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.”
The Concourse A/B Connector and Baggage Handling System project 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 new in-line screening baggage handling system can process nearly 3,500 bags per hour – a significant increase over the previous 2,100 bags per hour. Planning for the project began in 2017, and construction officially kicked off in early 2022.
Southwest Airlines, the largest airline partner at BWI Marshall Airport, will utilize the new Concourse A/B Connector and Baggage Handling System. BWI Marshall Airport is one of the largest airports in the Southwest system, and the largest on the East Coast. The terminal enhancements offer Southwest Airlines added capacity to continue its growth at BWI. Southwest flew more than 18 million passengers at BWI Marshall in fiscal year 2025, with approximately 230 daily departures to 82 domestic and international destinations. The airline employs more than 5,000 employees in the BWI Marshall Airport market.
“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.”
Key elements of the Concourse A/B Connector and Baggage Handling System 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 utilizes seven Explosive Detection System machines, with planned space for one additional machine.
· Replacement of five existing, and the installation of one additional, baggage claim carousels. The new, modern equipment will improve baggage service and help meet future demand.
· New state-of-the-art restrooms with upgraded lighting and clean technology to match the award-winning 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.
“As a vital transportation hub for Maryland, it is essential that BWI and its infrastructure is up-to-date to keep passengers safe and flights on time. This modernization project will help deliver a better travel experience for all from door to gate,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen.
“BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport is an indispensable nexus of commerce, culture, and travel in our state, and this new A/B Terminal Connector will make a marked improvement in the travel experience for both Marylanders and all those who wish to visit our state,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “This project is a major step towards ensuring our state’s transit infrastructure is modernized, convenient, and able to handle the demands of a growing economy.”
“The Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport’s new A/B Terminal Connector is an exciting new investment here in the Third District that modernizes our airport and improves the traveler experience for Marylanders and visitors from around the globe,” said Congresswoman Sarah K. Elfreth.“The BWI airport has been a transit hub for 75 years, and I am thrilled to see this next phase of growth and connectivity.”
“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.”
