FAA Expands Wilmington Airspace: Pilots, Take Note
Published Date: 4/17/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is expanding the controlled airspace around New Castle Airport in Wilmington, DE, by adding a small extension to help pilots flying with instruments. This change starts on July 9, 2026, and updates the airspace rules to keep things safe and clear. Pilots and airlines flying in this area will notice the new boundaries, but there’s no extra cost involved.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Wilmington Airspace Extended for IFR
If you are a pilot or work for an airline using New Castle Airport (Wilmington, DE), the FAA added a 2-mile-wide (1 mile each side of the 008° bearing), 0.2-mile-long arrival extension from the 4.2-mile radius to 4.4 miles north of the airport to support instrument flight rules (IFR). This change becomes effective 0901 UTC on July 9, 2026, and the rule states there is no extra cost involved.
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