ILM again responds to public concerns about continued military air traffic

Wilmington International Airport (ILM) officials say their hands are tied as the public continues to voice concerns about the continued increase in military air traffic at the airport.

“We understand there have been some recent concerns from the surrounding community regarding the level of military activity at ILM and the subsequent noise levels,” according to a Thursday morning statement from airport officials who previously addressed the issue back in March.

ILM officials say they’re obligated to the federal government to let military aircraft use the airport, free of charge.

This is mainly due to ILM accepting federal funds and the Surplus Property Act of 1944. After World War II, the federal government gifted the airport, previously known as Bluethenthal Field, to New Hanover County, with the stipulation that all government aircraft would be allowed to use the airport.