$520M In Baltimore-Washington International Airport Improvements Unveiled

BALTIMORE, MD — A $520 million improvement project at Baltimore-Washington International Airport officially opened to passengers and airlines on Friday, according to Gov. Wes Moore's office.

Moore was at the airport on Thursday to mark the completion of the project, which includes a two-story building addition with 142,000 square feet of new construction and 78,000 square feet of renovations to existing space.

The project is the largest in the airport's history. Planning for it began in 2017, and construction officially kicked off in early 2022.

“We celebrate this project that will serve our passengers, support airline growth and continue driving economic development for our state,” Moore said in a statement. “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.”

Key elements of the project include:

• A direct connection between concourses A and B, speeding passenger movements.

• Five modernized, relocated airline gate areas featuring adjustable accent lighting, glass passenger boarding bridges, high-tech electrochromic glass for energy performance control, and comfortable new seating with integrated charging ports.

• A sophisticated new in-line baggage handling system for Southwest Airlines that increases processing speed, improves reliability and uses seven Explosive Detection System machines, with planned space for one additional machine.

• Replacement of five existing baggage claim carousels and the installation of one additional carousel.

• New restrooms with upgraded lighting and clean technology to match the facilities in other parts of the airport.

• 14,000 square feet of open market space for new food and retail concessions, with an additional 28,000 square feet of shell flex space for future concessions.

• Sustainability upgrades, including energy-efficient systems and environmentally responsible materials like glulam engineered wood beams that offer a lower carbon footprint than steel.

The improvements will benefit Southwest Airlines, the largest partner at BWI Airport, Moore's office said.

Southwest flew more than 18 million passengers at BWI in fiscal year 2025, with approximately 230 daily departures to 82 domestic and international destinations. The airline also employs more than 5,000 employees at BWI.

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