The BWI represents more than half of the total cargo transported by the region’s airports
Passenger traffic at the airport continued its strong recovery in 2021, remains the busiest airport in the region
Annapolis, MD— Governor Larry Hogan today announced that Thurgood Marshall International Airport (BWI) in Baltimore/Washington set a new annual record for cargo operations in 2021, with more than 618.8 million pounds of cargo transported , an increase of 4% compared to 2020.
In 2021, BWI cargo operations accounted for more than 55% of total air cargo passing through the region’s three major commercial airports. July 2021 marked a record month for BWI freight shipments, with nearly 56.3 million pounds of freight. The increase in BWI freight volumes has been fueled by the growth of the e-commerce industry during the pandemic. The airport’s 200,000-square-foot Midfield Cargo Building H, which opened in 2019, has helped handle the surge in cargo.
“We are fortunate to be home to one of the most convenient, efficient and successful airports in the country, and our continued investment at BWI Marshall supports business development and job creation,” said the Governor Hogan. “As Maryland continues to lead the nation in economic recovery, our airport is meeting growing passenger demand and expanding business opportunities.”
Passenger traffic also rebounded in 2021, with air traffic at BWI reaching 18,868,429 passengers last year, a 68% increase over 2020. BWI remains the busiest airport in the Washington-Baltimore area . In June 2021, the Governor toured the new Concourse A expansion project, a $48 million improvement project that consisted of a 55,000 square foot extension and five doors to Concourse A – which included new airline waiting rooms and jet bridges – improved restrooms and three new food and retail concessions.
The BWI introduced new air services in 2021, including flights to other international and domestic markets. In 2022, passenger traffic is expected to increase as new international and domestic routes are added, including three newly announced new airlines – Avelo Airlines, Icelandair and PLAY Airlines – which will begin serving BWI later this year.
“Over the past few years, we have worked to increase cargo capacity at BWI Marshall Airport by attracting new airline services and building new facilities,” said Ricky Smith, Executive Director of BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. “The expansion of freight operations is having a positive impact on the local workforce and our regional economy.”
In 2022, several large-scale investment projects will support air service and improve the travel experience for BWI customers:
- The $425 million Concourse A/B Baggage Handling and Connector project will provide a sophisticated new in-line baggage handling system, as well as a new direct connection for passengers between Concourses A and B.
- The airport’s $55 million restroom improvement program will renovate six sets of restrooms in three concourses to improve the passenger experience.
- $135 million project will add first maintenance hangar for Southwest Airlines in mid-Atlantic or northeastern United States
BWI was honored last month with Voice of the Customer recognition from Airports Council International (ACI). Last year, the airport was named the best North American airport in its size category at the ACI ASQ Awards, which recognize airports worldwide for providing the best customer service, as measured by passengers. In June 2021, the BWI received STAR accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council for clean and safe public facilities.
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