Michigan's Commercial Airports: A Comprehensive Overview

Michigan has 15 airports that offer commercial flights, including Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Gerald R. Ford International Airport, and Lansing Capital City Airport. However, there are a total of 221 public airports and 126 private airports in the state.

Michigan's busiest airport

Michigan has numerous airports located throughout the state, making it easy to book flights. Michigan's busiest airport is the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), located in Romulus, a suburb of Detroit. This airport is Michigan's largest and busiest, serving as a gateway to the state for many travellers. It is conveniently situated near the I-275 and I-94 highways, providing easy access to nearby Detroit and Ann Arbor. The airport also offers a 10-level parking facility that can accommodate nearly 11,500 vehicles, including free parking for motorcycles.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport serves as a crucial hub for both domestic and international travel. It offers a wide range of amenities and services to cater to the large volume of passengers passing through each year. The airport is equipped with various shops, restaurants, and lounges to enhance the traveller experience. It also features a range of ground transportation options, including car rental services, taxis, and ride-sharing services, making it convenient for passengers to continue their journeys beyond the airport.

While Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport takes the top spot, several other airports in Michigan also handle a significant number of passengers each year. These include the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, named after a former president native to Michigan, and the Bishop International Airport in Flint, which has shown a steady increase in passenger numbers.

The Capital Region International Airport (LAN) in Lansing is another notable hub, providing convenient access to Michigan State University and the surrounding area. Other busy airports in Michigan include Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport, Sawyer International Airport, and Pellston Regional Airport, all of which contribute to the state's robust aviation network.

The largest airport in Michigan

Michigan has 54 airports, including 14 primary commercial airports. The largest airport in Michigan is the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), located in Romulus, a suburb of Detroit. Covering 4,850 acres (1,960 ha) of land, it is Michigan's busiest airport, with ten times as many enplanements and deplanements as the next-busiest, Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids.

The airport is a major hub for Delta Air Lines and is also a base for Spirit Airlines. It has six runways, two terminals, and 129 in-service gates. It serves over 140 destinations, including 30 international destinations and 39 US states. The airport is conveniently located near I-275 and I-94, making it easily accessible from Detroit and Ann Arbor.

The airport has been recognised for its customer satisfaction, named the best large US airport in this category by J.D. Power & Associates in 2010, 2019, and 2022. It also has a ten-level parking facility that can accommodate nearly 11,500 vehicles, with free parking for motorcycles.

The history of the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport dates back to the late 1920s when Wayne County began planning an airport in the western townships. In 1928, the county board issued a $2 million bond to fund the purchase of land, and construction was completed in 1929, with the first landing taking place on February 22, 1930. The airport has undergone numerous expansions and renovations over the years, including the addition of runways and terminals, to become the major hub it is today.

Commercial flights from Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Michigan has 15 airports that offer commercial flights, and six of these are located in the Upper Peninsula. These are:

• Sawyer International Airport (MQT)
• Houghton County Memorial Airport (CMX)
• Chippewa County International Airport (CIU)
• Delta County Airport (ESC)
• Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport
• Iron Mountain Airport (IMT)

There are three popular routes from the United States to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The most popular is from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Gogebic-Iron County Airport, with an average flight time of 1 hour 17 minutes and a round-trip cost of $265. The other two popular routes are from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport to Gogebic-Iron County Airport, and from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Houghton County Memorial Airport.

There are 10 airlines flying into the Upper Peninsula, including Delta, United, and American Airlines. Flights to the Upper Peninsula can be as low as $93 for a one-way trip and $184 for a round trip.

Michigan's northernmost airport

Michigan has numerous airports scattered throughout the state, making it easy to book flights and explore the state. Michigan's northernmost airport is the Houghton County Memorial Airport (CMX), located in Houghton County, in the heart of the Keweenaw Peninsula. The airport is just 4 miles from Houghton and Hancock, and 7 miles from Calumet. It provides essential access to the national air transportation system for the four-county area of Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga, and Ontonagon. The airport serves approximately 50,000 to 55,000 passengers annually.

In addition to Houghton County Memorial Airport, there are several other notable airports in Michigan. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is Michigan's largest airport, located in Romulus, a suburb of Detroit. It is conveniently situated near the I-275 and I-94 highways, providing easy access to Detroit and Ann Arbor. Gerald R. Ford International Airport, named after a former Michigan native president, is located 20 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids. This airport serves as a gateway to 24 major market destinations.

Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City offers a unique experience with access to Lake Michigan, wineries, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Flights to Mackinac Island from this airport can help travellers avoid long drives and ferry rides to this motorless island. For those travelling to the University of Michigan, Detroit Willow Run Airport (YIP) is a convenient option, located less than 10 miles east of the campus. Capital Region International Airport (LAN) is ideal for those heading to Michigan State University or the state's capital.

Michigan's extensive list of airports showcases its commitment to providing accessible travel options for residents and visitors alike, ensuring that exploring the state is indeed "a breeze."

Airports in Michigan with international flights

Michigan has several airports scattered throughout the state, making it easy to book flights. Michigan's largest airport is the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), located in Romulus, a suburb of Detroit. This airport is conveniently located near I-275 and I-94, providing easy access to Detroit and Ann Arbor.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW):

The Detroit Metropolitan Airport is Michigan's primary airport, serving as a hub for Delta Air Lines and offering numerous international destinations. It is located in the city of Detroit and is the state's busiest airport.

Gerald R. Ford International Airport:

Located in Grand Rapids, this airport is named after a former US President and Michigan native, Gerald R. Ford. It serves as a gateway to 24 major market destinations and provides easy access to Lake Michigan and other attractions.

Bishop International Airport:

This airport is located in Flint, Michigan, and serves as a focus city for Allegiant Air. While it primarily handles domestic flights, it also offers some international destinations.

Capital Region International Airport (LAN):

The Capital Region International Airport serves the state capital, Lansing, and the surrounding region. It provides flights to various destinations, including some international locations.

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport:

Located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, this airport offers both domestic and international flights. It serves the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek regions and is known for its convenient and efficient services.

Sawyer International Airport:

Sawyer International Airport is located in Marquette, Michigan, and offers a range of international and domestic flights. It serves the central Upper Peninsula region and provides access to scenic areas like Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Cherry Capital Airport (TVC):

Cherry Capital Airport, located in Traverse City, provides a unique travel experience with flights to Mackinac Island, helping travellers avoid long drives and ferry rides to this motorless island. It also offers other domestic and international destinations.

These airports offer a mix of domestic and international flights, connecting Michigan to various parts of the world and making it convenient for travellers to explore the state and beyond.

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