WILMINGTON, Del. – Today, Delaware’s Congressional delegation joined with Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) representatives and other Delaware dignitaries to break ground on a significant passenger terminal expansion project at the Wilmington Airport.  The total construction cost is expected to be $9.8 million.  Earlier this year, U.S. Senators Thomas R. Carper, Chris Coons and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester jointly announced a $5.6 million grant award through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's Airport Terminal Program to help fund these improvements.

“It’s a great day for customers who fly out of Wilmington Airport, and we’re thrilled to get this project underway,” said Thomas J. Cook, Executive Director of the DRBA. “When completed late next year, this terminal project will provide greater operational and scheduling flexibility related to commercial service while also improving the overall customer experience.  Wilmington Airport is on the move and we’re looking forward to unveiling a newly expanded, transformed terminal facility next fall.”

“I am proud to join Senator Coons and Congresswoman Blunt Rochester to help secure $5.6 million from the FAA’s Airport Terminal Program so we can upgrade this woefully outdated 1955-era passenger terminal,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper, Chair of the Environment and Public Works Committee in the Senate. “This was a competitive grant process that saw airports from all over the country vying for a portion of the $5 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to build safe, sustainable and accessible airport terminals, that will help create jobs and grow our economy along the way.”

“Whether it’s helping the world get to Delaware or Delawareans get out into the world, supporting federal investment that improves air travel in the First State brings us all closer together,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons. “It’s great to break ground on improvements to Wilmington Airport today and celebrate how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law keeps putting more and more Americans to work upgrading and improving how we live, work, play, and commute. Today’s event makes it clear to everyone watching that we’re serious about the future of ILG.”

Today’s groundbreaking marked the start of a new era for the Wilmington Airport – one that will allow it to soar to new heights,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester. “I was proud to secure over $5 million in federal funding alongside Senators Carper and Coons for the expansion, which came directly from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law we all championed. As a result, we are modernizing the airport and making it easier to accommodate travelers, all while creating jobs, growing our economy, and making it safer and more convenient for people to fly in and out of Wilmington.”

“We are thrilled about the expansion of our passenger terminal at ILG Airport, a significant leap forward made possible by the dedicated efforts of our Delaware federal delegation,” said New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer. “This $9.8 million investment not only enhances our airport's capacity but also strengthens our commitment to providing exceptional service and connectivity for our community. Together, we're paving the way for a brighter, more accessible future in travel.”

This project will expand the passenger holding room by 6,000 square feet and will feature space for an additional boarding gate and more concessions.  In addition, the expansion project will improve and enhance the baggage claim experience with a new conveyor, improve the energy efficiency and resilience of the terminal utilities, and provide capacity and accessibility improvements to all public restrooms.  A key goal in this project is to add room for an additional security lane to speed the TSA screening process, including for the first time a dedicated TSA Pre-Check Lane.  These terminal improvements are expected to be completed in late 2025.

Twelve months ago, Carper, Coons and Blunt Rochester sent a letter of support to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for DRBA’s grant application to design and construct upgrades to the original 1955-era passenger terminal.  The grant will help expand commercial aviation service from the airport and improve the customer experience, expand accessibility and replace an outdated power infrastructure. The project will also support approximately 60 temporary construction jobs for multiple trades and allow commercial carriers to add 100 more jobs at the airport.

Funding for this grant came from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Senators Carper and Coons and Rep. Blunt Rochester all helped author and pass into law. Specifically, the funding is from the Airport Terminal Program, which aims to address aging infrastructure at the nation’s terminal facilities and expand opportunities for the local community.

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.
 

Virtual Walkthrough of New, Expanded Terminal