The Evolution Of Detroit Metro Airport: A Historical Overview

The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, also known as Detroit Metro Airport, is located in Romulus, Michigan, and is the primary international airport serving Detroit and its surrounding areas. The airport's history dates back to the late 1920s when Wayne County began planning an airport in the western townships. Construction of the airport, initially named Wayne County Airport, was completed in 1929, and it officially opened on September 4, 1930. The airport has undergone several expansions and name changes over the years, including being renamed Detroit-Wayne Major Airport in 1947 and later, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in 1958. Today, Detroit Metro Airport is a major hub for Delta Air Lines and serves as a gateway to Asia for the eastern United States. With six runways, two terminals, and a wide range of domestic and international destinations, Detroit Metro Airport continues to be a significant aviation hub in the region.

The airport's history

The history of Detroit Metropolitan Airport, or Detroit Metro, dates back to the late 1920s. Here is a detailed account of the airport's history:

The Early Years:

• In 1927, Wayne County began planning an airport in the western townships of the county.
• In April 1929, the groundbreaking for Wayne County Airport took place, and construction was completed in the same year.
• On September 4, 1930, Wayne County Airport officially opened at the corner of Middlebelt Road and Wick Road in Romulus, Michigan.
• The airport initially had a surface area of one square mile and primarily served United States airmail operations.
• During the 1930s, the airport also hosted parachuting events and small propeller planes, such as the Kadiak Speedster.

World War II and Post-War Expansion:

• During World War II, the US Army assumed control of the airport in 1940 to support the war effort. It was renamed the Romulus Army Air Field.
• The army constructed new hangars, runways, and other facilities, using the airport as a staging base for transferring aircraft to Europe.
• In 1943, 107 Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) were stationed at Romulus to ferry military planes across the US.
• In 1944, the US Army announced its plans to release the airport, and control was returned to Wayne County.
• In 1947, the airport was renamed Detroit-Wayne Major Airport, and its area was expanded to four square miles.
• By the late 1940s, Detroit-Wayne Major Airport became Detroit's primary airport, with the addition of new runways.
• In 1949, the airport added runways 3L/21R and 9L/27R, followed by runway 4R/22L in 1950.

Jet Age and Modern Developments:

• In 1956, the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) announced that Detroit would receive long-range radar as part of preparations for civil jet traffic.
• The first jetliner to land at Detroit Metro was a de Havilland Comet, arriving on November 12, 1958.
• In 1958, the airport was renamed Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), and Terminal 1 (L.C. Smith Terminal) opened.
• In 1966, Terminal 2 (North Terminal) opened, and by the end of that year, all commercial air carriers had moved from Willow Run Airport to Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
• The airport continued to expand, with the construction of additional runways and terminals, including the Michael Berry International Terminal in 1974.
• In 1996, plans were announced for a new Midfield Terminal, which opened in 2002 and was named after Wayne County Executive Edward H. McNamara.
• In 2008, the new North Terminal opened, replacing the older Smith and Berry terminals.
• Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines merged in 2008, making Delta the primary airline hub at DTW.
• In recent years, Detroit Metropolitan Airport has continued to expand and receive accolades for its customer satisfaction, earning awards from J.D. Power and Airports Council International.

Its location

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is located in Romulus, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. It is Michigan's busiest airport, with ten times as many enplanements and deplanements as the next busiest airport in the state, Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids.

DTW is the primary international airport serving Detroit and its metropolitan area, as well as the Toledo, Ohio area, the Ann Arbor area, and Windsor and Southwestern Ontario in Canada. It is also one of the world's leading air transportation hubs, with service from 11 scheduled passenger airlines and more than 1200 flights per day to and from nearly 150 destinations on four continents.

The airport covers 4,850 acres of land and has six runways, two terminals, and 129 gates in operation. The two terminals are the Edward H. McNamara Terminal, which is used exclusively by Delta Air Lines and its partners, and the Warren Cleage Evans Terminal, which houses all non-SkyTeam airlines serving the airport.

DTW is accessible from Interstate 94 via Merriman Road and from Interstate 275 via Eureka Road. It is connected to the region's wider transit network, with direct bus connections to downtown Detroit and Dearborn.

Airlines that use the airport

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, located in Romulus, Michigan, is a crucial hub for air travel in the Midwest, connecting over 140 destinations worldwide. The airport is served by a variety of airlines, including major carriers such as:

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines is the dominant airline at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, with over 500 daily departures to more than 120 destinations globally. The airline operates primarily from the McNamara Terminal, known for its architectural elegance and advanced facilities. Delta Air Lines is a major hub at the airport and serves as the main gateway to Asia for the Eastern United States. The airline offers a range of services for travellers, including Sky Club lounges for relaxation and extensive in-flight entertainment options.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines is recognised for its budget-friendly travel options and serves passengers from the North Terminal, now known as the Warren Cleage Evans Terminal. The airline connects travellers to over 20 destinations, mainly leisure spots such as Las Vegas, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale. Spirit Airlines has grown at Detroit Metropolitan Airport and is the airport's second-largest carrier.

American Airlines

American Airlines operates from both the McNamara and North Terminals, providing connectivity to over 30 destinations. The airline enhances the passenger experience with features like Admirals Club lounges and priority boarding privileges for its elite members. American Airlines offers a wide array of in-flight entertainment and dining options, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.

Other Airlines

In addition to the key carriers mentioned above, Detroit Metropolitan Airport is served by several other prominent airlines, including:

• Air France: Provides direct flights to Paris, offering a gateway to Europe with luxury and comfort.
• Southwest Airlines: Known for its flexible booking policies and two free checked bags, Southwest connects travellers to numerous destinations across the United States.
• Lufthansa: Offers direct services to Frankfurt, Germany, from where passengers can access a vast global network and premium services.
• JetBlue: Renowned for its comfortable seating and complimentary snacks and beverages, JetBlue serves a selection of domestic routes from Detroit.
• Royal Jordanian Airlines: Operates charter flights and provides direct flights to destinations such as Reykjavík.
• Sun Country Airlines: Offers seasonal flights to various destinations.
• WestJet: Provides seasonal service to Calgary and Vancouver.
• Alaska Airlines: Serves various destinations from the North Terminal.
• Frontier Airlines: Connects travellers to destinations such as Orlando and Denver.
• United Airlines: Provides service to destinations like Denver, Orlando, and Phoenix.
• United Express: Operates from the North Terminal and serves various destinations.

Terminals and runways

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, also known as Detroit Metro Airport, has six runways and two terminals with 129 gates in total. The airport covers 4,850 acres of land and is Michigan's busiest airport.

Terminals

The airport has two terminals: the Edward H. McNamara Terminal and the Warren Cleage Evans Terminal.

Edward H. McNamara Terminal

The McNamara Terminal, also known as the Northwest WorldGateway, opened on February 24, 2002. It replaced the aged Davey Terminal. The terminal is used exclusively by Delta and Delta partners Aeromexico, Air France, and WestJet. The terminal has three concourses, A, B, and C, with 121 gates. It features five Delta Sky Clubs, an AAA Four-Star Westin hotel, and a large, laminar flow water feature designed by WET. The terminal has international gates that are capable of dual jet bridge loading and unloading.

Warren Cleage Evans Terminal

The Evans Terminal, formerly known as the North Terminal, opened on September 17, 2008, as a replacement for the Berry and Smith terminals. It houses all non-SkyTeam airlines serving the airport. The concourse has 29 gates and features two six-lane security checkpoints, U.S. Customs & Border Protection inspection facilities, and a new service pet relief area.

Runways

The airport has six runways: 4R/22L, 4L/22R, 3R/21L, 3L/21R, 9L/27R, and 9R/27L. The runways range in length from 8,500 to 12,003 feet and are made of concrete or asphalt/concrete.

Awards and recognition

The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) has received numerous awards and recognition over the years for its operational efficiency, customer service, and commitment to continuous improvement. Here are some highlights:

• In 2010, 2019, and 2022, DTW was named the best large U.S. airport in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates, receiving the same award again in 2023.
• In 2019, DTW was recognised as one of the best airports in North America by size and category (25-40 million passengers) by Airports Council International (ACI).
• DTW received the Airport Efficiency Excellence Award from the Air Transport Research Society, recognised as the most efficient airport in the 15-40 million passengers category in North America.
• The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport, an onsite AAA Four-Diamond hotel, was acknowledged as the "Leading Airport Hotel" in North America by the World Travel Awards panel.
• In 2010, DTW ranked highest in overall customer satisfaction among large airports in the J.D. Power and Associates North America Airport Satisfaction Study.
• The Airport Authority Fire Department became the first in the nation to earn international accreditation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence and the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) in 2011.
• In 2014, a University of Michigan-Dearborn study determined that DTW generated $10.2 billion in annual economic impact and supported over 86,000 jobs across Michigan.
• DTW achieved Level Three of the Airport Carbon Accreditation program in 2019, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and stakeholder engagement.
• In 2022, DTW achieved Level Two of the Airports Council International's Customer Experience Accreditation, recognising its focus on enhancing the customer experience.
• The North Terminal (now the Warren Cleage Evans Terminal) was recognised with the "Build Michigan" award in 2010 for its design and construction.
• In 2023, DTW welcomed Turkish Airlines as its 17th scheduled passenger carrier, further expanding its international offerings.
• Willow Run Airport, also operated by the Wayne County Airport Authority, received the Balchen/Post Award for Outstanding Achievement in Airport Snow and Ice Control in 2023-2024.

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