TOGETHER WITH

We loved having my parents visit this past weekend! They flew in on one of Avelo’s nonstop flights, and I was struck by how much our Wilmington airport has grown. Instead of picking them up at the usual curb, I met them at a temporary tunnel entrance at the far end of the short-term parking lot—proof that our quaint little airport is leveling up in a big way!

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Wilmington International Airport Grows to Meet Rising Passenger Demand

• Wings Over Wrightsville Beach

Wilmington International Airport Grows to Meet Rising Passenger Demand

WilmingtonBiz Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is in the middle of a $70 million expansion project, the second phase of a larger $130 million plan. Updates include expanded parking lots, new roadways, a cell phone lot, a parking garage, and a redesigned terminal with modernized exteriors and a structured canopy. Accessibility is being improved with golf cart and wheelchair shuttles, while curb space is tripling to reduce congestion. The upgrades are designed to handle the airport’s rapid growth from 250,000 passengers in 1989 to nearly 2 million today. Meanwhile, Avelo Airlines is launching ILM’s first international flight to Punta Cana this December, as well as reviving service to West Palm Beach, FL.

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Experience a Day on the Rocks.

🗓️ Mark your calendars, we're hosting FOUR new outdoor climbing dates on beautiful Pilot Mountain!

A Day on the Rocks is tailored to meet climbers where they are and introduce them to the outdoor climbing community.

Learn the nuances of outdoor climbing etiquette while we get outside and touch some real rocks! No outdoor climbing experience is needed. We will provide all gear and handle all safety and setup.

Upcoming Dates:

📌 Saturday, October 11^th
📌 Sunday, October 12^th
📌 Saturday, December 13^th
📌 Sunday, December 14^th

Reservations cover one day, however, climbers are more than welcome to sign up for both days if desired!

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Wings Over Wrightsville Beach

Mark your calendars!

Wings Over Wrightsville Beach takes flight Thursday, October 2^nd from 5–6pm, sponsored by Wilmington International Airport & Monteith Construction! Join ILM for a FREE community air show as they celebrate a record year of growth at ILM.

Here’s what to expect:

- US National Anthem & flyover

- High-energy aerial performances by Rooster Schmidle, RJ Gritter Airshows & the Warbird Thunder Airshows

📍Enter between public access points 32 & 34. The show will be centered by lifeguard station 10.

Bring your beach chair or towel, settle in, and get ready for an unforgettable evening in the sky.

*Please note, this event is weather dependent. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be postponed/rescheduled for a later date.

News Roundup

Local News

Wilmington City Council narrowly approved another amendment to its public camping ordinance banning sleeping on city property overnight, but the measure requires a second vote on Oct. 7 before taking effect. WECT

Over 2,000 gallons of untreated sewage spilled into a Southport creek after a sewer line break, prompting a review by the N.C. Division of Water Resources. WECT

What You Should Know

A rooftop sniper attack on a Dallas ICE facility left one immigration detainee dead and two critically injured, with ammunition marked “ANTI-ICE” suggesting a politically motivated assault. BBC

Security officers shot and injured a gunman who opened fire at the main gate of Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, a site linked to Area 51. Daily Mail

What Might Surprise You

Former FBI Director James Comey is expected to be indicted in Virginia federal court within days, with charges likely tied to allegations he lied to Congress about authorizing a leak. CNBC

Today

Friday

Saturday

✅ Watch this PBS feature on the Impact of Hurricane Helene on Western NC