Logan International Airport

Logan International Airport
source
Name	Logan International Airport
IATA	BOS
ICAO	KBOS
FAA	BOS
Owner	Massachusetts Port Authority
City-served	Greater Boston
Location	East Boston and Winthrop, Massachusetts, United States
Opened	1923
Hub	Delta Air Lines
Elevation ft	20
Coordinates	42, 21, 47, N...
Website	https://www.massport.com/logan-airport/

Logan International Airport is the primary international airport serving the Greater Boston metropolitan area and the larger New England region. Operated by the Massachusetts Port Authority, it is located in the East Boston neighborhood, with portions extending into the town of Winthrop. As a major hub for Delta Air Lines and a focus city for JetBlue, it is one of the busiest airports in the United States.

History

The airport's origins trace back to 1923 when the City of Boston established a small airfield on Governors Island. It was originally named after a local aviation figure, but was later dedicated in 1956 to Edward Lawrence Logan, a Spanish–American War hero and Massachusetts state legislator from South Boston. Significant early development occurred under the leadership of the Massachusetts Port Authority, which assumed control in 1956. Major expansions included the opening of the iconic Edward J. King Terminal in the 1970s and the completion of the Central Artery/Tunnel Project, known as the "Big Dig," which dramatically improved highway access. The airport played a critical logistical role during World War II and has since undergone continuous modernization, including the post-September 11 attacks security upgrades and the recent construction of new terminals.

Facilities

The airport covers over 2,300 acres and features four passenger terminals: Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminal C, and Terminal E. Terminal E serves as the primary international facility, handling flights from carriers like British Airways, Lufthansa, and Emirates. Runway configurations include Runway 4L/22R and Runway 4R/22L, which are among the longest in New England. Notable amenities include the Massport-operated Logan Airport Hilton, the Public Art Program installations, and the Edward J. King Control tower. The airport is also a center for general aviation and cargo operations, supporting companies like FedEx Express and UPS Airlines.

Airlines and destinations

It is a major operational base for Delta Air Lines, which maintains a significant hub with flights to domestic cities like Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Seattle, as well as international destinations including Amsterdam and London. JetBlue utilizes it as a key focus city, offering extensive service to the Caribbean, Florida, and transcontinental routes. Other major carriers include American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. International service is provided by a diverse array of airlines such as Air France, Iberia, Japan Airlines, and Cape Air, connecting the region to global markets across Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

Ground transportation

Multiple transportation options connect the airport to downtown Boston and surrounding areas. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority provides rapid transit access via the Blue Line at Airport station and the Silver Line bus rapid transit service. Road access is facilitated by the Ted Williams Tunnel, part of the Interstate 90 extension, and the Callahan Tunnel. Several private companies, including Logan Express and various shuttle bus services, offer direct connections to suburban locations. Rental car facilities are consolidated in a central garage, and taxi and ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft operate from designated pick-up areas.

Accidents and incidents

The airport has experienced several notable aviation accidents. In 1960, Eastern Air Lines Flight 375 crashed shortly after takeoff into Boston Harbor, resulting in significant loss of life. A 1973 incident involved a Delta Air Lines McDonnell Douglas DC-9 that overran a runway during a snowstorm. More recently, in 2007, a US Airways Airbus A320 experienced a bird strike, leading to an emergency return. These events have contributed to ongoing advancements in aviation safety, air traffic control procedures, and wildlife hazard management at airports nationwide.

Statistics

It consistently ranks among the top twenty busiest airports in the United States by passenger traffic. Annual passenger volumes typically exceed 40 million, with a pre-pandemic peak near 42 million. The busiest domestic routes frequently include flights to New York–JFK, Chicago–O'Hare, and Washington–National. Internationally, London, Toronto, and Paris–Charles de Gaulle are leading destinations. Cargo operations handle several hundred thousand tons annually, facilitated by carriers like DHL Aviation and Amazon Air. The airport is a major economic engine for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, supporting tens of thousands of jobs directly and through related industries.

Category:Airports in Massachusetts Category:Transportation in Boston Category:1923 establishments in Massachusetts