Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) boasts a rich history.
This intertwined with the growth of post-war air travel and the evolving needs of the Baltimore-Washington region.
Originally conceived as a joint venture between the two cities, the airport has undergone several name changes and substantial expansions to become the major transportation hub it is today.
Friendship Takes Flight (1940s-1970s)
The seeds of BWI were sown in the aftermath of World War II.
Recognizing the burgeoning air travel industry, officials from Baltimore and Washington began planning a new airport to serve the combined metropolitan area.
Much of the land for the project was acquired from the Friendship Methodist Church in 1946.
Furthermore, this lead to the airport’s first name: Friendship International Airport.
Construction commenced in 1947, and on June 24th, 1950, President Harry S. Truman himself dedicated the brand new airport.
Designed to be state-of-the-the-art, Friendship boasted a single terminal and offered service on major carriers like Eastern, Capital, and American Airlines.
Furthermore, the following decades witnessed steady growth at Friendship.
By 1957, the number of weekday departures had reached 52, connecting passengers across the continent.
The airport also saw its first expansion in the late 1960s.
This was through the addition of new concourses to accommodate the increasing number of flights.
However, by the early 1970s, it became clear that Friendship, designed for a bygone era of air travel, needed a change.
Furthermore, the State of Maryland purchased the airport from Baltimore in 1972.
In 1973, a crucial decision was made: renaming the airport Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) to better reflect its regional role.
A Gateway to the World (1970s-2000s)
The 1970s marked a period of significant transformation for BWI.
Recognizing the importance of convenient rail access for passengers, the BWI Rail Station opened its doors in 1980.
BWI became the first major airport in the US to boast such a connection.
Moreover, this didn’t just only enhance BWI’s appeal for business travelers.
It also solidified its position as a vital transportation hub for the entire Northeast Corridor.
Furthermore, throughout the 1980s and 1990s, BWI continued to expand.
This was driven by the growth of airlines like Piedmont, which established a major hub operation at the airport.
New terminals, parking garages, and concourses were built to accommodate the increasing passenger traffic.
In 1997, a major milestone was reached with the opening of the Governor William Donald Schaefer International Terminal.
Furthermore, this expansion project not only increased capacity but also showcased BWI’s commitment to modern amenities and a pleasant passenger experience.
Honoring a Legacy: The Thurgood Marshall Era (2000s-Present)
In a move that resonated both locally and nationally, BWI underwent its final name change in 2005.
To honor the life and achievements of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, a Baltimore native who championed civil rights, the airport became Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI Marshall).
The 21st century has seen BWI Marshall continue to evolve.
Additionally, BWI Marshall has expanded its international reach, offering direct flights to destinations across the globe.
Today, BWI Marshall stands as a testament to the vision of those who first envisioned a shared airport for Baltimore and Washington.
From its humble beginnings as Friendship International to its current status as a major transportation hub bearing the name of a civil rights icon, BWI Marshall’s history reflects the ever-changing world of aviation and its role in connecting people and places.
In conclusion, as the airport continues to grow and adapt, it undoubtedly has many more chapters to add to its rich and dynamic story.
Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly newsleter.
Click the photo to join our WhatsApp channel so then you can stay up to date with everything going on in the aviation industry!
 boasts a rich history.){kind=link}