Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport set an annual record for cargo operations in 2021, transporting more than 618.8 million pounds of cargo.
This is a 4 percent increase compared to 2020 and more than 55 percent of the total air cargo flown through the region’s three major commercial airports. The increase has been attributed to the growth of e-commerce during the pandemic.
“In recent years, we’ve worked to grow cargo capacity at BWI Marshall Airport by attracting new airline service and building new facilities,” Ricky Smith, airport executive director, said. “The expansion in cargo operations is having a positive impact on the local workforce and our regional economy.”
The airport’s 200,000 square-foot Midfield Cargo Building H helps accommodate cargo increases.
Last year, the airport also saw passenger traffic increase 68 percent compared to 2020, reaching 18.9 million passengers.
Avelo Airlines, Icelandair, and PLAY Airlines will begin service at the airport later this year, and passenger traffic is expected to increase over 2021’s levels.
The $48 million Concourse A Extension project added 55,000 square feet and five gates to the concourse in 2021. Additional improvements are underway this year, including the $425 million Concourse A/B Connector and Baggage Handling Project.