Celebrating 75 Years of Taking You There!

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Celebrating 75 Years of Taking You There!

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

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

We have many events planned throughout the year to celebrate our 75th anniversary. Check back for updates as additional events draw closer.

Celebrate With Us

2nd Annual Summer Fest at the Benson-Hammond House: Celebrating BWI Marshall’s 75th Anniversary

Bring your family and celebrate with us at this free event on June 14.

Enjoy a day of:

Live Music
Food Vendors
Fun Activities for Kids
Local Crafters & Artisans
BWI Marshall 75th Anniversary Time-Capsule Submissions
Self-Guided Tours of the Historic Benson-Hammond House

For more information and to RSVP, visit our Eventbrite page.

Memorable Moments

Celebrating 75 Years!

1950

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

Photo of President Truman speaking at a dedication ceremony of Friendship International Airport, circa 1950.

1972

Friendship International Airport opens!

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.

1980

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

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.

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.