BWI Airport Has Busiest Month Ever With More Than 2M Passengers

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A new milestone at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport--the airport has its busiest month ever, with a record 2 million-plus passengers. The growth isn't just good for flyers, it brings a boost to the local economy.

Christie Ileto explains what's driving the increase.

The airport says more international flights and a strong economy have really helped boost passenger foot traffic, but customers say it's much more than that.

More passengers through its gates in one month means a new high for BWI Airport.

"I always make this my first choice," said Mike Malleo.

And so did more than 2.3 million other flyers in July--a nine percent increase in passenger traffic from last year means a new record.

"Our airline partners are offering more variety," said Ricky Smith, CEO, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport.

...Including more international flights. Travel from BWI to outside the U.S. has jumped more than 50 percent.

"More passengers will support more flight options for the public to the extent that we can offer more variety in flights. It's just good for the economy," said Scott.

Supporting almost 94,000 jobs, the airport generates more than $721 million in tax revenue a year.

"It's just easy, more convenient. Easy access. I get in, I get out," said Jackie Mims-Underwood.

More flyers means more options and a big boost to Maryland's bottom line.

The previous record was set in July 2012, with just over 2.2 million passengers in one month.

Last month, the airport announced it had set another milestone--annual passenger traffic grew to just under 23 million for 2015.