Governor Moore Announces Second-Straight Record Month for BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport

Governor Wes Moore today announced that July 2024 marked the second consecutive month of record-breaking passenger traffic at Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Thurgood Marshall Airport. With a total of 2,667,660 passengers traveling through, July became the new busiest month in the history of the airport, surpassing the previous record set in June of this year.

Photo of passengers at the base of the walkway to Concourse B at BWI Marshall Airport.

“BWI Marshall Airport connects Maryland residents and businesses to the world,” said Gov. Moore. “This new milestone highlights Maryland’s growing position as a major attraction for travel, tourism and commerce.”

BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport is a key driver of economic activity and transportation for the state of Maryland. As the busiest airport in the National Capital region for passenger and cargo traffic, BWI Marshall airport provides nearly 300 daily nonstop departures to about 90 domestic and international destinations. The airport produces a total annual economic impact of $11.3 billion. BWI Marshall and its passengers generate, support and sustain more than 107,000 jobs throughout the region.

BWI Marshall Airport welcomed millions of travelers during the peak summer travel season. The new record in July represented 8.4% growth compared to the same period last year. The success underscores the airport’s important role in global travel and connectivity.

“The record-setting performance demonstrates a continued demand for air travel,” said BWI Marshall Airport Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Ricky Smith. “Our team works tirelessly to offer an efficient, positive travel experience. We thank our customers and partners for their continued support.”

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BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport’s Annual Business Networking Event Set for September 23rd

SynergyBWI to Connect Businesses with Airport Opportunities


Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport will host its 2024 SynergyBWI
conference at Live! Casino and Hotel in Hanover, Maryland on September 23. The free annual
business networking event will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will provide opportunities for
entrepreneurs and local businesses to connect with resources and procurement experts from BWI
Marshall and Martin State airports.


SynergyBWI is a venue for small, local, and minority businesses to acquire procurement
information with the goal of increasing their participation in the tremendous contracting
opportunities at BWI Marshall and Martin State. The event aims to bring together key
stakeholders, including local businesses, suppliers, contractors, airport leadership, and
procurement professionals.


“This annual event is a valuable resource for businesses working to expand their reach and
contribute to the growth of our airports,” said Ricky Smith, Executive Director/CEO of the
Maryland Aviation Administration. “SynergyBWI empowers local businesses and fosters
important opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration.”
This SynergyBWI event will provide a platform for businesses to learn about upcoming airport
projects, procurement processes, and specific contracting requirements.
Key highlights of SynergyBWI include:

  • Information sessions on securing business contracts, financing, bonding
    resources, and other topics.
  • An exhibitor hall where participants can meet with current airport contractors and
    explore new business opportunities.
  • Networking opportunities for attendees to interact with industry leaders,
    procurement officers, and fellow entrepreneurs.
  • Keynote speeches from state leaders, airport executives, and other experts about
    the latest trends and best practices in transportation procurement.
    Further information and full schedule are available on the event’s website—
    www.SynergyBWIairport.com.

August 13, 2024 – Governor Moore Announces Record-Breaking Passenger Traffic at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport

Governor Wes Moore today announced that Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport logged record-breaking passenger traffic in June 2024. According to Maryland Department of Transportation records, 2,603,847 commercial passengers flew through the airport, which represents a new all-time monthly passenger record and is an increase of 11 percent over June 2023. Fiscal Year 2024 also set a new record fiscal year for BWI Marshall Airport, with just over 27 million passengers.

Overhead photo showing passengers walking past the Delta Air Lines ticketing counters at BWI Marshall Airport.

“Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport’s continued success supports our efforts to make Maryland more competitive by boosting tourism, attracting businesses, spurring economic growth and creating jobs across our state,” said Gov. Moore. “This record-setting performance affirms our strength and our administration remains committed to enhancing convenient, efficient airport travel that will continue to position Maryland as a gateway to the nation and to the world.”

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. The airport offers about 300 daily nonstop departures to more than 80 domestic and international destinations, making it the busiest airport in the National Capital region.

“These new records reflect the strong demand for air travel, along with the resilience of the aviation industry,” said BWI Marshall Airport Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Ricky Smith. “Our airport has an expanding route network and growth in leisure and business travel.”

BWI Marshall has several major, high-profile capital projects underway that will add new services and amenities for passengers while providing important infrastructure to support airline partners. The work includes the Concourse A/B Connector and Baggage Handling System — the largest capital project in the airport’s history— which will provide a direct connection between Concourses A and B; a new, sophisticated baggage handling system; expanded seating areas at passenger gates; new restrooms; and added food and retail concessions space.

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2024 SynergyBWI Business and Networking Event

Join us for our SynergyBWI Business and Networking Event on September 23, 2024.

The 2024 SynergyBWI Business and Networking event provides an exciting venue for small and minority businesses to network and learn about business and contracting opportunities with BWI Marshall and Martin State Airports.

This year’s theme is Navigating New Horizons, Advancing Diversity, and Excelling in Business. We invite you to accelerate your business growth with knowledge gained from our expert presenters and seminars. Don’t miss an opportunity to learn, network, and grow your business. Register today and bring a colleague.

5 Reasons you should attend SynergyBWI:

  • Find out how to secure contracting opportunities in Food, Retail, Service Repair and Maintenance, Planning and Engineering for BWI Marshall and Martin State Airports
  • Get funding for your business, meet representatives from the Small Business Administration and learn about financing, bonding and other business resources
  • Learn how to get MBE Certified, and network with our airport leadership and procurement team
  • Meet airport prime contractors, exhibitors, and entrepreneurs who are doing business with both airports
  • It’s FREE! Join us for an evening of networking with the Airport Minority Advisory Council leadership (AMAC local chapter)

REGISTER HERE

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BWI Marshall Airport’s 8th Annual Summer Youth Initiative Friday July 22nd – 26th

BWI Marshall Airport’s 8th Annual Summer Youth Initiative week-long full of activities ended on Friday with 52 students attended this year from Baltimore City Recreation & Parks.

“Lifetime of Discoveries”

On Monday, the campers arrived at BWI Marshall Airport with Ricky Smith Executive Director/CEO providing welcoming remarks. The campers then boarded buses to the Field Maintenance area where they climbed on the heavy equipment and participated by riding along in the Conga Line of snow removal equipment. From there they enjoyed a tour of the Signature Flight hangar. Then on to the airport’s maintenance building to learn more about the airport’s environmental sustainability practices. Lastly the campers enjoyed boarding a Southwest Airlines plane.

On Tuesday, the campers had the opportunity to sit at Ricky Smith’s desk and make an executive decision. Then it was off to the Air Traffic Control Tower.

Followed by a behind the scene tour at AMAZON Air/KBWI cargo facility. The day ended with a trip to the airport’s Fire & Rescue Department.

Wednesday the campers spent the day at CCBC where they were able to fly sophisticated drones and test out their flying abilities with the College’s flight simulators. They learned about robotics, logistics and automotive maintenance. Lastly, they enjoyed a relaxing presentation in the College’s planetarium.

Thursday the campers spent the day at Tipton Airport with a presentation by the Aviation Flight School, Medstar pilots, Anne Arundel County Police, Civil Air Patrol, and G-force avionics.

To close out the week, Keiva Rodrigues, Chief Operating Officer at BWI Marshal Airport, presented the campers with a certificate of completion. The campers heard from US Customs & Federal Air Marshals including a K-9 dog demonstration, the FBI, TSA and airport security, and MDTA Police. The afternoon included a tour of Atlas Air Boing 747-400, learning more about engineering and construction followed by a fun closing ceremony with games, photo booth, and more in the airport’s Observation Gallery.

The BWI Business Partnership would like to thank the sponsors and airport partners for their support and contribution in making this an impactful and memorable experience for the campers.

Photos credit; Eric Stocklin Photography.