Where is bwi airport

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is located in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, approximately 10 miles south of downtown Baltimore and 32 miles northeast of Washington, D.C. The airport serves as a major hub for Southwest Airlines and handled over 27 million passengers in 2023, making it the busiest airport in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area.

Key Facts

BWI Airport is located at 1 Aviation Way, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
The airport covers 3,160 acres (1,279 hectares) of land
BWI handled 27,145,831 passengers in 2023
Southwest Airlines operates approximately 70% of BWI's passenger traffic
The airport has 5 concourses (A, B, C, D, and E) with 97 total gates

Overview

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) serves as a critical transportation hub for the Mid-Atlantic region, connecting Maryland's largest city with the nation's capital. Originally opened in 1950 as Friendship International Airport, the facility was renamed in 1973 to reflect its dual service to both Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The airport received its current name in 2005 to honor Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice who was born in Baltimore.

BWI has evolved from a regional airport into one of the busiest in the United States, ranking among the top 25 airports nationwide by passenger volume. The airport's strategic location between two major metropolitan areas has driven its growth, with extensive transportation connections including Amtrak and MARC train service directly to the terminal. Today, BWI serves as a major economic engine for Maryland, supporting thousands of jobs and generating billions in economic activity annually.

How It Works

BWI Airport operates as a comprehensive aviation facility with multiple transportation systems and passenger services.

Terminal Layout: The airport features a single passenger terminal building with 5 concourses (A, B, C, D, and E) containing 97 total gates. Concourses A and B primarily serve Southwest Airlines, while Concourse C handles international arrivals and other carriers. The terminal spans over 1.1 million square feet and includes 30 security checkpoint lanes for efficient passenger screening.
Airlines and Destinations: BWI serves as a focus city for Southwest Airlines, which operates approximately 70% of the airport's passenger traffic. Other major carriers include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. The airport offers nonstop service to over 90 domestic destinations and 15 international locations across Europe, the Caribbean, and Central America.
Ground Transportation: The airport features extensive ground transportation options including the BWI Rail Station, which provides Amtrak and MARC commuter rail service directly connected to the terminal via pedestrian bridge. The airport also offers 24,000 parking spaces across multiple lots, rental car facilities with 10 major companies, and public bus connections to Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
Cargo Operations: BWI handles significant cargo traffic with over 200,000 tons of freight annually. The airport's cargo facilities include a 75,000-square-foot Federal Inspection Station for international shipments and dedicated areas for express carriers like FedEx and UPS. Cargo operations contribute substantially to the airport's economic impact on the region.

Key Comparisons

Feature	BWI Airport	Washington Dulles (IAD)
Distance to Washington, D.C.	32 miles (51 km)	26 miles (42 km)
2023 Passenger Volume	27.1 million	25.1 million
Primary Hub Carrier	Southwest Airlines	United Airlines
International Destinations	15+	50+
Rail Connection	Direct Amtrak/MARC station	Requires people mover to Metro

Why It Matters

Economic Impact: BWI generates approximately $9.3 billion in annual economic activity for Maryland and supports over 100,000 jobs directly and indirectly. The airport contributes significantly to state and local tax revenues while serving as a critical gateway for business travel and tourism in the region.
Regional Connectivity: As the busiest airport in Maryland, BWI provides essential air service to a metropolitan area of over 9 million people. The airport's location between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. creates competitive fare environments and increases transportation options for residents of both cities and surrounding suburbs.
Infrastructure Development: BWI has undergone $2.5 billion in capital improvements since 2000, including terminal expansions, runway enhancements, and security upgrades. These investments ensure the airport meets growing demand while maintaining high safety and efficiency standards for the millions of passengers it serves annually.

Looking forward, BWI Airport continues to adapt to changing aviation trends with planned expansions and sustainability initiatives. The airport's strategic location and ongoing infrastructure investments position it for continued growth as a vital transportation hub connecting the Mid-Atlantic region to domestic and international markets. With projected passenger increases and evolving airline partnerships, BWI remains committed to enhancing the travel experience while supporting economic development throughout Maryland and the greater Washington-Baltimore corridor.