BWI sets annual passenger record

Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport set another annual passenger record in 2016.

The airport announced Tuesday that 25.12 million passengers traveled from the airport. That figure tops the previous record of 23.82 million set in 2015. Before that the previous record of 22.67 million passengers was set in 2012.

“New airlines and service to new domestic and international destinations have led to steady growth and new records,” airport CEO Ricky Smith said in a statement. “We continue to emphasize customer service, affordable airline fares, and an efficient travel experience for our passengers. The new passenger record is the highlight of an outstanding year.”

Every month last year, according to BWI, the airport set passenger records. The airport has set monthly passenger records for 18 straight months.

Much of the growth in passengers at BWI comes from international travel. The number of international travelers at the airport reached 1.23 million passengers last year. It’s the second consecutive year more than 1 million travelers have passed through the airport.

To facilitate the increase in international travel the airport opened a connection between Concourse D and Concourse E in November adding a security checkpoint and international departure gates.  The airport has also added a host of new concessions in the past year including Chick-fil-A, Pie Five Pizza Co. and a renovated Obrycki’s Restaurant and Bar.

Airliners also continued to add flights from BWI last year. Low-cost Iceland airline WOW air started year-round flights to Stockholm via Iceland in May. Southwest Airlines add six seasonal daily nonstop flights to cities, such as Orlando, Denver and Seattle-Tacoma. Spirit Airlines and Allegiant also added several flight from BWI.

According to a 2015 economic impact analysis of BWI, the most recent figures available, the airport supports 98,000 direct, induced and indirect jobs. It also creates $3.8 billion in personal income and $7 billion in business revenue.

“This record-setting growth reflects the importance of BWI Marshall Airport to the Baltimore-Washington region and our state,” Gov. Larry Hogan said in a statement.  “Our administration is committed to the continued success of BWI Marshall and its role as a vital transportation and economic development resource.”