BWI passenger traffic exceeds pre‑pandemic levels; MAA advances large capital projects and seeks cybersecurity staff

BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport has recovered and exceeded pre‑pandemic passenger volumes, the Maryland Aviation Administration told the House Appropriations Committee Transportation and the Environment Subcommittee, and the agency is advancing its largest-ever capital projects while seeking to add cybersecurity staff and pursue solar and community investments.

Passenger and financial snapshot: The Department of Legislative Services reported the MAA fiscal 2026 allowance increases by $14.2 million (6%). The analyst said passenger counts at BWI have recovered and in calendar 2024 BWI recorded more than 27 million total passengers; the cost‑per‑emplaned‑passenger (CPE) metric improved in 2024 versus 2023. The MAA is largely self‑supported by airport revenues and the DLS analysis shows the authority forecasted net income after capital of roughly $22.3 million for FY26.

Capital projects and concessions: MAA executive director Ricky Smith said the AB Connector and baggage‑handling system is the largest capital project in the airport’s history, with major components expected to be complete late this year. The Board of Public Works approved the airport’s major concessions contract shortly before the hearing, DLS noted; the administration said the new 23‑year concession program will refresh and modernize the terminal food, retail and other passenger services. Smith said the new concession language tightens prior ambiguities flagged in a 2023 fiscal compliance audit and that vendors have reimbursed inappropriate charges identified in the audit.

Security and staffing: DLS recommended denying funding for one new operating IT position and suggested reclassification of a vacant pin instead; MAA requested the new position, citing cybersecurity responsibilities. Executive Director Smith said MAA has a 5.4% vacancy rate (about 27 positions) and that the requested IT position will support the administration’s cyber‑security efforts: “security of the nation's critical infrastructure requires focus on both physical security as well as cybersecurity of the state's transportation assets,” Smith said.

Renewables, cargo and workforce needs: Committee members asked MAA about expanding solar at BWI and Martin State; the administration said it is coordinating with MDOT on a systemwide approach to solar and will provide a departmental plan soon. Officials also said cargo volumes have set records after major tenants such as Amazon located operations at BWI; one airport tenant recently won a federal mail contract, boosting cargo activity. Separately, a union representative from ASME Local 174 told the panel that MDOT aviation workers need equipment upgrades and urged directed investments to support safety and service operations.

Ending: Lawmakers asked for follow‑up data on cargo tonnage and community enhancement funding flows and pressed MAA to provide the department’s solar plan and additional detail on cybersecurity staffing and concessions oversight prior to final budget action.