Delaware Valley’s most convenient and traveler-friendly airport. ILG offers low-fare, nonstop service to popular, sunny destinations in the Southern U.S. With its easy-to-navigate terminal, affordable parking, and short lines, ILG provides a stress-free alternative to larger, more congested airports. The airport also offers an innovative Landline service in partnership with American Airlines, providing seamless bus connections to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) for global travel. Learn more at www.flyilg.com.

About the Delaware River and Bay Authority 
The DRBA, a bi-state governmental agency created by Compact in 1962, owns and operates the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the Cape May- Lewes Ferry, and the Forts Ferry Crossing.  The DRBA also manages two airports in New Jersey (Millville Executive Airport and Cape May Airport)  and three in Delaware (Wilmington Airport, Civil Air Terminal and Delaware Airpark). All DRBA operating revenues are generated through the bridge, ferry and airport facilities.  For more information, visit www.drba.net.