Airports Serving Anne Arundel County, Maryland
Anne Arundel County holds a unique distinction in Maryland aviation: it is home to Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), the state's largest and busiest commercial airport. With approximately 588,000 residents, the county stretches from the shores of the Chesapeake Bay through Annapolis, the state capital, to the suburban corridors surrounding BWI near Linthicum and Glen Burnie. Having a major commercial airport within county borders gives Anne Arundel residents unmatched convenience for air travel, with most communities located within 15 to 30 minutes of the terminal.
Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI)
BWI is the dominant airport for Anne Arundel County and the entire central Maryland region, handling over 27 million passengers annually from its location along the Baltimore-Washington Parkway in Linthicum. Southwest Airlines operates its largest East Coast hub at BWI, accounting for roughly 70 percent of the airport's passenger traffic and offering nonstop service to more than 80 destinations including Los Angeles, Denver, Las Vegas, Nashville, Austin, Fort Lauderdale, San Juan, and Cancun. Beyond Southwest, BWI hosts operations from Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Icelandair, and British Airways, providing both domestic and international connections. The airport features two terminals with five concourses, over 70 gates, and a consolidated rental car facility connected to the terminal by a free shuttle. BWI's Observation Gallery on the upper level of the international terminal offers views of the airfield and is a popular spot for families.
BWI Ground Transportation and Access
Anne Arundel County residents enjoy multiple convenient routes to BWI. The airport sits directly off Interstate 195, with easy connections from Interstate 97 for Annapolis-area travelers and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (Route 295) for those in the northern part of the county. BWI's parking facilities include a daily garage adjacent to the terminal at $22 per day, express parking at $14 per day, and long-term satellite lots at $10 per day with free shuttle service. The BWI Airport MARC train station provides direct rail service on the Penn Line between Baltimore and Washington, while the Light Rail connects to downtown Baltimore and northern suburbs. Amtrak's Northeast Corridor trains also stop at the BWI station, providing a rail option for passengers arriving from Philadelphia, Wilmington, or other cities along the corridor. For Annapolis-area residents, the drive to BWI typically takes 25 to 35 minutes via Interstate 97 North.
Lee Airport and General Aviation
Anne Arundel County also hosts Lee Airport, a small general aviation facility located in Edgewater along the South River. Lee Airport features a 2,480-foot paved runway and primarily serves private pilots, recreational flyers, and flight training operations. Tipton Airport, a former military airfield near Fort Meade, provides additional general aviation capacity and supports corporate and government flight operations. These smaller facilities complement BWI by handling private and charter aviation needs without contributing to congestion at the major commercial airport. The Annapolis area's strong boating and maritime culture extends to its aviation community, with many local pilots combining water and air recreation along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline.
Anne Arundel County Aviation Community
Anne Arundel County strong aviation identity extends beyond BWI to include an active general aviation community, flight training schools, and aviation-related businesses that have established themselves near the airport. Several flight schools operate from BWI and nearby airfields, providing private pilot training, instrument rating courses, and commercial pilot certification programs. The county also benefits from the economic impact of BWI, which supports approximately 25,000 direct jobs and generates billions of dollars in annual economic activity for Anne Arundel County and the surrounding region. Hotels, restaurants, parking facilities, rental car agencies, and transportation services near the airport provide employment and business opportunities for county residents. The ongoing investment in BWI infrastructure, including planned terminal improvements and runway maintenance projects, ensures that Anne Arundel County will continue to serve as the center of Maryland commercial aviation for decades to come.
International Airports
An international airport is a vital component of any major metropolitan area. It connects domestic and international travelers, providing them with a means to connect to the rest of the world.
An international airport is a large airport that is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights. It also has a significant economic impact on the local community.
These major Maryland Airports generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and other related industries.
A large international airport also offers a variety of amenities for travelers. These can include shopping centers, dining options, lounges, and other services such as currency exchange and luggage storage.
Private Airports
Private airports, also known as general aviation airports, are airports that are not open to commercial airlines and are used primarily by private aircraft.
One of the main benefits of a private airport is the exclusivity and privacy it offers.
These airports are often used by high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and business executives, who value their privacy and want to avoid the crowds and security lines of commercial airports.
Private airports also offer more flexibility and convenience for aircraft owners. They can also be used for training pilots and hosting aviation events.
There are 0 Private Airport in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
Regional Airports
Regional airports are smaller airports that serve a rural geographic region, such as a smaller city or county with a population of less than 100,000.
Small airports mostly offer flights within the same country, but some may offer flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of regional airports is their convenience. They also tend to have shorter security lines and fewer crowds, making the overall travel experience more enjoyable.
There are 0 Regional Airport in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
Municipal Airports
Municipal airports which are also called "public airports" are owned and run by local governments like cities and counties.
Most of the time, they are smaller airports that serve a certain area and have mostly domestic flights, but some may also have flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of municipal airports is their accessibility. They are often located in or near major cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.
Municipal airports provide a vital link for businesses in the region, allowing them to easily connect to other parts of the country.
There are 0 Municipal Airport in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
Local Airports
There are 6 Local Airport in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
Deale Airport - Md22
Mountain Road Airport
Suburban Airport
Tipton Airport - Fme
Bwi Airport Train Station
Lee Airport - Anp
Airports in near by County
Frequently Asked Questions About Airports in Anne Arundel County, Maryland
Additional Airport Options for Anne Arundel County Travelers
While BWI handles the vast majority of air travel needs for Anne Arundel County, some residents may find it advantageous to consider Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) for certain routes. DCA is located approximately 35 miles southwest of Annapolis across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and through Washington, D.C., offering a strong selection of domestic flights on American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, United, Alaska, and JetBlue. The drive from Annapolis to DCA takes roughly 50 to 70 minutes depending on Beltway traffic. IAD, situated about 65 miles west in Virginia, serves as United Airlines' East Coast international gateway and offers the broadest selection of long-haul international flights in the Washington metropolitan area.
For most Anne Arundel County residents, BWI remains the clear first choice due to its location within the county, competitive Southwest Airlines fares, extensive parking options, and excellent ground transportation connections. The airport's ongoing capital improvement projects continue to enhance the passenger experience, including terminal renovations, expanded security checkpoints, and improvements to the international arrivals facility. Anne Arundel County's proximity to BWI represents one of its strongest advantages for both residents and businesses, making the county an attractive location for companies that depend on frequent air travel access.