Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) stands as New England’s primary air transportation hub, serving millions of travelers annually. Named after General Edward Lawrence Logan, a Spanish-American War officer and former Massachusetts state senator, this bustling airport has evolved from humble beginnings to become an essential part of Boston’s identity and economic landscape.
The History of Logan Airport
Logan’s story begins in 1923 when the Boston Airport Corporation leased a small 189-acre plot of land in East Boston from the Massachusetts Legislature. The airport officially opened on September 8, 1923, with only gravel runways and minimal facilities.
During World War II, Logan underwent significant expansion and served as a crucial military installation. The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) took control of the airport in 1956, marking the beginning of its modern development phase.
In 1959, the airport was renamed in honor of General Edward Lawrence Logan. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Logan expanded rapidly to accommodate growing air travel demands, with the construction of international terminals and longer runways capable of handling larger aircraft.
The 1990s saw another major transformation with the “Logan Modernization Project,” which included terminal renovations, roadway improvements, and the construction of the Ted Williams Tunnel, connecting the airport directly to Boston’s highway system.
After the September 11, 2001 attacks, Logan implemented pioneering security measures, as two of the hijacked planes had departed from the airport. These innovations later became national standards for aviation security.
BOS Quick Facts
- IATA Code: BOS
- ICAO Code: KBOS
- Location: East Boston, Massachusetts, 3 miles northeast of downtown Boston
- Elevation: 20 feet (6 meters) above sea level
- Size: Approximately 2,400 acres
- Runways: Six runways (four main runways and two shorter ones)
- Terminals: Four passenger terminals (A, B, C, and E)
- Operating Hours: 24/7
- Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5/GMT-4 during Daylight Saving Time)
- Airport Ownership: Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport)
- First International Flight: 1927 to New York
By the Numbers
Logan Airport has continuously set and broken its own passenger records in recent years. Here’s a look at the impressive statistics that define New England’s busiest airport:
- Annual Passengers: Approximately 43 million passengers (2023 data)
- Daily Flight Operations: Around 1,200 flights per day
- International Destinations: Over 50 direct international destinations
- Domestic Destinations: More than 70 direct domestic destinations
- Economic Impact: Generates over $16 billion in economic activity for the New England region
- Employment: Provides jobs for approximately 20,000 people directly and supports an additional 132,000 jobs indirectly
- Cargo Volume: Handles over 700 million pounds of cargo and mail annually
- Aircraft Movements: Approximately 400,000 takeoffs and landings per year
- Busiest Route: Boston to New York (all airports) with over 2 million passengers annually
- Peak Travel Month: July, with over 4 million passengers
Terminal Facilities
Logan’s four passenger terminals offer modern amenities designed to enhance the travel experience:
Terminal A houses Delta Air Lines and serves as its regional hub. Recently renovated, it features premium dining options like Legal Sea Foods, Vino Volo wine bar, and Dunkin’. The terminal includes Delta Sky Club lounges, shopping outlets, and charging stations throughout.
Terminal B accommodates American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines. Split into two sections connected by a walkway, it offers diverse dining options from local favorites like Stephanie’s to national chains like Starbucks. Amenities include United Club and American Admirals Club lounges, duty-free shopping, and a children’s play area.
Terminal C, the busiest terminal, serves JetBlue Airways (which uses Boston as a focus city), Alaska Airlines, and several smaller carriers. Recent renovations have brought enhanced food offerings including Boston favorites like Kelly’s Roast Beef and Wahlburgers. The terminal features the JetBlue Mint lounge, extensive retail options, and a post-security connector to Terminal E.
Terminal E handles all international arrivals requiring customs processing and hosts foreign carriers including British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, and many others. The terminal features duty-free shopping, currency exchange services, and several premium lounges including the British Airways Terraces Lounge and Lufthansa Senator Lounge.
Airport-wide amenities include free WiFi, nursing rooms in each terminal, pet relief areas, and Kidports play spaces. The airport also features numerous art installations as part of its public art program, showcasing New England artists.
Ground Transportation
Logan offers comprehensive ground transportation options connecting travelers to Boston and beyond:
Public Transportation:
- MBTA Blue Line subway service via Airport Station with free Massport shuttle connections
- MBTA Silver Line SL1 bus service offering direct, fare-free service from all terminals to South Station
- Water taxi service to downtown Boston and the waterfront
Shuttles and Buses:
- Free Massport shuttle buses connecting all terminals, rental car center, and MBTA Blue Line
- Logan Express bus service to suburban locations including Braintree, Framingham, Peabody, and Woburn
- Private hotel shuttles
Road Access:
- Direct connection to Boston’s highway system via the Ted Williams Tunnel (I-90) and Sumner/Callahan Tunnels
- Ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft) with designated pickup areas at each terminal
- Taxi service available at designated stands outside each terminal
- Rental car center housing all major rental companies connected via dedicated shuttle
Parking:
- Central Parking Garage serving Terminals A, B, and E
- Terminal B Garage and Terminal E Parking
- Economy parking with shuttle service
- Cell phone waiting lot for passenger pickup
The Future of Logan Airport
Massport has ambitious plans to future-proof Logan Airport through its comprehensive “Logan Forward” program. This multi-billion-dollar initiative focuses on modernizing infrastructure while enhancing sustainability:
Terminal modernization projects include the ongoing renovation of Terminal E, adding seven new international gates capable of accommodating larger aircraft like the Airbus A380. Terminal C is undergoing phased renovations to improve passenger flow and amenities.
Sustainability efforts feature prominently in Logan’s future plans. The airport has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, with initiatives including electrification of ground service equipment, expansion of solar power installations, and implementation of sustainable aviation fuel programs with airline partners.
Ground transportation improvements include enhanced pedestrian connections between terminals, modernized roadways to reduce congestion, and improved public transportation access. Plans for direct Silver Line connections to all terminals are in development.
Technological advancements will transform the passenger experience with biometric boarding systems already being tested at several gates, expanded use of self-service kiosks, and implementation of advanced baggage handling systems to reduce processing times.
Logan’s future also includes resilience planning against rising sea levels and extreme weather events, with infrastructure hardening projects and elevated critical systems. As Boston’s gateway to the world continues to evolve, its commitment to balancing growth with community considerations and environmental responsibility remains at the forefront of its development strategy.
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