By Joe Ilardi – Digital Editor, Baltimore Business Journal

Jan 7, 2026

Major airport renovations, federally mandated flight cuts and an ever-shifting lineup of cities didn’t slow Baltimore-area travelers down in 2025.

Leisure travel and Southern cities continued to draw flyers from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport by the millions last year, according to data from Cirium, an aviation analytics company. Four Florida cities made the top 10 destinations out of BWI Airport in 2025, as did destinations in Georgia and North Carolina. Internationally, local travelers set their sights on the Caribbean last year, the data shows.

The BBJ has compiled the top 10 domestic and international destinations from BWI Airport below, ranked by the total number of flights in 2025.

BWI Airport’s top domestic destinations

1. Atlanta — 5,668
2. Orlando, Florida — 4,905
3. Boston — 3,878
4. Fort Lauderdale, Florida — 3,283
5. Charlotte, North Carolina — 3,134
6. Denver — 3,024
7. Tampa, Florida — 2,807
8. Chicago (O’Hare International Airport) — 2,677
9. Miami — 2,442
10. Detroit — 2,287

BWI Airport’s top international destinations

1. Cancun, Mexico — 980
2. Montego Bay, Jamaica — 700
3. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic — 689
4. Reykjavik, Iceland — 615
5. London-Heathrow, England — 340
6. Panama City, Panama — 209
7. Aruba — 134
8. Bermuda — 134
9. Nassau, Bahamas — 62
10. Guanacaste, Costa Rica — 53

Southwest Airlines, BWI Airport’s largest carrier, continued to dominate in 2025, accounting for roughly 74% of flights out of Baltimore. Southwest also had the top route of any airline at BWI, racking up 3,601 flights to Orlando this year, according to Cirium. That route is, not coincidentally, Southwest’s top revenue generator companywide. Delta Air Lines’ route to Atlanta was BWI Airport’s second most-traveled route of last year.

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December 30, 2025

Report Delivers Key Findings to Position Maryland as a Leader in
Advanced Air Mobility

The Maryland Advanced Air Mobility Council today announced the delivery of a report that
explores the emerging transportation technologies and opportunities for the state. The Council
developed a phased set of key recommendations to help Maryland policymakers and
transportation leaders to consider and to integrate Advanced Air Mobility systems into the state’s
overall transportation network.

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) refers to innovative technologies that use highly automated,
often electric or hybrid-electric aircraft to move people and cargo in ways that enhance the
existing transportation network. The systems are most-commonly associated with drones and
vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Fully tested and deployed AAM systems can
improve the movement of people, goods and services while creating new economic development
opportunities and quality of life enhancements.

In January 2025, Maryland Governor Wes Moore issued an Executive Order establishing the
Council to assess the state’s readiness and to develop strategic recommendations for integrating
new aviation technologies. The Council is comprised of 12 members, including transportation
leaders from across government and academia.

“Maryland’s Advanced Air Mobility plan positions the state to be a leader in securing the
statewide economic development, employment, and mobility benefits of these groundbreaking
new technologies,” said Council Chair, former Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of
Transportation and former Maryland Secretary of Transportation, John Porcari.

Throughout 2025, the Council met regularly, hosting a series of public meetings in locations
across the state. As part of its outreach with Maryland communities, the Council sought public
input to create strategies and recommendations. The report was developed with involvement
from local communities, private industry, academic institutions and government officials.

The Council determined that Maryland is an attractive market and offers key advantages for
AAM businesses and operators. The report helps prepare the state to embrace AAM technologies
and to become a national model for AAM readiness. According to the document, “the Council
has developed a phased roadmap of recommendations to help Maryland prepare for the
integration of AAM, offering near-term actions that build toward long-term success.”

The Council’s final report outlines policy considerations, key strategies and pathways for implementation to further develop AAM within the state.

“This report will help ensure Maryland is prepared for the full potential of the emerging Advanced Air Mobility systems,” said Shannetta Griffin, Executive Director/CEO of the Maryland Aviation Administration and member of the Council. “These technologies will transform air transportation and improve mobility for both urban and rural communities while creating highly skilled jobs and reducing emissions.”

As part of the undertaking, the Council report highlights societal, economic and environmental benefits of this emerging industry and offers recommendations centered on strengths and opportunities that exist within Maryland, including:

• the state’s geographic location on the Eastern Se existing aviation facilities and stakeholders;
• academic and research institutions;
• a world class aeromedical industry; and
• an educated and technically skilled workforce.

The report also identifies actions that the state can take in the near-term, mid-term and long-term, as a roadmap to help Maryland prepare for these new AAM technologies.

The Council’s recommendations complement the federal Advanced Air Mobility National Strategy developed by the congressionally directed Advanced Air Mobility Interagency Working Group. By focusing on key areas such as infrastructure, security, community engagement and workforce development, the report aligns closely with the proposed federal strategy. Together, they outline a clear and achievable path for deploying advanced air mobility in the state.

For more information about the Council or to view the report, visit the Maryland Advanced Air Mobility Council’s webpage.
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BWI’s new CEO talks about what’s in store for the airport’s future

By Morgan Simpson – Reporter , Baltimore Business Journal

Dec 4, 2025

Shannetta Griffin stepped into her new role as leader of the Maryland Aviation Administration at a time when BWI Airport is completing major capital projects — and has more on the horizon.

Griffin, the executive director and CEO of the MAA, took the state’s top aviation job in April after former CEO Ricky Smith left to lead Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. She oversees the state’s aviation activity, including Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, which sees around 27 million passengers travel through each year.

She started the job at a time of major improvements for the state’s busiest airport. A $135 million Southwest Airlines maintenance facility opened there this year, a $450 million A/B concourse connector project is nearing completion and the airport just re-upped a 20-year concessions contract with Fraport Baltimore Partnership, capping a years-long procurement process.

Griffin most recently served as the associate administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration under the Biden-Harris Administration. There, she oversaw national airport safety and standards, planning, engineering, federal compliance and financial assistance programs.

As BWI continues to grow, Griffin plans to make necessary updates to the aging airport, which turned 75 this year, and ensure it carries on its role as an economic engine for the area. She spoke with the Baltimore Business Journal about the work ahead. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

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