Detroit Airport's Massive Scale: A Comprehensive Overview

The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, commonly known as Detroit Metro, is one of the nation's busiest airports and a top international hub. It first opened in 1930 as the Wayne County Airport and was used to send U.S. airmail. The airport has since expanded fourfold to four square miles and now includes multiple terminals, runways, and hangars. Detroit Metro is easily accessible by public transit and offers various amenities, including lounges and high-speed Wi-Fi, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience for its many visitors.

Detroit Metropolitan Airport's history

The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, commonly known as "Detroit Metro", is one of the largest and busiest airports in the United States. It first opened on 4 September 1930, at the corner of Middlebelt Road and Wick Road in Romulus, Michigan. It was owned by Wayne County and used to send United States airmail. From 1931 until 1945, the airport hosted Michigan Air National Guard operations, and during World War II, it was used as a staging base to transport military aircraft to Europe. During the war, it was called Romulus Field or the Romulus Army Air Field.

In 1944, as World War II was coming to an end, the U.S. Army announced plans to release control of the airport. When Wayne County resumed control in 1947, the airport was renamed the Detroit-Wayne Major Airport and expanded to four square miles, four times its original size. This expansion was necessary to accommodate larger passenger planes, which required longer runways than military aircraft. In 1949 and 1950, several new runways were added, and in 1956, the airport became one of the first to receive long-range radar through a Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) program. This new equipment allowed aircraft to be detected from 200 miles away, improving safety and reducing delays. Also in 1956, Pan Am became the first airline to fly internationally from the airport.

To accommodate the increasing demand for passenger flights, the Detroit-Wayne Major Airport built new terminals. Terminal 1 (later renamed the L.C. Smith Terminal) opened in 1958, and around that time, the airport was renamed the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. Further expansions continued in 1966 with the construction of Terminal 2 (later renamed the J.M. Davey Terminal). The Michael Berry International Terminal was added in 1974, followed by the McNamara Terminal in 2002. The J.M. Davey Terminal was demolished in 2005 to make room for a new North Terminal, which opened in 2008. With the opening of the North Terminal, the Smith and Berry Terminals were retired, leaving McNamara and North Terminal as the only two operational terminals.

Today, the Detroit Metropolitan Airport covers 4,850 acres and serves over 32 million passengers annually. It has six runways, two terminals, and 129 in-service gates. It has been named the best large U.S. airport in customer satisfaction several times and generates $10.2 billion in annual economic impact, supporting more than 86,000 jobs in Michigan.

Terminals and lounges

Detroit Metropolitan Airport, also known as Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport or "Detroit Metro", is located in Romulus, Michigan, and was opened on September 4, 1930. The airport currently has two terminals: the Evans Terminal and the McNamara Terminal.

The Evans Terminal, named after former airport commissioner Warren C. Evans, is located at the north end of the airport and is the smaller of the two terminals, consisting of Concourse D only. Non-SkyTeam airlines operate from 29 gates, numbered D1 to D6, D8 to D12, D14 to D21, and D23 to D32. Ticketing and departures are on the upper level, while arrivals and transportation services are on the lower level. The Lufthansa Business and Senator Lounge is located between Gates D7 and D8 and is accessible to passengers flying in Lufthansa premium cabins, select Lufthansa and Star Alliance elite members, and Priority Pass members outside of peak hours. The Freedom Center for the military is also located within the Evans Terminal.

The McNamara Terminal is the larger of the two terminals, consisting of three concourses: A, B, and C. SkyTeam airlines Aeromexico, Delta, and Air France operate from this terminal. The Delta Sky Club lounges are located throughout the McNamara Terminal, with a total of eight lounges across the airport, including four Delta Sky Clubs. Priority Pass members can also access the Lufthansa Business Lounge.

The airport has a variety of dining, shopping, and lounge options, with 86 restaurants, cafes, and food stations across both terminals. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and charging stations are provided at many gates. Ground transportation services are easily accessible, with car rentals, shuttles, and bus routes connecting the airport to downtown Detroit and other nearby areas.

The Detroit Metropolitan Airport has undergone several expansions and name changes throughout its history. Initially called the Wayne County Airport, it was renamed the Detroit-Wayne Major Airport in 1947 after control was transferred back to Wayne County from the U.S. Army. The airport expanded to four square miles, quadrupling in size to accommodate larger passenger planes. Over the years, new terminals were built, including Terminal 1 (L.C. Smith Terminal) in 1958, Terminal 2 (J.M. Davey Terminal) in 1966, the Michael Berry International Terminal in 1974, and the McNamara Terminal in 2002. The J.M. Davey Terminal was demolished in 2005 to make way for the new North Terminal, which, along with the McNamara Terminal, are the only two operating terminals today.

Public transport connections

Detroit Metropolitan Airport, also known as Detroit Metro, is located in Romulus, Michigan, and has been operational since 1930. The airport has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years, with two terminals currently in operation: the McNamara Terminal and the North Terminal.

Detroit Metropolitan Airport is easily accessible by public transport, with several bus services connecting the airport to downtown Detroit and other regions. Here are the public transport options available:

• Detroit Air Xpress (DAX): This service provides a nonstop express connection between downtown Detroit and the airport. DAX operates daily, including holidays, from 3:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. It serves both the McNamara and Evans Terminals, offering amenities such as luggage storage, comfortable seating, charging ports, and Wi-Fi. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $6 or at the door for $8.
• Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART Bus): SMART provides multiple bus routes to and from the airport. Route 125 serves both the McNamara and Evans Terminals, while Route 280 serves only the Evans Terminal. Additionally, SMART offers a high-frequency service called FAST Michigan Ave (Route 261), which has limited stops and connects the airport to downtown Detroit and the suburbs. FAST Route 261 also stops at both DTW terminals.
• Michigan Flyer: This intercity bus service, operated by Indian Trails in partnership with TheRide, provides connections to Ann Arbor, Brighton, and East Lansing. It offers daily round trips with comfortable and affordable rides.
• Local Bus Routes: Two local bus routes operated by SMART also serve the airport. Route 125 connects communities in the Downriver region of southern Wayne County, while Route 280 provides service to downtown Romulus and other suburbs in western Wayne County, serving only the Evans Terminal.
• Regional Transit: The airport is also connected to the wider regional transit network. SMART's FAST Michigan service connects the airport to Dearborn, while the Robert Q Airbus, a private operator, offers service to southern Ontario, Canada, including Windsor and London.

Employment and economic impact

Detroit Metropolitan Airport, also known as Detroit Metro, DTW, or Metro Airport, is one of the busiest airports in the United States and a top international hub. With such a high volume of passengers, the airport has a significant economic impact and provides employment to thousands of people.

Employment

Detroit Metropolitan Airport directly employs a large number of people in various roles, including ground staff, customer service, security, and administrative positions. The airport is operated and maintained by the Airport Department, which is the primary employer at the airport. Other significant employers at the airport include Midwest Air Traffic Control, the FAA, AvFlight Corporation, and Eastside Aviation. In addition to the airport staff, there are numerous other businesses operating at the airport, such as airlines, retail stores, restaurants, and service providers, each with their own employees. These businesses contribute significantly to the overall employment generated by the airport.

The airport also indirectly supports a significant number of jobs in the surrounding area. For example, the construction of a new maintenance facility by Spirit Airlines brought 82 jobs to the region. Similarly, the presence of the airport has likely attracted other businesses to the area, creating additional employment opportunities.

Economic Impact

Detroit Metropolitan Airport has a substantial economic impact on the city of Detroit and the wider region. As one of the nation's busiest airports, it contributes significantly to the local economy through various means. Firstly, the airport generates revenue through various sources, including landing fees, parking fees, and leases for airport facilities. This revenue supports the airport's operations and maintenance and contributes to the local economy through the purchase of goods and services.

Secondly, the airport attracts a significant number of visitors to the area, many of whom may spend money on accommodations, dining, shopping, and other activities, benefiting local businesses and generating tax revenue for the city. This is particularly notable during large events and holiday periods, when the airport sees an increased volume of passengers.

Additionally, the airport serves as a gateway to the region, facilitating the movement of people and goods. This enhances the region's accessibility and promotes economic development by attracting businesses and investments. The airport's role as an international hub further strengthens its economic impact, as it handles a significant volume of international flights and passengers, bringing in foreign investment and contributing to the local tourism industry.

The economic impact of the airport extends beyond the immediate region, as it serves as a significant transportation hub for the entire state of Michigan. Its central location and extensive flight network make it a convenient option for travellers, further enhancing its economic significance.

Coleman A. Young International Airport

The airport was opened on October 14, 1927, as Detroit City Airport Terminal, designed by Perry A. Fellows and built by W. E. Wood Co. By 1929, the first hangar was erected, and by the 1930s, it had become the premiere airport in the Detroit area. In 1946-47, most airline traffic moved from Detroit City Airport to Willow Run Airport, and later to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. In 2003, the airport was renamed Coleman A. Young International Airport in honour of the late former mayor of Detroit, Coleman A. Young, who served as the city's first African-American mayor for over 20 years.

In recent years, there have been efforts to revitalise the airport and unlock federal funding for improvements. In 2022, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved Detroit's first Airport Layout Plan in 30 years, which is expected to bring over $100 million in federal funds for new hangars, a control tower, improved taxiways, and further development opportunities.

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