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HomeAt BWI #BWI75: Celebrating 75 Years of Taking You There!

#BWI75: Celebrating 75 Years of Taking You There!

Welcome to our celebration of BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport’s 75th anniversary!

Logo celebrating the 75th anniversary of BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport

From our earliest days through today, our goal has been to help connect you with the destinations and people that matter to you.

Graphic includes a historical photo of BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport and text of Airport History In Photos

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Graphic includes a drawing of a band and text of Sounds of Maryland: Live At BWI

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Memorable Moments

Celebrating 75 Years!

1950

Friendship International Airport opens! A dedication ceremony including President Truman takes place on June 24, 1950.

Photo of front of the Friendship International Airport terminal building, circa early 1950s.
Photo of President Truman speaking at a dedication ceremony of Friendship International Airport, circa 1950.

1972

State of Maryland purchases the airport from the City of Baltimore for $36 million.

Aerial photo of the Friendship International Airport terminal building, circa early 1970s

1973

State officials rename the airport Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Airport to reflect the airport’s presence as an airport serving the National Capital Region.

Photo of a billboard noting the name change of Friendship to Baltimore Washington International Airport, circa 1973.

1980

The BWI Amtrak Rail Station opens. BWI becomes first airport in the U.S. to have a rail station on airport grounds.

Photo of a BWI Airport rail station shuttle in front of the station, circa 1980.

1989

Annual passenger traffic reaches 10 million passengers for the first time.

Aerial photo showing multiple Piedmont Airlines aircraft parked at gates at BWI Airport, circa late 1980s.

1993

Southwest Airlines debuts service on September 15.

Photo of passengers at a Southwest Airlines ticket counter at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, circa mid-1990s.

2005

The airport was renamed after the nation’s first African American Supreme Court Justice, and Baltimore native, Thurgood Marshall.

Photo of a bust of Thurgood Marshall displayed at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport.

2012

An array of solar panels is installed atop the airport’s Daily Garage.

Aerial photo of a solar panel array atop the BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport Daily Garage, circa 2012.

2018

Annual passenger traffic reaches 27.1 million, marking the fourth consecutive year of record passenger traffic.

Photo of a skywalk connecting the BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport Hourly Garage with the airport's terminal building

2021

Airports Council International-North American (ACI-NA) recognizes BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport as top North American airport in its size category in the 2020 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards.

Graphic showing the exit from the BWI Marshall Airport Departures Level roadway with award logo recognizing the airport as the ACI Best Airport In North America 2020.

2023

Airport is recognized by Cintas Corporation as winner of the 2023 America’s Best Restroom® contest.

Photo of Cintas and airport representatives during an event recognizing the airport as home of America's Best Restroom, circa 2023.

2024

2,667,660 passengers in July 2024, making it our busiest month ever for passenger traffic.

Photo of passengers walking past an art wall in Concourse D at BWI Marshall Airport.

2025

BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport turns 75 on June 24, 2025!

Logo celebrating the 75th anniversary of BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport
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