Baltimore, December 23, 2025
BWI Airport is experiencing major developments in 2025, including the departure of PLAY airlines and the introduction of new routes by Southwest and Frontier Airlines. As part of a $425 million expansion project, BWI is upgrading its facilities to enhance passenger experience. With record growth in passenger numbers and increased connectivity, the airport solidifies its position as a vital hub for travel in the region.
Baltimore, MD – BWI Airport’s 2025 Developments: Departing Carriers, New Routes, and Upcoming Expansion
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is undergoing significant changes in 2025, including the departure of certain carriers, the introduction of new routes, and the nearing completion of a major expansion project.
Departing Carriers
PLAY, a low-cost airline based in Reykjavik, Iceland, announced in June 2025 that it will cease all North American flights, including service to BWI, starting in October 2025. This decision follows a company takeover by two of its largest shareholders and a strategic shift towards increasing flights from Iceland to “sunny destinations.” PLAY began service to BWI in 2022.
New Routes
Several airlines have expanded their offerings at BWI in 2025:
- Southwest Airlines introduced new nonstop services to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Knoxville, Tennessee, in recent months. Additionally, Southwest announced plans to add weekend flights to St. Maarten starting in April 2026.
- Frontier Airlines launched four new routes to Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport; and Cancun, Mexico, all starting in November 2025. A fourth new route connecting BWI to New Orleans is set to begin in February 2026.
- BermudAir, Bermuda’s flagship airline, commenced service between BWI and Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport in March 2024, offering three weekly round-trip flights.
Expansion Project
BWI is nearing completion of its largest capital project to date: the A/B Connector and Baggage Handling System Upgrade. This $425 million initiative aims to enhance passenger experience by adding a direct connection between concourses, expanding airline holdrooms, creating new food and retail spaces, and introducing a new, fully in-line baggage handling system for Southwest Airlines. A substantial portion of the work is expected to be completed by late 2025.
Background
BWI has experienced significant growth in recent years, setting a new fiscal year record with 27 million passengers in FY24. The airport offers nearly 300 daily nonstop departures to about 90 domestic and international destinations, generating and supporting more than 107,000 jobs throughout the region.
Conclusion
The developments at BWI Airport signal a dynamic shift in Baltimore’s transportation landscape. With the loss of PLAY and the expansion of Southwest and Frontier, Baltimore’s connectivity continues to improve, reinforcing the city’s status as a key travel hub. The ongoing expansion project promises to enhance passenger experiences, thereby positioning BWI favorably in the competitive aviation landscape. As Baltimore MD embraces these changes, supporting local businesses and remaining engaged with the community will help drive continued economic growth in the region.
FAQ
- What is the A/B Connector and Baggage Handling System Upgrade at BWI?
- The A/B Connector and Baggage Handling System Upgrade is a $425 million project at BWI aimed at enhancing passenger experience by adding a direct connection between concourses, expanding airline holdrooms, creating new food and retail spaces, and introducing a new, fully in-line baggage handling system for Southwest Airlines. A substantial portion of the work is expected to be completed by late 2025.
- Which airlines have introduced new routes at BWI in 2025?
- In 2025, Southwest Airlines introduced new nonstop services to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Knoxville, Tennessee, and announced plans to add weekend flights to St. Maarten starting in April 2026. Frontier Airlines launched four new routes to Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport; and Cancun, Mexico, all starting in November 2025, with a fourth new route connecting BWI to New Orleans set to begin in February 2026. BermudAir commenced service between BWI and Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport in March 2024, offering three weekly round-trip flights.
- Which carrier is ceasing service at BWI in 2025?
- PLAY, a low-cost airline based in Reykjavik, Iceland, announced in June 2025 that it will cease all North American flights, including service to BWI, starting in October 2025. This decision follows a company takeover by two of its largest shareholders and a strategic shift towards increasing flights from Iceland to “sunny destinations.” PLAY began service to BWI in 2022.
| Key Features of BWI’s 2025 Developments | |
|---|---|
| Departing Carrier | PLAY ceases all North American flights, including service to BWI, starting in October 2025. |
| New Routes | Southwest Airlines introduces new nonstop services to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Knoxville, Tennessee, and plans weekend flights to St. Maarten starting in April 2026. Frontier Airlines launches four new routes to Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport; and Cancun, Mexico, all starting in November 2025, with a fourth new route connecting BWI to New Orleans set to begin in February 2026. BermudAir commences service between BWI and Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport in March 2024, offering three weekly round-trip flights. |
| Expansion Project | BWI is nearing completion of its largest capital project to date: the A/B Connector and Baggage Handling System Upgrade. This $425 million initiative aims to enhance passenger experience by adding a direct connection between concourses, expanding airline holdrooms, creating new food and retail spaces, and introducing a new, fully in-line baggage handling system for Southwest Airlines. A substantial portion of the work is expected to be completed by late 2025. |
| Background | BWI has experienced significant growth in recent years, setting a new fiscal year record with 27 million passengers in FY24. The airport offers nearly 300 daily nonstop departures to about 90 domestic and international destinations, generating and supporting more than 107,000 jobs throughout the region. |
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