Wilmington Airport to Raise Daily Parking to $11.50 This Fall

(WILMINGTON, DELAWARE) Wilmington Airport will raise its daily parking rates this fall, with the standard lots moving from $9.50 to $11.50 per day effective November 1, 2025 and the overflow Lot D set at $8.00 per day on the same date. Airport officials say the change supports ongoing improvements while keeping prices in line with other regional options. It’s the first increase since June 2023 and comes as the airport continues a period of steady growth in the United States 🇺🇸.

The update affects Lots A, B, and C, which will shift to $11.50 per day, and the overflow Lot D—open only when indicated by signage—which will charge $8.00 per day using a “Pay by Plate” system. Wilmington Airport (ILG) currently offers more than 1,320 parking spaces across all lots. There is no reserved parking; it’s strictly first-come, first-served.

Parking changes and timeline

Airport management, the Delaware River & Bay Authority, confirmed the new pricing will start on November 1, 2025, after holding the previous $9.50 daily rate since the last adjustment in June 2023. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Wilmington Airport’s parking rates remain comparatively modest for the region, a key selling point for families and business travelers who want easy, adjacent parking without shuttle transfers.

Officials say parking revenue helps pay for terminal improvements and an upcoming passenger gate expansion scheduled to open later in 2025. Those projects aim to reduce crowding during peak times and improve the overall flow from curb to gate.

Airport leadership has prioritized keeping on-airport parking close to the terminal so travelers can walk rather than ride. That setup is part of ILG’s pitch: drive in, park near the terminal, and go.

Lot D, cell phone lot, and enforcement

• Lot D will not be open every day. Travelers should check signage on arrival to see if overflow parking is in service.
• When Lot D is open, customers will use the “Pay by Plate” system rather than a ticket or paper stub.
• The cell phone waiting lot remains available for those picking up arriving passengers and should be used instead of circling the terminal area.
• Private lots near the airport are not for airport customers. Vehicles left in those areas risk towing at the owner’s expense. Airport staff continue to monitor lots for compliance.

What travelers should expect

Travelers flying after November 1, 2025 should set their budgets with the new rates in mind:

• Lots A, B, C: $11.50 per day
• Lot D (when open): $8.00 per day

Parking remains adjacent to the terminal, and there’s no time limit on length of stay. With more than 1,320 spaces, regular fliers report they can usually find a spot without much stress, though holidays and school breaks may lead to fuller lots.

Simple plan for parking at ILG

1. Arrive and choose a posted lot (A, B, C, or D if open).
2. Park and head straight to the terminal on foot.
3. Pay the daily rate — $11.50 for A/B/C, $8.00 for D starting November 1, 2025.
4. If picking someone up, wait in the cell phone lot until the passenger is ready.
5. Avoid private lots to prevent towing.

No advance reservations are available for any on-airport lot. The policy keeps the system simple and avoids extra fees but means drivers should arrive a bit earlier during peak periods. If the main lots fill, Lot D will open as posted. On days when Lot D is closed, airport signs will direct drivers to available spaces in A, B, or C.

Airlines, terminal amenities, and travel tips

Airlines serving ILG advise passengers to plan extra time during holidays. For flight-specific updates, contact your carrier directly. The airport lists Avelo Airlines at 346.616.9500 and American Airlines via Landline service for assistance.

Food options inside the terminal remain limited to vending machines, so travelers who want a meal may prefer to eat before arriving or stop at nearby restaurants.

For official parking details, rates, and travel notices, check the airport’s website at https://flyilg.com. The airport notes there are currently no announced increases beyond November 1, 2025, though rates and policies are reviewed from time to time to stay competitive and cover operating costs.

Policy context and local perspective

From a policy angle, the price change reflects a familiar trade-off for smaller regional airports: keep parking rates low to attract cost-conscious travelers while still bringing in enough revenue to maintain facilities. Parking often funds everyday needs—lighting, resurfacing, security—and long-term projects.

For Wilmington Airport, the push to expand gates later in 2025 shows how parking, terminal planning, and airline growth are tied together. Local travelers say they favor ILG over larger hubs for its ease of access: no shuttles, no long walks, and straightforward pricing. These factors can matter more than a few dollars per day for many families and business flyers.

Officials stress that cars should only park in airport lots. Private lots near the terminal are off-limits for airport users, and towing is enforced. The airport also reminds drivers that the cell phone lot is only for short waits during pickups, not for long-term parking or staging.

Key takeaway: Wilmington Airport’s change to $11.50 per day (and $8.00 for the overflow lot) keeps the parking approach straightforward while funding improvements to a terminal preparing for a busier future.

Travelers can review broader operating details from the Delaware River & Bay Authority, the bi-state agency that manages the airport, at the official government site: https://www.drba.net. For current airport-specific updates, schedules, and parking guidance, visit https://flyilg.com.