Study: BWI Airport Ranks Among Top 10 for Wildlife Strikes

BWI Airport Ranks Among Nation’s Most Incident-Prone in New Safety Study.Baltimore Washington International Airport has been ranked the ninth most incident-prone airport in the United States. A new study from Good Guys Injury Law analyzed flight safety data across the country. The report gave BWI a “Flight Safety Risk Rating” of 62 out of 100.This places the airport below the average safety rating. The analysis considered accidents, wildlife strikes, and weather risks. The findings are based on recent and historical flight data.

Key Factors Behind BWI’s Safety Rating

The study identified several specific issues. BWI recorded 1.9 accidents per million passengers. It also reported two fatal crashes in its history.A major factor was wildlife strikes. The airport logged a high number of 2,171 incidents with animals. This significantly impacted its overall risk score.Weather risk at BWI was deemed “moderate.” It scored two out of three in this category. The airport’s low elevation of 146 feet was noted as a minimal risk factor.

Airport Context and Industry Perspective

Despite the ranking, the report acknowledged ongoing safety efforts. Good Guys Injury Law highlighted recent infrastructure projects. A $55 million runway reconstruction was completed in December 2024.Such improvements aim to enhance safety for travelers. The study serves as a snapshot of relative risk across U.S. airports. It helps inform passengers about potential travel considerations.

iPhone 17 Lineup to Feature ProMotion Displays on All Models

BWI Airport’s placement on this list highlights ongoing challenges in aviation safety management. The airport’s incident-prone ranking underscores the complex nature of maintaining safety at major travel hubs. Continuous improvement remains a priority for aviation authorities.

Info at your fingertips

What was the main cause of BWI’s ranking?

The high number of wildlife strikes was a significant factor. The airport reported over 2,100 incidents with animals. This contributed heavily to its overall risk score.

How does BWI compare to other East Coast airports?

Several East Coast airports ranked higher on the list. Philadelphia, LaGuardia, Newark, and Washington Dulles all placed within the top ten. The study suggests regional patterns may influence safety data.

Is BWI Airport considered unsafe for travel?

Air travel remains extremely safe overall. The ranking indicates relative risk compared to other airports. Millions of passengers travel through BWI safely each year.

What is being done to improve safety at BWI?

Airport authorities have invested in infrastructure improvements. A major runway project was completed recently. These enhancements aim to reduce risks and improve safety metrics.