Governor Moore Celebrates Major Terminal Enhancement at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport

Published: 1/8/2026

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today opened Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport’s Concourse A/B Connector and Baggage Handling System project. Opening for passenger and airline use tomorrow, the $520 million improvement project marks a major milestone in the airport’s commitment to support future growth and elevate the passenger experience. It is the largest capital project in the history of BWI Marshall Airport.

“We celebrate this project that will serve our passengers, support airline growth, and continue driving economic development for our state,” said Gov. Moore. “By modernizing our airport, we’re showing the world that we are making this Maryland’s Decade and committed to providing an outstanding travel experience for residents, businesses, and visitors.”

“This added gate capacity ushers the opportunity to add more service and prioritizes the airport experience for our Customers using BWI Marshall Airport,” said Southwest Airlines Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson. “Southwest launched our first international flights from here more than a decade ago; more recently, we welcomed our first cross-country redeye arrivals and connected our first interline Customers traveling overseas through BWI. We’re delivering more in 2026 with added comfort and choice, including assigned seating. Our longstanding partnership with the Maryland Aviation Administration positions BWI as much at the Heart of our future as it has in the decades we’ve served as the airport’s largest carrier.”

“The opening of the A/B connector is a major milestone for BWI Marshall Airport and for Maryland’s future,” said Maryland Department of Transportation Acting Secretary Kathryn Thomson. “This project strengthens BWI’s role as one of Maryland’s key international gateways—supporting economic growth, innovation and global connectivity—while delivering a more efficient, convenient experience for passengers and meeting the evolving needs of our airline partners.

BWI Marshall Airport serves as a vital travel hub for Maryland and the National Capital region, connecting travelers to destinations around the globe. The airport 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 annually. The airport and visitors produce and support more than 107,000 jobs throughout Maryland and the region.

“This multi-year project is a major investment that will shape the future of the airport for years to come,” said Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Shannetta Griffin. “We are excited to welcome our customers into a brighter, more efficient and more modern terminal.”

Read the full announcement here

What were BWI Airport’s top destinations in 2025?

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.

Continue reading the article here

Faces to Watch 2026: As $450M BWI project debuts, CEO eyes more growth

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.

Read the full article here: https://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/2026/01/06/faces-to-watch-2026-bwi-ceo-shannetta-griffin.html

Maryland Advanced Air Mobility Council Releases Recommendations to Guide Next Generation of Aviation Innovation

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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AnguillAir Debuts Baltimore and DC’s Only Nonstop Flights to Anguilla

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.

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Ready for takeoff

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.

Shannetta Griffin
Shannetta Griffin at BWI Airport.

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.

Click here to read the full article

Southwest had a big year at BWI Airport with new routes, major projects

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.

This year, Southwest (NYSE: LUV) added nonstop, redeye service from Portland, Seattle and San Francisco, as well as three other California cities: Ontario, Long Beach and San Jose. Those additional flights came despite announcing a 1.5% reduction in the carrier’s flights nationwide in 2025. The airline also unveiled some new routes that will start in 2026: a direct flight to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands kicking off in February, daily service to Knoxville, Tennessee starting in March, and flights to the Caribbean island of St. Maarten launching in April.

Read more here.