Maryland Transportation Leaders Break Ground for New Air Traffic Control Tower at Martin State Airport

Major Improvement to Replace Aging Infrastructure, Enhance Safety and Efficiency

July 7, 2025– Martin State Airport today celebrated the groundbreaking of its new, state-of-the-art air traffic control tower – a significant milestone that will improve safety, modernize the airport and fuel economic growth in Maryland. The new facility will replace the airport’s existing tower, which was built in 1942 and is among the oldest active air traffic control towers in the country. The groundbreaking for the new tower was attended by Maryland transportation and aviation leaders, federal and state elected officials and Maryland Air National Guard leadership.

Photo of 11 individuals participating in a groundbreaking ceremony for a new air traffic control tower at Martin State Airport.

“The new air traffic control tower at Martin State Airport is a great accomplishment for the Maryland Aviation Administration in further improving the safety of our skies, keeping our system in working order and uplifting the state’s economy,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “Thanks to Governor Moore’s budget, additional transportation revenues from the General Assembly and federal funding support, this new facility will be a beautiful architectural landmark that will take the airport’s business to new heights.”

Rendering of a future air traffic control tower to be built at Martin State Airport

The new tower is designed to improve visibility and accommodate personnel alongside modern air traffic management technologies. With improved functionality and a larger facility, the $22.2 million project will bolster safety and efficiency for both air traffic controllers and pilots. The air traffic control tower project is funded by the Maryland Transportation Trust Fund and Federal Aviation Administration grants.

“Our local airports boost regional commerce and drive our state’s economy. That’s why we worked to deliver federal funding to support this new air traffic control tower, which will help ensure Martin State Airport can continue to deliver safe and efficient service while spurring greater opportunity for the Airport and local businesses,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen.

“Martin State Airport is a key economic engine for the Second District and the State of Maryland as well as the long-time home of Maryland’s Air National Guard and supports our local police aviation units,” said Congressman Johnny Olszewski. “In order for it to continue supporting quality jobs, we must ensure it’s equipped with the latest technology and meets modern safety and efficiency standards. I am proud to support the federal investment needed to keep Martin State thriving.”

“This new tower will improve safety, efficiency and the overall customer experience at Martin State, a historic airport and critical aviation asset for Maryland,” said Shannetta Griffin, Executive Director and CEO of the Maryland Aviation Administration. “This project will provide air traffic controllers with the facility they need to ensure safe and efficient operations in the coming decades. I thank state and federal partners for supporting our vibrant general aviation sector.”

The State of Maryland is leading efforts to improve Martin State Airport’s infrastructure to enhance safety, efficiency and sustainability. Construction of the new tower will take about 14 months. Last year, the Runway 15-33 Rehabilitation Project completely repaved and upgraded the airport’s runway with new airfield lighting and signage.

Martin State Airport is a public use airport located about 10 miles northeast of downtown Baltimore. The airport serves general aviation, including corporate, private, law enforcement and military aircraft, along with flight schools and other aviation-related services. Martin State creates and supports about 2,300 jobs throughout the region.

AnguillAir will launch new service between BWI Marshall Airport and Anguilla, starting in December 2025.

Bermuda’s Airline Extends Island Hospitality to the Caribbean with Winter Flights from Boston and Baltimore 

 BermudAir today announced the launch of AnguillAir, a groundbreaking new brand and the airline’s first major expansion beyond Bermuda to Anguilla, a sister British Overseas Territory. 

With flights to Anguilla from Boston and Baltimore beginning this December, AnguillAir signals a powerful new era in Caribbean connectivity—one driven by BermudAir’s signature island hospitality and its vision to link island communities in meaningful and lasting ways. 

Launching December 19, 2025, BermudAir will offer flights from Boston and Baltimore, directly to Anguilla—its first scheduled destination outside of Bermuda, and a first for the airline’s growing footprint in the Caribbean region. 

Read the full article here.

 

BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport Celebrates 75 Years of Taking You There

International Gateway Marks Milestone of Connecting Communities and Powering Regional Growth

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is proud to celebrate its 75th anniversary this year. For decades, the airport has helped shape the growth of Maryland and the National Capital region, supporting tourism and trade. Since 1950, BWI Marshall Airport has grown into a dynamic international gateway, serving millions of annual passengers and connecting people, businesses and cultures.

“BWI Marshall Airport is one of Maryland’s greatest economic engines, serving more than 27 million travelers in 2024 and leading the way with tourism, job creation and expanded business opportunities for our region,” said Governor Wes Moore. “I join Marylanders and visitors alike in celebrating the airport’s 75 years of service and look forward to the new heights BWI Marshall will exceed in the years to come.”

Photo of President Harry S. Truman speaking during a dedication event at Friendship International Airport on June 24, 1950

Originally named Friendship International Airport due to the local Friendship Methodist Church and surrounding community, President Harry S. Truman officially dedicated the airport on June 24, 1950, saying it, “exemplifies the spirit of growth and confidence with which our country faces the future.”

“Over the years, BWI Marshall Airport has grown into a critical part of Maryland’s transportation network, connecting families and businesses to life’s opportunities, and has become an economic powerhouse in growing the state’s economy,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “This diamond anniversary is a moment for us to celebrate the airport’s past and look forward to its future.”

“This anniversary reflects the community we serve and is a testament to the dedication, hard work and vision of the employees that helped create our history,” said Shannetta Griffin, Executive Director/CEO of BWI Marshall Airport. “For decades, this airport has served a vital role in linking local communities to the globe while fostering economic growth.”

To commemorate the anniversary, BWI Marshall Airport and partners will host a series of events throughout the year to celebrate with the local community along with travelers, staff and other stakeholders, both present and past, that have contributed to the airport’s enduring success. Further details about the airport’s 75th anniversary and events to celebrate the milestone are available on the BWI Marshall Airport website.

On Saturday, June 14 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., BWI Marshall Airport and the Ann Arrundell County Historical Society are hosting Summer Fest at the Benson-Hammond House, which is the last standing farmhouse on the land that became the airport. The Benson-Hammond House also served as the first office site during the construction of Friendship International Airport. Local residents and families are invited to celebrate the BWI Marshall 75th anniversary with live music, food vendors, crafts and other activities. Individuals may submit airport memories for a time capsule to mark the anniversary.

On June 24, BWI Marshall Airport will recognize the 75th anniversary with passengers. Party celebrations will be held at several airline gates on that date.

Throughout June, BWI Marshall Airport is partnering with the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County and Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County to feature live performances from local musicians. The concert series will be presented on the upper level of the airport, near the B security checkpoint.

BWI Marshall Airport is a leading aviation hub serving Maryland and the National Capital Region. The airport served more than 27 million passengers in 2024 and offers approximately 300 daily nonstop departures to about 90 domestic and international destinations. BWI Marshall Airport generates a total economic impact of $11.3 billion. The airport and visitors produce and support more than 107,000 jobs throughout Maryland and the region.

Summer Fest at the Benson-Hammond House: BWI Marshall’s 75th Anniversary

Saturday, June 14th 2025

10:00am – 3:00pm

Benson-Hammond House, 7101 Aviation Blvd, Linthicum Heights, MD 21061

BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport’s 75th Anniversary is approaching on June 24th, but we are starting the party early!

Help us celebrate 75 years of air service at the historic Benson-Hammond House, which is the last standing farmhouse on the land that became our grounds. The Benson-Hammond House also served as the first office site during the construction of what was then known as Friendship International Airport. Join us June 14th for food, music, crafts, historic tours, and family fun—plus a chance to add to our 75th Anniversary time capsule. Open to community members, current and former airport employees, and airport supporters.

Register to attend

BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport Joins the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

Airport Offers Free Lanyards to Support Individuals with Non-Visible Disabilities

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport today launched its participation in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network, a global initiative that offers support and assistance for travelers with non-visible disabilities. The program aims to enhance accessibility for passengers with unique needs who may require assistance or additional time in their travels.

Starting today, travelers passing through BWI Marshall Airport can obtain a free sunflower lanyard, which offers a discreet way to let airport and airline employees know about a disability, chronic illness, or other condition that may not be immediately apparent. The lanyards are available at information desks throughout the airport terminal. By wearing a sunflower lanyard, passengers may signal that they could need a helping hand, understanding, or some other form of assistance.

“We are working to empower our customers with non-visible disabilities to travel with the assurance that they will receive the understanding and support they may need,” said Shannetta Griffin, Executive Director/CEO of BWI Marshall Airport. “Airport personnel are receiving training to have a thorough understanding of what non-visible disabilities are and how to support our passengers wearing the sunflower lanyard.”

There are hundreds of hidden disabilities. from learning difficulties, chronic, or mental health conditions, to mobility, speech, hearing, or visual impairments. The experiences and daily challenges for those with hidden disabilities are unique to each individual and can significantly impair the normal activities of daily living. These challenges include travel, navigating airports, and the aviation security process.

BWI Marshall Airport joins a growing number of global airports and major transportation services in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. The airport is affirming its commitment to make travel accessible for all. Employees, including airline, security, and concessions personnel will receive specialized training to provide understanding and assistance to those passengers wearing sunflower lanyards.