Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is located in Baltimore, Maryland and is a joint civil-military public airport. It is the busiest airport in the State of Maryland and is one of the largest airports on the East Coast. It serves both domestic and international flights and is a major hub for Southwest Airlines.

The airport was first established in 1950 as Friendship International Airport and was the first airport specifically designed to serve the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. The original name was derived from the fact that the airport was built to serve as a link between the two cities. The airport was completed in 1952 and was expanded multiple times over the next decade, with the addition of a new passenger terminal and additional runways.

In 1972, the airport was renamed Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in honor of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice. The airport was chosen to bear his name to recognize his contributions to the civil rights movement and to the city of Baltimore.

The airport code BWI was determined in 1976 by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The letters BWI stand for Baltimore-Washington International and were chosen to reflect the airport's proximity to both cities.

Today, BWI is the busiest airport in Maryland and one of the largest airports on the East Coast. It is served by more than 20 airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United. BWI has over 600 flights a day and serves more than 24 million passengers annually.

BWI is also a major cargo hub, with more than 500 cargo flights per month. It is known for its easy access and modern amenities, which make it a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers. In addition, the airport is home to several restaurants, shops, and other services, making it a great place to spend time in transit.