RunwayBaltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
Multi-Universe Rankings & Statistical Standing
Editorial Aerodrome Deep Dive: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is the primary domestic traffic workhorse of the Chesapeake region. Its 10,502 ft runway 10/28 easily accommodates widebody charter and scheduled international flights, while intersecting runway 15R/33L provides crosswind coverage against Atlantic cold fronts. Located at 146 ft elevation, BWI offers superior turn-around efficiency and slot availability compared to slot-controlled DCA.
🔬 Operational & Aerodrome Engineering Comparative Analysis
Elevation & Atmospheric Density
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport operates at a surveyed field elevation of 146 ft (45 m MSL) in Baltimore. Situated in low-lying coastal terrain, the aerodrome benefits from dense ambient atmospheric pressure, maximizing turbine engine thrust and wing lift efficiency across all departure vectors.
Regional Density & Alternates (100 NM)
Busiest passenger airport in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area, offering low-cost domestic point-to-point connections contrasting with long-haul international Dulles (IAD). Within a 100 NM radius, the facility coordinates airspace flows with 2 qualifying commercial aerodromes, with Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) located 39.2 NM away.
Fleet Compatibility & Ground Roll
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport's active flight strips comprise 10/28 (10,503 ft), 15R/33L (9,501 ft), 04/22 (6,000 ft), 15L/33R (5,000 ft). With a longest active threshold of 10,503 ft (3,201 m), the aerodrome satisfies unrestricted long-haul takeoff and landing distance requirements for heavy twin-aisle and four-engine widebodies (ICAO Code 4E/4F).
🛫 Physical Runway Inventory & Surface Engineering
| Runway Designator | Length (ft / m) | Width (ft / m) | Surface Material | Lighting | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/28 | 10,503 ft (3201m) | 150 ft (46m) | Asphalt (ASP) | ✅ Lighted | ✅ Active |
| 15R/33L | 9,501 ft (2896m) | 150 ft (46m) | Asphalt (ASP) | ✅ Lighted | ✅ Active |
| 04/22 | 6,000 ft (1829m) | 150 ft (46m) | Asphalt (ASP) | ✅ Lighted | ⛔ Closed |
| 15L/33R | 5,000 ft (1524m) | 100 ft (30m) | Asphalt (ASP) | ✅ Lighted | ✅ Active |
🧭 Comparative Aerodromes (100 NM Radius, ≥5,000 ft Paved)
Great-circle Haversine spatial proximity matching for commercial facilities with paved runway capacity within 100 NM.
| Aerodrome Name | IATA | Distance | Longest Runway | Lighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Dulles International Airport (Dulles) | IAD | 39.2 NM (72.6 km) | 11,500 ft | ✅ Lighted |
| Philadelphia International Airport (Philadelphia) | PHL | 78.2 NM (144.8 km) | 12,000 ft | ✅ Lighted |