By Morgan Simpson – Reporter , Baltimore Business Journal
Jan 6, 2026
After more than nine months as CEO of BWI Airport, Shannetta Griffin is getting off to a running start in 2026.
The top executive of the Maryland Aviation Administration, which oversees Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, is kicking off the new year by revealing the multi-year, $450 million A/B concourse connector project on Jan. 9. Griffin said more projects are on the way over the next few years, too.
Since taking over as executive director and CEO last April, Griffin has been busy learning more about the airport and its needs. Her top priorities now are improving infrastructure at the state’s largest airport while creating a sense of place for travelers flying through Baltimore.
“As we start to think about the future, we’ve got to find ways in which to improve upon the infrastructure that we have. That’s from the airfield into the terminal,” Griffin told the Baltimore Business Journal late last year. “We have modernization programs we’re looking at — moving walkways, elevators, escalators, all those types of things to improve the customer experience moving forward.”
BWI Airport’s new A/B concourse connector opens to all travelers this week, following years of construction. Dubbed the airport’s largest capital project in its history, the connector encompasses over 140,000 square feet, with 42,000 square feet of new concession space. The area includes five relocated gates, seating with outlets, temporary kiosks like Dunkin’ Express and state-of-the-art bathrooms already found in some other concourses. Though already geared up for travelers, the entire project is expected to fully wrap up in the summer.
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.
New Service is Operated by BermudAir, Complementing its Existing Service from BWI to Bermuda
Bermuda’s flagship airline BermudAir today introduced its innovative new sub-brand AnguillAir, debuting the greater Washington, DC area’s only nonstop service to Anguilla, one of the Caribbean’s most exquisite destinations. Known for its pristine beaches, boutique resorts, and exclusive atmosphere, Anguilla offers a natural complement to AnguillAir’s premium inflight experience.
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.
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.
By Morgan Simpson – Reporter , Baltimore Business Journal
Nov 26, 2025
Southwest Airlines continued to double down this year on BWI Airport as its East Coast hub, adding new flights to the schedule and wrapping up some major projects.
The largest airline carrier at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport added or announced at least ninenew flight routes from Baltimore and opened a multimillion-dollar maintenance facility in 2025. As the Dallas-based carrier builds on its Maryland presence, it’s also making major changes to its business model, including the planned elimination of open seating starting in 2026.
“We feel very confident they’ll continue to expand their growth here at BWI and then do some things certainly around the country, too, to start expanding and being able to work through this new business model,” Shannetta Griffin, the new executive director and CEO of the Maryland Aviation Administration, told the Baltimore Business Journal in October of Southwest’s evolution.
The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA), in partnership with the Maryland Historical Trust, will hold a historical marker unveiling ceremony to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
WHO:
MDOT and MAA leadership
State and local officials
Airport partners and community members
WHEN:
2-3 p.m., Thursday, November 6, 2025
WHERE:
BWI Observation Gallery – Between TSA Security Checkpoint C and American Airlines Check-in on the airport’s Departures Level – 7050 Friendship Rd, Baltimore, MD 21240.
WHY:
The ceremony will recognize critical airport and community partners and highlight the historical significance of the airport and its economic impact.
PARKING:
Please park in the hourly garage.
Media should park in the Hourly Garage or in the terminal surface lot behind the Hourly Garage, designated for news media.
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.
“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.”
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.
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.
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.”
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.
