Logan International Airport
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aviation |
| Founded | 1923 |
| Headquarters | East Boston and Winthrop , United States |
Area served | New England region, Northeastern United States |
| Products | Airport services |
| Owner | Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) |
Number of employees | 16000 |
| Website | www |
General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport (IATA: BOS, ICAO: KBOS), widely referred to as Boston Logan International Airport, is an international aviation facility predominantly located in East Boston with a portion extending into Winthrop, Massachusetts, United States. Spanning , the airport comprises six runways alongside four passenger terminals and supports a workforce of approximately 16,000 employees. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) designates it as a large hub primary commercial service airport.
Established in 1923 and named in honor of General Edward Lawrence Logan, a soldier and political figure from Boston, Logan ranks as the largest airport by passenger traffic and cargo throughput in both Massachusetts and the New England region. It stands as the busiest airport in the Northeastern United States outside the New York metropolitan area. In 2024, it recorded an unprecedented 43.5 million travelers, offering extensive nonstop routes domestically and internationally.
Logan acts as the northeastern base for Cape Air and serves as a secondary transatlantic hub for Delta Air Lines, facilitating connections to numerous European destinations. Additionally, it operates as a hub for JetBlue. Prominent carriers such as American Airlines and United Airlines maintain substantial operations here, including daily coast-to-coast flights. All major U.S. airlines provide service linking Boston with their principal and secondary hubs.
Origins
The airport commenced operations on September 8, 1923, initially catering to the Massachusetts Air National Guard and the United States Army Air Corps. Originally named "Boston Air Port" at Jeffries Point, its first scheduled commercial passenger flights launched in 1927 via Colonial Air Transport, connecting Boston with New York City. On January 1, 1936, Logan’s weather station was designated by the National Weather Service as Boston’s official meteorological observation site.
Early postwar development
During the 1940s and 1950s, Logan underwent expansion through the addition of landfill within Boston Harbor, incorporating territories from Governors, Noddle's, and Apple Islands. Terminals B and C were constructed in 1949 and continue to operate today. The facility was renamed in honor of Maj. Gen. Edward Lawrence Logan, a South Boston officer who served in the Spanish–American War; a commemorative statue was unveiled in 1956. In 1952, Logan became the first U.S. airport to gain indirect rapid transit access via the Airport station (MBTA) on the Blue Line (MBTA).
Following World War II, Boston evolved into a key transatlantic gateway. By the late 1940s, American Overseas Airlines initiated weekly flights from Boston to Shannon and London. Soon after, Pan Am began nonstop services to Shannon and Santa Maria in the Azores, extending onward to London and Lisbon. In the early 1950s, BOAC operated nonstop Stratocruiser flights to Glasgow and Prestwick airports, while Air France connected Boston with Paris through multi-stop Constellation routes. BOAC also introduced the world’s first commercial jet service to Boston using the De Havilland Comet.
By April 1957, Logan accommodated numerous domestic and international airlines: American Airlines (49 weekday departures), Eastern (31), Northeast (25), United (8), TWA (7 domestic plus 9 weekly transatlantic), National (6), Mohawk (6), Trans-Canada Air Lines (2), Provincetown-Boston Airlines (1), Pan Am (18 transatlantic), Air France (8), BOAC (4), Alitalia (4). In 1958, Aer Lingus commenced nonstop Constellation flights to Shannon.
Acknowledging its expanding global significance, on April 29, 1954, the airport was officially renamed General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport.
Introduction of the jumbo jet and initial international growth
Logan Airport entered the jumbo jet era in the summer of 1970 when Pan Am commenced daily Boeing 747 flights to London Heathrow. Up until 2020, British Airways operated the Boeing 747-400 on its Boston routes. Meanwhile, Lufthansa utilized Boeing 747 aircraft, including the advanced 747-8 model, for daily nonstop service to Frankfurt. In June 2023, Lufthansa launched a seasonal daily connection to Munich using the Airbus A380-800, with plans to resume this service in summer 2024.
Terminal E, inaugurated in 1974, was at that time the second-largest international arrivals terminal in the United States. From 1974 through 2015, the number of international passengers at Logan tripled, establishing long-distance travel as one of the airport’s fastest-expanding segments. To accommodate this surge, the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) implemented the "Logan Modernization Project" between 1994 and 2006, which included additions such as a parking garage, hotel facilities, moving walkways, expanded terminals, and a two-level roadway system separating arriving and departing traffic.
Since acquiring residential properties and Wood Island Park—a significant recreational space designed by Frederick Law Olmsted—to extend Runway 15R/33L (Logan’s longest runway constructed on reclaimed land) in the mid-1960s, Massport has faced strained relations with local communities. Residents of Neptune Road, once regarded as East Boston’s most prestigious street due to its proximity to the park, were relocated after buyouts. Opposition reached its height during protests that obstructed construction access for the runway extension.
International expansion and runway developments
Around the year 2000, Massport prioritized modernization efforts under the "Logan 2000" initiative. This plan proposed installing a Monorail or people mover system to connect terminals beyond security checkpoints with the goal of reducing reliance on shuttle buses. Although initially shelved due to budget concerns, this concept has since been revisited.
The addition of Runway 14/32 marked Logan’s first significant runway expansion in over four decades when it opened on November 23, 2006. Originally proposed in 1973 but delayed by legal disputes, its inaugural landing was made by a Continental Express ERJ-145 aircraft on December 2, 2006.
In April 2007, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved construction of a much-needed center field taxiway linking Runways 4R/22L and 4L/22R. Despite opposition from nearby residents, this taxiway was completed ahead of schedule and under budget by 2009. To avoid confusion with runways, large "TAXI" markings were painted at each end.
Logan has also been featured as a backdrop for commercial productions, including scenes from The Departed and a Delta Air Lines advertisement filmed in Terminal A.
In October 2009, US Airways announced plans to close its Boston crew base by May 2010 due to operational restructuring, impacting more than 400 employees.
Since commencing operations at Logan in 2004, JetBlue experienced rapid growth to become the airport’s largest carrier by 2011 with an extensive network across North America and the Caribbean. By 2023, JetBlue occupied nearly every gate within Terminal C and remained Logan’s leading airline.
The Airbus A380 made its first visit to Logan on February 8, 2010 for compatibility testing. British Airways introduced thrice-weekly A380 service in March 2017 and increased this to daily summer flights by 2019. Beginning January 2019, Emirates deployed the A380 seasonally on its daily Dubai route. In 2023, Lufthansa added A380 service on its Munich route from Boston.
By 2024, Logan handled more than nine million international passengers annually.
Facilities
Logan International Airport is composed of four passenger terminals labeled A, B, C, and E, collectively offering 107 gates. International arrivals without U.S. Customs preclearance are directed to Terminal E for customs processing, as the other terminals do not provide these services. All terminals are accessible via pre-security shuttle buses and the MBTA Silver Line's SL1 route, while moving walkways connect Terminals A, B, and E to a central parking structure. Post-security pedestrian access is available between Terminals B, C, and E.
Terminal A
Inaugurated on March 16, 2005, Terminal A replaced an older structure from the 1970s that previously accommodated Eastern Air Lines and Continental Airlines. Designed by Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum, this terminal primarily supports Delta Air Lines operations and consists of an 11-gate main concourse plus a 10-gate satellite terminal linked by an underground passageway. Terminal A also houses two Delta Sky Club lounges.
Terminal A holds the distinction of being the first airport terminal in the United States to achieve LEED certification for sustainable design. Its eco-friendly features include reflective roofing and windows to reduce heat gain, low-flow water fixtures, waterless urinals, adaptive lighting systems that adjust brightness automatically, and stormwater treatment systems.
Constructed under a specialized lease agreement between the Massachusetts Port Authority and Delta Air Lines, Terminal A experienced a reduction in leased gates following Delta’s bankruptcy filing in 2005. Nevertheless, by December 2018, Delta announced expanded flight offerings that restored its control over nearly all gates in Terminal A except one gate subleased to WestJet. This expansion led to Logan being designated as one of Delta’s hub airports.
Terminal B
Designed by John Carl Warnecke & Associates alongside Desmond & Lord, Inc., Terminal B opened its doors in 1974. It accommodates 41 gates serving airlines such as Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Boutique Air, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines. Both American and United maintain lounges here—the Admirals Club and United Club respectively.
Pier B was originally built for US Airways in 1974, with Pier A following in 1975 for American Airlines. The terminal underwent expansions in 1979 and received upgrades from HNTB in 1980. Between 1980 and 2000, various smaller projects improved seating areas, concessions, and lounge facilities at both piers. Renovations of American’s spaces were completed in 1995 by Gresham, Smith & Partners; meanwhile US Airways’ sections were refurbished in 1998 and again in 2000 with designs by URS Corporation and construction management by Turner Construction.
Prior to 2014, Terminal B consisted of separate north and south buildings divided by a parking garage. A $160 million modernization finished in April 2014 unified these structures post-security and introduced 24 additional ticket counters, eight new departure lounges, expanded retail options, and a modernized baggage claim carousel.
Terminal C
Opened in 1967 with design by Perry, Shaw, Hepburn and Dean, Terminal C contains 27 gates and serves as the base for Aer Lingus, Cape Air, and JetBlue operations; TAP Air Portugal uses it solely for departures. The terminal has undergone renovations in 1987, 2002, and 2005. The USO Lounge is situated on the lower level near baggage claim to provide services for military members.
In February 2006, gates formerly part of Terminal D at Terminal C’s northern end were reclassified under Terminal C; these gates were renumbered again during summer 2016 following completion of a post-security connection between Terminals C and E.
The construction of the Terminal B to C Connector began in 2021 and opened in 2023—establishing an uninterrupted indoor post-security corridor linking Terminals B, C, and E. This development prompted gate renumbering: former gates C40–42 became B40 and C23–24 respectively; additionally a new gate B39 was created within the connecting area.
Terminal E
Known as the John A. Volpe International Terminal in honor of the former Massachusetts governor and U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Terminal E serves as Logan’s main hub for international flights. It manages the majority of international arrivals, excluding those processed through U.S. border preclearance, and accommodates most foreign carriers except Aer Lingus, Air Canada, TAP Air Portugal, and WestJet. The terminal comprises 18 gates, including two hard stand boarding gates and two adaptable gates that can handle either a pair of narrow-body aircraft or a single wide-body plane. All gates operate on a common-use basis, with assignments made according to operational requirements rather than airline affiliation.
Within Terminal E, numerous airline lounges are available such as the Air France Lounge, British Airways Lounge, Delta One Lounge, Delta Sky Club, Lufthansa First and Business Lounges, and Emirates Lounge. Passenger departures take place on the third floor; passport control is situated on the second floor; arrivals and customs processing occur at ground level. The Federal Inspection Station here is capable of processing over 2,000 travelers each hour.
Originally completed in 1974 with architectural design by Kubitz & Papi, Inc. and Desmond & Lord, Inc., Terminal E experienced significant upgrades led by Massport finalized in August 1997. Between 2003 and 2008, the International Gateway Project expanded the terminal by 410,000 square feet. A $100 million refurbishment from 2014 until early 2017 introduced a post-security connection to Terminal C (which opened in summer 2016), improved immigration kiosks, and installed gates suitable for Airbus A380 aircraft.
Responding to ongoing passenger growth, Massport launched another expansion in summer 2019 that concluded in August 2023 at an investment of $680 million. This development added two new international gates (E13 and E16), two flexible-use gates (E14 and E15), expanded areas for ticketing, customs, baggage claim, a new TSA checkpoint, along with additional retail and dining venues extending into the North Cargo zone. The project encompassed approximately 320,000 square feet of new construction designed by AECOM and luis vidal + architects, with Suffolk Construction Company serving as construction manager.
Runways
Situated partially within East Boston and the Town of Winthrop along Boston Harbor, Logan International Airport covers an extensive area featuring six runways:
- Runway 4L/22R:
- Runway 4R/22L:
- Runway 9/27:
- Runway 14/32:
- Runway 15L/33R:
- Runway 15R/33L:
The airport operates under four distinct runway use patterns determined by prevailing wind directions:
- When winds come from the northeast: arrivals utilize runways 4L and 4R; departures use runways 9, 4L, and 4R.
- Under northwest wind conditions: arrivals land on runways 33L, 32, and 27; departures occur from runways 33L and 27.
- With southeast winds: arrivals approach runways 15L and 15R; departures take off from runways 15R, 14, and 9.
- During southwest winds: arrivals occur on runways 22L, 22R, and 27; departures operate from runways 22L and 22R.
In addition to paved runways, a water runway designated as 14W/32W measures , located south of the airport but operated by private seaplane facilities Tailwind Boston SPB and Cape Air Boston Harbor SPB. Between the years of 1968 and 1971, Taxiway Sierra was transformed into STOL runway 18/36 (), specifically for Eastern Air Lines’ turboprop shuttle service.
Instrument Landing System (ILS) capabilities are available on runways 4R, 15R, 22L, 27, and 33L. Among these, runways 4R and 33L support advanced Category III operations while the others accommodate Category I approaches. Engineered Materials Arrestor System (EMAS) safety pads have been installed at the thresholds of runways 22R and 33L.
Runway 14/32
Commissioned on November 23, 2006, Runway 14/32 functions with a one-way operational pattern: aircraft land exclusively on Runway 32 and take off solely from Runway 14. A judicial mandate prohibits Massport from conducting landings or takeoffs overland on this runway except under emergency circumstances.
Despite Massport’s assurances that the revised flight paths would lessen noise and decrease overflights in neighboring communities, residents of Chelsea, East Boston, Winthrop, and Revere strongly opposed the runway due to concerns about increased noise pollution.
Contention remains regarding the runway's operational wind speed criteria; local inhabitants advocate restricting its use to conditions with northwest winds of no less than 11.5 knots, exceeding Massport’s preferred minimum of 10 knots.
The construction of this runway aimed to eliminate the necessity for extending Runway 15L/33R, which measures only 2,557 feet—ranking it among the shortest paved runways at major U.S. airports. A planned 800-foot extension proposed in 1988 was halted by court injunction.
Strategically positioned just a few yards from the runway threshold and aligned along its centerline, Boston’s Hyatt Harborside Hotel was erected in 1992 to act as a physical barrier against future expansions or increased utilization of Runway 14/32 over the city.
Ground transportation
Situated northeast of Back Bay, Logan Airport benefits from its close proximity to downtown Boston relative to other major metropolitan airports. Access is primarily via Route 1A, with connections to I-93 through the Sumner Tunnel and Callahan Tunnel, and to I-90/Massachusetts Turnpike via the Ted Williams Tunnel.
The Massport manages the Logan Express, an intercity bus service that links Logan Airport with remote park-and-ride facilities located in Back Bay, Braintree, Framingham, Danvers, and Woburn. Additionally, Massport operates a complimentary Airport Shuttle that connects all terminals with the Airport Blue Line station, Rental Car Center, and water transport dock situated on Harborside Drive.
Ride-share options are available at the central parking garage alongside several licensed livery services providing chauffeured vehicles including cars, vans, and limousines.
The SL1 route of the MBTA's Silver Line bus rapid transit system links all Logan terminals directly with South Station, Boston’s principal transportation hub served by commuter rail lines, Amtrak trains, the Red Line, and intercity bus services.
The SL3 Silver Line route connects Chelsea to the Airport Station. The MBTA Blue Line’s Airport station is located offsite; passengers are transported between it and airport terminals via free shuttle buses. The Blue Line offers transfers to the Orange Line at State station, providing access to both North Station and Back Bay station. Connections to the Green Line can be made at Government Center station.
Rental Car Facility
On September 24, 2013, a 120,000-square-foot rental car center costing $310 million was inaugurated, bringing together all rental car companies under one roof. This center accommodates Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, Thrifty, and Zipcar, providing a total of 3,200 parking spots distributed over four levels.
Additional Infrastructure
The airport is distinguished by its central control tower, which rises nearly twelve stories and features elliptical supports topped by a six-story platform, making it a recognizable local feature.
Logan Airport includes two cargo terminals: North Cargo located next to Terminal E and South Cargo positioned near Terminals A and B. The North Cargo area also contains maintenance hangars for American Airlines, Delta (via Delta TechOps), and JetBlue.
Signature Aviation operates a Fixed-base operator (FBO) facility within the North Cargo sector close to runway 15R/33L. The Amelia Earhart General Aviation Terminal stands near runway 14/32 adjacent to the Massport Fire Rescue headquarters; constructed in 1980 and dedicated in 1984. Until 2006, American Eagle flights used this terminal before moving operations to Terminal B gates. Since then, the terminal has been largely inactive.
Terminal C is home to the airport chapel named Our Lady of the Airways, which opened in 1951 as the first chapel at a U.S. airport. Initially established as a Catholic chapel, it has since become non-denominational.
Public Safety
Security at the airport is maintained by Massachusetts State Police Troop F for law enforcement duties, while fire services are provided by Massport Fire Rescue. Although Logan lies within city boundaries, municipal police forces such as the Boston Police Department do not have jurisdiction on Massport property under Massachusetts state legislation.
A security perimeter extending 250 feet around the airport waters was created in 2002 and is marked by 29 buoys. This zone is jointly monitored by several agencies including the Massachusetts State Police, Boston Police Department, Massachusetts Environmental Police, United States Coast Guard, and local Harbormasters. Unauthorized access within this area leads to legal action and inclusion in a State Police offender registry.
Seaplane
Tailwind Air initiated seasonal seaplane routes from Boston Harbor’s Fan Pier Marina to Manhattan on August 3, 2021. The service expanded to include Plymouth in 2022, Provincetown starting May 25, 2022, and Nantucket beginning May 17, 2023. Although Cape Air holds authorization for scheduled seaplane operations, it has yet to commence service.
Cargo
Ranking as the tenth busiest cargo airport in the United States in 2012 with a throughput of 684,875 tons, Logan Airport supports major domestic freight carriers such as DHL Aviation, FedEx Express, and UPS Airlines. It also hosts international cargo operators including British Airways World Cargo, Cathay Pacific Cargo, China Airlines Cargo, EVA Air Cargo, LATAM Cargo Chile, Lufthansa Cargo, Martinair Cargo, and Saudia Cargo. Two cargo hubs serve these operations: North Cargo Terminal adjacent to Terminal E and South Cargo near Terminal A. Despite significant cargo activity and multiple operators present, Logan faces limitations in physical space that restrict potential growth for cargo facilities.
Leading Destinations
| Position | Destination City | Passenger Volume | Airlines Serving Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United Kingdom London–Heathrow | 1,050,067 | American, British Airways, Delta, JetBlue, Virgin Atlantic |
| 2 | France Paris–Charles de Gaulle | 523,079 | Air France, Delta, JetBlue |
| 3 | Republic of Ireland Dublin Airport | 482,721 | Aer Lingus, Delta, JetBlue |
| 4 | Netherlands Amsterdam Airport Schiphol | 422,160 | Delta, JetBlue, KLM |
| 5 | Iceland Keflavík International Airport | 352,237 | Icelandair, PLAY |
| 6 | Template:Country data ArubaTemplate:Namespace detect showall Queen Beatrix International Airport | 325,026 | Delta, JetBlue |
| 7 | Portugal Lisbon Airport | 324,143 | Delta, TAP Air Portugal |
| 8 | Canada Toronto Pearson International Airport | 291,557 | Air Canada |
| 9 | Template:Country data MexicoTemplate:Namespace detect showall Cancún International Airport | 263,710 | American, Delta, JetBlue |
| 10 | Germany Frankfurt Airport | 237,776 | Condor, Lufthansa |
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| Position | Airline | Passenger Numbers | Percentage Share |
|---|
|- !1 || JetBlue ||9,244,000 ||27.28% |- !2 || Delta Air Lines ||7,183,000 ||21.20% |- !3 || American Airlines ||4,636,000 ||13.68% |- !4 || United Airlines ||3,606,000 ||10.64% |- !5 || Spirit Airlines ||1,963,000 ||5.80% |- !– || Other* ||7,249,000 ||21.39% |} * This category encompasses flights operated by partner regional carriers such as American Eagle, Delta Connection and United Express; figures represent mainline services exclusively.
Annual Traffic
| Passengers | Percentage Change | Aircraft Movements | Total Cargo (lbs.) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 26,526,708 | N/A | 507,449 | 803,841,263 |
| 1999 | 27,052,078 | Increase2.0% | 494,816 | 824,167,499 |
| 2000 | 27,726,833 | Increase2.5% | 487,996 | 852,347,154 |
| 2001 | 24,474,930 | Decrease11.7% | 463,125 | 744,797,296 |
| 2002 | 22,696,141 | Decrease7.3% | 392,079 | 789,610,008 |
| 2003 | 22,791,169 | Increase0.4% | 373,304 | 744,838,287 |
| 2004 | 26,142,516 | Increase14.7% | 405,258 | 759,274,990 |
| 2005 | 27,087,905 | Increase3.6% | 409,066 | 741,517,308 |
| 2006 | 27,725,443 | Increase2.4% | 406,119 | 679,068,089 |
| 2007 | 28,102,455 | Increase1.4% | 399,537 | 632,449,775 |
| 2008 | 26,102,651 | Decrease7.1% | 371,604 | 587,772,302 |
| 2009 | 25,512,086 | Decrease2.3% | 345,306 | 517,557,182 |
| 2010 | 27,428,962 | Increase7.5% | 352,643 | 546,379,403 |
| 2011 | 28,907,938 | Increase5.4% | 368,987 | 529,212,783 |
| 2012 | 29,325,617 | Increase1.4% | 354,869 | 525,392,642 |
| 2013 | 30,318,631 | Increase3.4% | 361,339 | 538,192,790 |
| 2014 | 31,634,445 | Increase4.7% | 363,797 | 585,459,955 |
| 2015 | 33,449,580 | Increase5.7% | 372,930 | 575,781601 |
| Year | Passengers | Change | Aircraft Operations | Total Cargo (lbs.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36,,288,,042 |Increase8.5% |391,,222 |616,,933,,699 | ||||
| 38,,412,,419 |Increase5.9% |401,,371 |679,,407,,977 | ||||
| 40,,941,,925 |Increase6.6% |424,,024 |704,,200,,557 | ||||
| 42,,522,,411 |Increase3.9% |427,,176 |688,,939,,147 | ||||
| 12,,618,,128 |Decrease70.3% |206,,702 |575,,471,,964 | ||||
| 22,,678,,499 |Increase79.7% |266,,034 |617,,962,,396 | ||||
| 36,,090,,716 |Increase59.1% |378,,613 |645,,688,,980 | ||||
| 40,,833,,978 |Increase13.1% |395,,146 |565,,119,,946 | ||||
| 43,,500,,033 |Increase6.5% |413,,409 |568,,391,,978 |
Accidents
- On June 5th of 1930 a Colonial Air Transport Ford Trimotor crashed into the ocean shortly after departure; among the thirteen passengers and two crew members onboard there was one fatality.
- Eastern Air Lines Flight 375 crashed into the sea during takeoff from Logan Airport on October 4th of 1960; the Lockheed L-188 Electra involved resulted in the deaths of 62 out of the 72 people aboard.
- A collision occurred on November 15th of 1961 at Logan International Airport between a Vickers Viscount operated by Northeast Airlines and a Douglas DC-6 from National Airlines; the DC-6 had initiated takeoff without authorization.
- A Slick Airways DC-4 crashed near Logan on March 10th of 1964 during its final approach due to ice buildup on the stabilizer; all three individuals onboard perished.
- The deadliest accident at Logan happened on July 31st of 1973 when Delta Air Lines Flight 723, a DC-9, crashed while performing an ILS approach amid dense fog; all eighty-nine passengers and crew were killed.
- On November 3rd of the same year Pan Am Flight 160, a cargo aircraft Boeing 707-321C, went down during its approach to Boston-Logan because of smoke in the cockpit; all three crew members died.
- December 17th of that year saw Iberia Airlines Flight 933 strike the ALS system just before reaching the runway at Logan; this damaged the landing gear but spared all one hundred sixty-eight passengers and crew; however the aircraft was declared a total loss—the first hull loss recorded for a McDonnell Douglas DC-10.
- On January 23rd of 1982 World Airways Flight 30, a McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30-CF, overran an icy runway at Boston and ended up in shallow water; two passengers were lost and presumed swept away by the sea.
Incidents
- On October 2, 1954, a Massachusetts Air National Guard F94 Starfire experienced engine failure and crashed near Logan Airport. First Lieutenant James O. Conway, the pilot, gave his life by deliberately directing the aircraft into an embankment in East Boston. A memorial stands in tribute to his heroism.
- On March 17, 1970, a man armed with a revolver attempted to seize control of the cockpit aboard Eastern Air Lines Shuttle Flight 1320 while it was en route to Boston. The co-pilot managed to subdue and fatally wound the attacker, allowing the aircraft to land without incident.
- On July 2, 1976, an unoccupied Eastern Airlines L-188 Electra stationed at Logan was destroyed by an explosive device placed in the landing gear compartment; fortunately, no one was harmed.
- On September 17, 1979, shortly after departing from Logan, an Air Canada DC-9 encountered a tailcone separation that caused rapid cabin decompression. Despite losing parts over the Atlantic Ocean and sustaining damage, the plane safely returned to the airport. The failure was attributed to fatigue cracks.
- During the September 11 attacks, two flights originating from Logan—American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175—were hijacked and crashed into the World Trade Center Twin Towers, resulting in their collapse. Gates B32 and C19, from which these flights departed, are now marked with American flags. In the aftermath, leadership changes occurred at Massport amid political repercussions; however, security lapses were largely linked to airline checkpoint procedures rather than airport management alone.
- On June 9, 2005, near-collision occurred when US Airways Flight 1170 and Aer Lingus Flight 132 were cleared for takeoff on intersecting runways by different controllers simultaneously. The US Airways pilots avoided disaster by postponing their rotation, and both aircraft proceeded safely.
- On January 7, 2013, smoke was detected coming from overcharged lithium-ion batteries in a parked Japan Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner at Logan. This incident played a role in the worldwide grounding of the Boeing 787 fleet and prompted redesigns of its battery systems.
- On March 5, 2023, a passenger aboard United Airlines Flight 2609 attempted to open emergency exit doors during flight and assaulted a flight attendant with a stabbing motion. The individual was apprehended upon arrival and faced charges for interference and weapon possession.
- On September 17, 2024, a Cape Air-operated Cessna 402 returned to Logan shortly after takeoff due to malfunctioning landing gear; only one wheel deployed. The aircraft landed safely without injury to its two passengers and one crew member.
- On June 12, 2025, JetBlue flight 312 (an Airbus A220-300) from Chicago veered off runway 33-L during its landing roll at Logan and came to rest on adjacent grass. No injuries were reported; however, airport operations experienced delays lasting up to two hours.
Alternative airports
Two significant alternative airports serving the Boston region are located outside Massachusetts. Manchester–Boston Regional Airport, situated in Manchester, New Hampshire, lies approximately north-northwest of Logan Airport—about a 62-minute drive via I-90 and I-93—and incorporated "Boston" into its name in April 2006. T. F. Green Airport, located in Warwick, Rhode Island, is positioned roughly south-southwest of Logan; travel time by car is around 76 minutes using I-90, I-93, and I-95 or approximately 100 minutes via the Silver Line SL1 bus to South Station followed by MBTA commuter rail service to the airport. Neither facility is operated by Massport.
Massport manages Worcester Regional Airport in Worcester, Massachusetts, which functions as a lesser-known alternative to Logan Airport. In late 2017, Worcester installed a Category IIIb Instrument Landing System that significantly improves operational reliability during adverse weather conditions—a critical enhancement given the area's frequent fog—and is anticipated to encourage expanded airline service. Located west of Logan and primarily accessible via I-90 and I-290, Worcester Regional offers another option for travelers in the region.
See also
- List of airports in Massachusetts
- List of Class B airports in the United States
- List of cities with more than one commercial airport
- Massachusetts World War II Army Airfields
- September 11 attacks
External links
- Articles with short description
- Pages with broken file links
- Logan International Airport
- 1923 establishments in Massachusetts
- Airfields of the United States Army Air Forces in Massachusetts
- Airports established in 1923
- Airports in Suffolk County, Massachusetts
- East Boston
- Massachusetts Port Authority
- Tourism in Boston
- Transportation buildings and structures in Boston