BWI Holiday Travel: New Runway and Airline Near Arbutus
1 November 2026
BWI Marshall, just minutes from Arbutus, reopened its longest runway on October 15, 2026 after a full rebuild, and Breeze Airways began flying from BWI this fall. If you're flying home for Thanksgiving or the holidays, here's what changed at our hometown airport and a few tips for getting there.
What happened to BWI's runway?
BWI completed a full rehabilitation of Runway 10-28, its longest runway, and reopened it the afternoon of October 15. The work included milling and repaving the runway and installing a modern LED runway lighting system. Runway 10-28 is one of two commercial runways at BWI, and during much of the work the other major runway closed overnight so crews could pave where the two cross.
| Runway project fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Runway | 10-28, the longest at BWI |
| Construction began | July 22, 2026 |
| Reopened | October 15, 2026 |
| Cost | 83.8 million dollars |
| Paid for by | FAA Infrastructure Grant program and the Maryland Transportation Trust Fund |
| Upgrades | New pavement and LED runway lights |
You can read the details in BWI's runway completion announcement.
Which new airline is flying from BWI?
Breeze Airways celebrated its first BWI flight on October 1, 2026, with a water cannon salute from the airport's fire and rescue team. Breeze flies from BWI to Vero Beach, Florida and Burlington, Vermont, three times a week on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, using Airbus A220-300 jets. Tickets are sold through the airline, and the routes are listed in BWI's Breeze Airways announcement.
| Breeze route from BWI | Days | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|
| Vero Beach, Florida | Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays | Airbus A220-300 |
| Burlington, Vermont | Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays | Airbus A220-300 |
How busy is BWI?
BWI served more than 25 million passengers in 2025 and offers about 300 daily nonstop departures to about 90 destinations, according to the airport. That is a lot of choice for a neighborhood airport, and it's one of the reasons people who travel for work love living in Arbutus.
What are some easy BWI tips for Arbutus families?
- Picking someone up? BWI has a free cell phone lot on Scott Drive, across from Express Parking, with a one hour wait limit, so you don't have to circle the terminal.
- Rideshare pickups and drop offs happen at the Departures level curbs.
- BWI lists its bus and rail choices on its transportation page, and my Work and Commute page covers how Arbutus connects to BWI, I-95 and I-695.
- Check the Baltimore County holiday closings for November before a Thanksgiving trip, so trash day doesn't sneak up on you.
What does this mean for homeowners and people moving here?
Being close to a busy, growing airport is a real everyday perk of living in Arbutus, Halethorpe and Elkridge. For military families, frequent flyers and anyone with family out of state, a short drive to BWI makes holidays easier. If you're thinking about moving here for that kind of convenience, start with my Moving to Arbutus guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did BWI's longest runway reopen?
Runway 10-28 reopened on the afternoon of October 15, 2026. Construction began on July 22.
How much did the BWI runway project cost?
The project cost 83.8 million dollars. It was paid for by the FAA's Infrastructure Grant program and the Maryland Transportation Trust Fund.
Where does Breeze Airways fly from BWI?
Breeze flies from BWI to Vero Beach, Florida and Burlington, Vermont. Both routes run three times a week on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Is there a free place to wait for arriving travelers at BWI?
Yes, BWI has a free cell phone lot on Scott Drive across from Express Parking. There is a one hour maximum wait.
How many destinations does BWI serve?
BWI offers about 300 daily nonstop departures to about 90 destinations. It served more than 25 million passengers in 2025.
Disclaimer: Details are from BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport announcements dated October 1 and October 15, 2026 and BWI's website, as of 1 November 2026. Airline schedules can change, so check with your airline before you fly.
Thinking About a Move to Arbutus?
If living close to BWI, the MARC and the Beltway sounds good to you, I'd love to help you find the right home. Call or text me at 443-421-6855.
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