Logan International Airport

Logan International Airport: A Gateway to the Northeast

Imagine stepping into the bustling world of Boston’s General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport, where planes take off and land like ships on a vast ocean of air. This massive airport is not just a place for travelers; it’s a gateway to the heart of New England.

The History of an Airfield

Logan International Airport was born in 1923, when it was initially used by the Massachusetts Air National Guard and the US Army Air Corps. The first scheduled commercial passenger flights began just a few years later, with Colonial Air Transport connecting Boston to New York City. Over the decades, Logan has grown from a small airfield into one of the busiest airports in the Northeastern United States.

A Hub for Airlines

Today, Logan Airport is a major hub for several airlines, including Cape Air, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, American Airlines, and United Airlines. It has non-stop service to destinations throughout the United States and the world, with over 43.5 million passengers in 2024, making it the busiest airport in the Northeastern United States.

Renaming and Expansion

The airport was renamed General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport in 1954 due to its growing international market. The jumbo jet era began at Logan in 1970 with Pan Am’s daily Boeing 747 flights to London. Terminal E opened in 1974, and the number of international travelers tripled between 1974 and 2015.

Modernization Projects

Massport undertook the ‘Logan Modernization Project’ from 1994 to 2006, which included new parking, walkways, and terminal expansions. However, this project was met with public opposition due to its impact on a neighborhood and its recreational areas.

Terminal Details

The airport has four passenger terminals (A, B, C, E) with 106 gate positions. Terminal A, opened in 2005, is used by Delta Air Lines and features a LEED-certified design with environmentally friendly features. Terminal B was designed by John Carl Warnecke & Associates and Desmond & Lord, Inc., and opened in 1974. It has 41 gates and serves airlines like Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American, Boutique Air, Southwest, Spirit, and United.

Terminal C, opened in 1967, is designed by Perry, Shaw, Hepburn and Dean and houses Aer Lingus, Cape Air, JetBlue, and TAP Air Portugal. Terminal E, known as the John A. Volpe International Terminal, serves international travelers with 18 gates.

Runways and Operations

The airport has six runways, including Runway 14/32, which opened to air traffic on November 23, 2006. Massport is barred from using the runway for overland landings or takeoffs except in emergencies due to opposition from nearby communities.

Security and Services

A security zone surrounds the airport waters, and public safety services are provided by Massachusetts State Police and Massport Fire Rescue. The airport is accessible via I-93 through the Sumner and Callahan Tunnels, and I-90/Massachusetts Turnpike through the Ted Williams Tunnel.

Recent Developments

A $100 million renovation project from 2014 to 2017 included a post-security connector between Terminals E and C, improved immigration and passport control kiosks, and gates capable of serving the Airbus A380. A recent expansion project completed in August 2023 added two new international gates and flexible-use gates, as well as new shops, restaurants, and passenger services.

Accidents and Incidents

The airport has had its share of accidents and incidents over the years, including several major crashes. Notable among them are Eastern Air Lines Flight 375 in 1960, Delta Air Lines Flight 723 in 1973, and United Airlines Flight 2609 in 2009.

Future Developments

The airport continues to evolve with new projects and expansions. For instance, the construction of a Category IIIb Landing System is allowing for arrivals and departures in virtually all weather conditions.

Logan International Airport stands as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of air travel. From its humble beginnings in 1923 to becoming one of the busiest airports in the Northeast, it has grown and adapted to meet the needs of travelers and businesses alike. As we look towards the future, Logan continues to be a vital link in the transportation network of New England.