Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
The busiest airport in the Baltimore–Washington region, serving as a major hub for domestic and select international flights.
Overview of the Airport
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is located about 9 miles south of downtown Baltimore and 32 miles northeast of Washington, D.C. It serves as a primary airport for the Baltimore–Washington metropolitan area, offering extensive domestic and limited international service.
39.1754, -76.6684
Growth Trend
Passenger traffic decreased by 4.0% year-over-year for FY 2025, following a record-setting FY 2024.[1]
Employment
10,000
Employees include airline staff, ground services, concessions, security, and airport operations personnel.
Global Ranking
Market Share of Major Airlines
Capacity Expansion
Ongoing terminal and concourse upgrades are designed to increase passenger and cargo handling capacity.
Technological Advancements
Deployment of biometric boarding and advanced baggage tracking systems enhances operational efficiency.
Sustainability Initiatives
BWI is expanding electric vehicle infrastructure and implementing energy-efficient building upgrades to reduce its carbon footprint.
General Stats
Comprehensive passenger capacity profiles and geographical insights.
View General Stats→Latest News & Updates
Recent developments and updates for Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Hundreds of flight delays, cancellations at BWI Airport due to severe storms in Maryland
More than 200 flights were delayed, and 165 were cancelled at Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall International (BWI) Airport on Monday as much of Maryland experienced severe storms, according to FlightAware.
Ground stop at BWI-Marshall lifted following severe weather
A ground stop at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport was lifted Monday afternoon following severe storms in the area.According to the F
Ground stop at BWI, DC-area airports lifted after 'strong chemical smell' halted operations
Baltimore/Washington International Airport and both D.C.-area airports were shut down for hours Friday by a ground stop that was ordered after a "strong chemical smell" at a Federal Aviation Administration facility in Virginia impacted operations.
Operations Logistics & Timelines
Step-by-step process transit times for passengers and cargo.
For Clients
Passenger process times from arrival to gate.
- Arrival & Baggage Claim10-20 mins
- Check-in/Bag Drop15-45 mins
- Security Screening20-60 mins
- Gate Proceeding5-15 mins
- Boarding15-30 mins
For Employees
Cargo handling deadlines and operational procedures.
- General Cargo Cut-off60 mins pre-departure
- Manifest SubmissionAs early as possible, typically 60 mins pre-departure
- Baggage SortingUpon arrival, baggage is sorted automatically
- UpliftUplift arrangements are made for cargo delivery
- Security ScreeningCargo undergoes security screening procedures
- Customs ClearanceCargo clears customs regulations
- LoadingCargo is loaded onto the aircraft
Passengers' Tips & Tricks
- 1
Arrive Early
Allow extra time to navigate security and potential delays, especially during peak travel seasons. BWI can get busy.
- 2
Utilize the MTA Purple Line
Take advantage of the Metro's Purple Line for a fast and convenient connection to downtown Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
- 3
Explore Crab Cake Options
BWI is renowned for its proximity to delicious crab cakes. Several restaurants offer fresh seafood options right in the airport.
- 4
Check for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
Enroll in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to expedite your security screening process and save time.
- 5
Familiarize Yourself with Terminal Layouts
BWI has multiple terminals. Before your flight, check the airport map to locate your departure gate and amenities efficiently.
Cargo Tips & Tricks
- 1
Book in Advance
Air freight capacity at BWI can fluctuate significantly based on seasonal demand and airline schedules. Booking your shipments well in advance ensures you secure space and potentially negotiate better rates.
- 2
Utilize the Swissport Warehouse
Swissport operates a modern air cargo warehouse at BWI, offering efficient handling and storage solutions for your freight shipments. Leveraging their services streamlines the process and reduces potential delays.
- 3
Strategic Location Advantage
BWI's location provides excellent connectivity to the Baltimore-Washington region, facilitating efficient distribution throughout the Mid-Atlantic corridor and beyond. Consider this when planning your shipping routes.
- 4
Coordinate with United Cargo Stations
United Cargo maintains station information and capabilities at BWI. Coordinating your shipments through their network can provide valuable support for customs clearance, documentation, and other operational needs.
- 5
Confirm Carrier Schedules Regularly
With 18 carriers servicing BWI, it’s crucial to regularly verify flight schedules and cargo availability with your chosen carrier to avoid disruptions and ensure timely delivery.
Tools & Resources
Essential tools, portals, and resources for clients and partners.
Data & Reports
Official statistics, research reports, and data tracking for Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Wikipedia - Baltimore/Washington International Airport
Provides general information about BWI Airport, including its location, IATA/ICAO codes, and historical context.
Statistics - BWI Airport
Offers passenger and cargo traffic reports from BWI Marshall Airport.
BWI Marshall Airport Facts & Figures
Provides statistics about flight operations at BWI Marshall Airport.
BWI Marshall Airport - BWI Business Partnership
Details popular flight destinations from BWI Marshall Airport, sourced from Bureau of Transportation Statistics data.
BWI Airport - Statistics
FAA statistics page providing a range of data including aircraft movements and passenger totals.
Location & Maps
Find Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport on popular mapping services.
Interactive Map
Map Legend
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Recommendations
Policy Alignment
Collaborate with federal and state agencies to secure infrastructure funding and support regional transportation integration.
Infrastructure Investment
Accelerate modernization of terminals, airfield, and ground transportation facilities to meet future demand.
Sustainability Focus
Expand adoption of renewable energy and sustainable aviation fuels to achieve environmental compliance and reduce emissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common inquiries about operations and logistics at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
What luggage storage options are available at BWI Airport?
There are no lockers at BWI Marshall Airport for luggage storage. All airport baggage storage has been suspended by order of the Transportation Security Administration.
How can I get to and from BWI Airport?
You have several transportation options to and from BWI Airport, including public transportation (light rail and bus), app-based ride services (Uber and Lyft), and taxi services.
What is the total number of airlines operating out of BWI Airport?
As of [Date - check BWI Airport website for current number], there are 36 airlines operating out of BWI Airport, including commuter, charter, and cargo airlines.
How has air cargo traffic at BWI Airport changed since 1994?
Since 1994, freight on cargo aircraft has grown 64%, while freight on passenger aircraft has remained relatively stable. BWI Airport handles a significant volume of air cargo.
For More Info
Third-party resources, government portals, ratings, and more.
