2025 Airport Business Top 40 Under 40: Paul B. Bobson

• Hometown: Marion, IN
• Alma Mater: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Prescott

Paul B. Bobson is Vice President of Airline Business Development at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, where he oversees air service development and retention for Washington Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan National Airport. Since joining the Authority in 2022, his leadership has helped position the region as one of the fastest-growing international gateways in the United States.

Bobson has built a career of more than 18 years in aviation, with experience spanning airlines, airports, and state-level aviation agencies. His work has consistently focused on connecting communities, commerce, and culture through expanded air service and innovative partnerships. At MWAA, he has been instrumental in attracting new airlines, adding dozens of routes, and driving initiatives that strengthened both passenger choice and regional economic growth. Under his guidance, Dulles reached record growth in international service, solidifying its role as a global connector.

Prior to joining MWAA, Bobson held leadership positions with Omni Air International, McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, and the Maryland Aviation Administration. These diverse roles gave him a deep understanding of the industry’s complexities and sharpened his ability to bridge strategy with execution.

Beyond his professional achievements, Bobson is recognized for his mentorship and inclusive leadership style. He emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and innovation, and encourages younger professionals to bring their unique perspectives into the industry. As he often notes, “Each new route represents more than a flight; it’s a link that supports economic growth, global access, and shared opportunity.”