BWI Marshall Airport Expanding International And Domestic Travel

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport looks to the horizon--again. The airport is expanding.

Pat Warren has reaction from passengers.

BWI Marshall wants to stay on the cutting edge of international as well as domestic travel.

Some 22 million passengers fly through BWI Thurgood Marshall, and many consider it the best travel experience in the area.

"It's really very convenient for us and in and out quickly and it's excellent," said Tamer Koheil.

"I find that there's more options through BWI than there is through any other airport around," said Jennifer O'Neal.

And new options are on the horizon. First, construction is underway on a new concourse that will connect the international Concourse E to Concourse D, adding gates and a security checkpoint.

Preliminary design work is slated on adding gates to international Concourse E.

"We are starting the preliminary planning of a future international expansion here at BWI. International passenger traffic has grown steadily here at BWI in recent years, and we expect further growth in that market," said Jonathan Dean, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport.

BWI Marshall is constantly growing, and passengers appreciate the difference.

"They're on time, quick to go through. I have TSA pre-approved, don't have to take off my shoes or anything anymore," said Patty Harris.

The state has set aside $200,000 for the preliminary design.

The airport's largest carrier, Southwest, is considering adding more international routes.

The airport saw a 3.5 percent increase in international travelers last year.