Delaware Has No Major Airport. BWI and PHL Are the Closest Bets.

Delaware is a small state, and its airport situation reflects that. While Wilmington Airport (ILG) offers limited commercial service, Delaware remains the only state in the country without an airport ranking among the top 100 busiest by domestic passenger volume, according to Bureau of Transportation Statistics data analyzed by Only In Your State.

That means most Delaware travelers have to head out of state to catch a flight—but the nearby options aren't bad. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) are both within a reasonable driving distance, and each has its own distinct ranking in the national data.

The Nearest Options and What They Cost

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) averaged $415.17 per domestic ticket in 2025, ranking 70th out of 100 airports nationally. That's $28.17 above the national average of $387—not ideal, but highly accessible for residents in northern and central Delaware via I-95 or SEPTA regional rail connections.

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is often the better deal for price-conscious travelers. BWI averaged $366.07 per ticket in 2025, ranking as the 32nd most affordable airport nationally—$20.93 below the national average. For Delaware travelers within reach of the I-95 corridor heading south, BWI's lower fares represent a meaningful savings opportunity.

The difference between PHL and BWI comes out to $49.10 per ticket. For a family of four taking just one round-trip vacation per year, that translates to nearly $200 in potential savings simply by choosing a different departure gate.

Beyond PHL and BWI: Secondary Regional Options

Depending on where you live in the First State, other regional airports may also be worth a look. Residents in southern Delaware and Sussex County often find Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY) in Maryland or Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) in New Jersey to be convenient alternatives for quick flights, even if route options are more limited compared to major hubs.

Additionally, Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN), across the Pennsylvania line, offers budget carrier options that occasionally rival BWI's lower fares. Factoring in smaller regional hubs gives Delaware residents surprisingly flexible choices despite lacking a major international hub inside state lines.

Planning for Delaware Travelers

Without a major airport of its own, Delaware travelers have to build airport selection into their trip planning process. The calculus typically comes down to driving time versus fare savings: PHL is closer for many Delaware residents but costs more; BWI requires a longer drive but consistently comes in below the national average.

This data reflects 2025 averages from the Department of Transportation, released in May 2026. Current fares at all airports may be higher due to a recent uptick driven by rising jet fuel costs. Knowing how to find the best available fares and booking ahead can help regardless of which airport you choose.

To get the most from your next departure, explore how to find the best available fares and unexpected ways to cut travel costs to help stretch your budget further once you've already got a head start.

To see how every major airport in the country compares—plus the full methodology behind the data—explore the complete U.S. Airport Cost Rankings for 2026.