Detroit's Dual Airports: A Tale Of Two Transport Hubs

Detroit is served by several airports, with two major airports recommended for commercial flights: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Windsor International Airport. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is Michigan's busiest airport and is located in Romulus, a Detroit suburb. It is a hub for Delta Air Lines and offers nonstop flights to more than 140 domestic and international destinations. On the other hand, Windsor International Airport is located in Ontario, Canada, and is the closest airport to downtown Detroit, just eight miles from the city. It offers commuter flights to Toronto and Montreal, as well as seasonal flights to warm-weather destinations.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

The airport covers 4,850 acres of land and is a major hub for Delta Air Lines, serving as the airline's main gateway to Asia from the Eastern United States. It is also a base for Spirit Airlines. The airport has service to 30 international destinations and 39 states across the US.

DTW has six runways, two terminals, and 129 in-service gates. It is one of the nation's largest airports, serving over 140 destinations, including the Metropolitan Detroit area, Toledo, Ohio, Ann Arbor, Windsor, and Southwestern Ontario in Canada.

The airport is operated by the Wayne County Airport Authority and has been recognised as the best large US airport in customer satisfaction several times. It features an onsite AAA Four-Diamond Westin hotel and is well-regarded for its modern and well-laid-out terminals and efficient security lines.

While DTW is accessible by public transportation, including bus services, it is not known for its public transport connections. A taxi ride to downtown Detroit from the airport takes around 25 minutes and costs about $45, while the bus takes an hour and costs $2.

The history of the airport dates back to the late 1920s when Wayne County began planning an airport in the western townships. Construction was completed in 1929, and the airport was dedicated on September 4, 1930. Over the years, the airport has undergone several expansions, including the addition of runways and terminals, to become Detroit's primary airport.

Bishop International Airport (FNT)

The airport offers the lowest average airfares in Michigan, while still offering the same destination options as a larger airport. It is served by three airlines: Allegiant Air, United Express, and American Eagle. These airlines offer flights to 13 cities across the United States, including Chicago, Atlanta, and four cities in Florida.

The airport is accessible by road, with parking options available, and is also served by a bus line operated by the Flint Mass Transportation Authority. In addition, local taxi services and ride-sharing options such as Uber are available in the area.

Bishop International Airport has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, with the most recent upgrades in 2012 and 2013-2014, providing a modern and comfortable experience for travellers. The airport covers 1,550 acres and has two runways, with an average of 122 aircraft operations per day.

In summary, Bishop International Airport (FNT) offers a convenient and affordable option for travellers in the Southeast Michigan region, with easy accessibility and a range of destination options.

Capital Region International Airport (LAN)

The airport offers direct flights to some of the largest airport hubs in the country, providing connections to a wide range of domestic and international destinations. Seasonal direct flights are also available to popular vacation spots, including international locations such as Cancun, Mexico, and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. LAN strives to provide a hassle-free experience for travellers, with safe parking and easy accessibility.

The current terminal building, constructed in 1959, has four floors, with the lower two floors dedicated to passenger levels. The terminal has nine gates, including six jetways, and various amenities such as restaurants, cafes, and travel centres. The airport has both short and long-term parking options, with a combined capacity of 1,500 parking spaces.

In 2021, the airport reported a total of 188,470 passengers, including 180,385 scheduled passengers and 8,085 charter passengers. The airport has three runways, with the longest being 8,506 feet (2,593 m) in length, capable of accommodating larger aircraft.

Capital Region International Airport is easily accessible by road and is close to several freeways, including I-69, I-96, I-496, and U.S. Highway 127. Public transportation options include the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) Bus Route 14, which connects the airport to downtown Lansing.

Windsor International Airport (YQG)

The airport first opened in 1928 as Walker Airport, named after the 19th-century whiskey distiller and distributor of the Canadian Club brand, Hiram Walker. In 1967, it was added to the national portfolio of Canadian airports, citing its increasing importance as a regional airport hub for Southwestern Ontario.

The airport is operated by 'Your Quick Gateway' on behalf of the City of Windsor and is certified by Transport Canada. It offers a safe, clean, and convenient travel experience. There is a landing fee for some aircraft. The airport has ample land and a first-class aviation infrastructure, making it an ideal choice for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations.

In 2012, airport traffic had increased by over 160% since 2008, with over 250,000 passengers passing through, its busiest year ever. In 2013, the City of Windsor announced a $14.1 million investment to create a multi-modal cargo terminal, expected to create around 105 jobs. In 2016, the airport handled 331,000 passengers.

The airport has two runways: Runway 07/25, which is 9,000 by 200 ft, and Runway 12/30, which is 5,150 by 150 ft. There is parking available, but a charge is incurred for parking longer than six hours.

Coleman A. Young International Airport (DET)

Coleman A. Young International Airport (IATA: DET, ICAO: KDET, FAA LID: DET) is a regional general aviation facility located six miles northeast of downtown Detroit, in Wayne County, Michigan. The airport is owned by the City of Detroit and was named after the late former mayor of Detroit, Coleman A. Young, in 2003. Covering 264 acres of land, the airport has one active asphalt runway and a deactivated runway.

The airport's 53,000-square-foot passenger terminal includes facilities for Customs and Border Protection, restaurants, retail concessions, car rental services, airline offices, baggage services, boarding areas, and passenger lounges. The airport also has three 1,000-space parking lots.

Coleman A. Young International Airport handles more than 75,000 aircraft operations and is a Class C gateway airport with 5,090 usable runway space. The airport is home to various organisations, including the Airport Department, Midwest Air Traffic Control, FAA, AvFlight Corporation, Eastside Aviation, Certified Aircraft Rescue Firefighting, and Tuskegee Airmen, among others.

The airport offers educational programs such as Civil Air Patrol, Airport 101, Tuskegee Airmen Annual Community Christmas Event, My Flight Helicopter Tours, and Drone and Rocket Classes.

In October 2022, the airport received its first Airport Layout Plan in 30 years, making it eligible for federal grants to fund improvements and expansions.

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