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BWI passenger and cargo volumes rebound; Maryland Aviation Administration defends FY26 requests
Summary
Maryland Aviation Administration officials told lawmakers BWI passenger and cargo traffic have rebounded to record levels and defended capital projects and a cybersecurity support position amid DLS scrutiny of FY26 budget changes.
Maryland Aviation Administration leaders told the House Appropriations Committee Transportation and Environment Subcommittee that BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport has recovered and exceeded pre‑pandemic passenger levels, and that MAA’s fiscal 2026 allowance rises about $14.2 million (6%), largely to restore cost containment measures from earlier budgets.
DLS presented the agency summary, noting passengers at BWI exceeded 2019 levels in 2024 and that the FY26 allowance totals about $322.2 million across operating and capital programs. DLS recommended denying funding for a new information‑technology support position and suggested reclassifying a vacant position instead; MAA disagreed and asked the committee to retain the position tied to cybersecurity responsibilities.
Ricky Smith, executive director of the Maryland Aviation Administration, said the agency supports major capital projects including the AB Connector and baggage‑handling system — the largest capital project in the airport’s history — with major components expected to be complete later this year. "As we like to say, we take — we'll take you there, but we invest here," Smith said, noting BWI contributed an estimated $11 billion in annual economic impact and supports thousands of jobs.
Smith and Deputy Secretary Samantha Biddle said the aviation system continues to recover passenger traffic; the MAA reported record monthly passenger counts in June and July 2024 and more than 27 million passengers in calendar 2024. Officials also highlighted cargo growth after Amazon established operations at BWI and noted a cargo tenant recently won a federal contract to handle mail.
Lawmakers asked about the MAA’s response to a March 2023 fiscal compliance audit of concessions. The agency said the board of public works approved a new concession agreement, that the previous audit identified contract language ambiguities on permissible marketing expenditures, and that the new contract provides clearer spending rules. The agency said vendors reimbursed funds deemed inappropriate and the MAA now requires annual expenditure plans and monthly oversight meetings.
On renewable energy, lawmakers asked about rooftop and property‑scale solar potential. The MAA said it has worked with MDOT on a systemwide plan for expanding solar and will provide the committee with more specific capacity and project details.
Labor and operational concerns also surfaced: Brian Goodman, president of ASME Local 174, testified the aviation workforce needs upgraded ground equipment and maintenance tools and urged investment to maintain safety and service.
Why it matters: BWI is a major economic engine for Maryland; its budget, capital projects and concession contracts affect passenger experience, cargo flows and local jobs. The committee and DLS will reconcile a recommended personnel deletion with the agency’s cybersecurity and operations case during the appropriations process.
