A major power outage at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) on March 3, 2025, led to flight delays, terminal disruptions, and passenger frustration. The outage, which started at approximately 8 a.m., was caused by a downed power line near the airport, affecting large portions of the main terminal and hourly parking garage.
Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) responded to the situation, but power remained unstable throughout the morning, leading to widespread inconvenience for travelers.
Impact on Airport Operations
Flight Delays and Cancellations
The power outage significantly disrupted flight schedules, causing multiple delays and diversions. As of 9 a.m., at least 16 flights were delayed, though no official cancellations were reported.
- Arriving flights: Some flights were diverted to nearby airports due to operational concerns.
- Departing flights: Airlines were forced to manually process passengers, resulting in longer wait times at check-in and security.
Terminal Services & Passenger Impact
The power outage affected critical airport systems, leading to temporary shutdowns in key areas:
🔹 Digital flight information displays went dark, leaving travelers without real-time updates.
🔹 Restaurants and shops lost power, limiting food and service availability.
🔹 Security checkpoint delays occurred as TSA agents resorted to manual screening methods.
🔹 Jet bridges malfunctioned, requiring airlines to use mobile stairs for boarding and deplaning.
Cause of the Outage
The power failure was traced to a downed high-voltage power line south of BWI, which caused a major electrical disruption across airport facilities.
- BGE confirmed that the outage began at 7:40 a.m., affecting multiple circuits.
- Emergency backup power was available, but not all airport sections regained full power immediately.
- Full restoration timeline: BGE did not provide a definitive estimate, stating crews were working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Passenger Experiences & Frustration
The disruption left thousands of passengers stranded at BWI, struggling with unclear flight statuses, limited services, and long waits.
Airline staff manually processed tickets, slowing down the check-in process.
Some passengers were stuck on planes for extended periods due to non-functioning jet bridges.
Limited food options as most concessions lost power.
"We’ve been waiting for hours with no updates on our flight. The screens are down, and no one knows what’s happening." – Passenger John Doe, traveling to Chicago.
Official Response & Restoration Efforts
Airport officials and BGE crews worked throughout the morning to restore power and resume normal operations.
Partial power was restored in the main terminal by 11:00 a.m..
Concourse D/E security screening resumed, reducing delays at TSA checkpoints.
Airline staff coordinated alternative boarding solutions for affected passengers.
Kathy Hollander, a spokesperson for BWI Airport, stated:
"We are actively working with BGE and our airline partners to minimize disruptions and restore full power as quickly as possible."
How Travelers Can Prepare for Future Disruptions
If you're traveling through BWI today, follow these steps:
Check Flight Status Frequently: Use airline apps or FlightAware for real-time updates.
Arrive Early: Expect longer wait times due to manual processing.
Pack Essentials: Keep power banks, snacks, and extra patience in case of unexpected delays.