Detroit Airport's Location: Which County Does It Belong To?

what county is detroit airport in

The Detroit Metropolitan Airport, also known as Detroit Metro, is located in Romulus, Michigan, and is owned by Wayne County. The airport opened in 1930 and has since become one of the world's leading air transportation hubs, with more than 800 flights daily to and from three continents. It serves the metropolitan area of Detroit and several other areas in Ohio, Ontario, and Michigan.

Characteristics Values
Name Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Detroit Metro, Detroit-Wayne Major Airport, Metro Airport, DTW
Location Corner of Middlebelt and Wick roads, Romulus, Michigan
Operator Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA)
Destinations Over 140
Number of flights More than 800 flights per day
Destinations Three continents
Nearby airport Willow Run Airport (YIP)
Public transport RTA's Detroit Air Xpress (DAX), SMART's FAST Michigan, SMART bus routes 125 and 280, Michigan Flyer, Robert Q Airbus
Year of opening 1930

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Detroit Metropolitan Airport's location

The Detroit Metropolitan Airport, also known as Detroit Metro, is located in Romulus, Michigan, in Wayne County. The airport is situated at the intersection of Middlebelt Road and Wick Road, which marks its northeastern boundary.

Wayne County began planning for an airport in the western townships of the county as early as 1927. The county board of commissioners demonstrated their commitment by issuing a $2 million bond to fund the purchase of one square mile of land for the airport's site. Construction was completed in 1929, and the airport officially opened its doors on September 4, 1930, bearing the name Wayne County Airport.

During World War II, the U.S. Army took control of the airport, renaming it Romulus Army Air Field. It served as a staging base for transporting military aircraft to Europe. Following the war, in 1947, the airport reverted to the control of Wayne County, which expanded the airport significantly. This expansion transformed it into Detroit's primary airport, and it was renamed the Detroit-Wayne Major Airport.

Today, the Detroit Metropolitan Airport is one of the world's leading air transportation hubs, with more than 800 flights daily to and from three continents. It is operated by the Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA), which also manages the nearby Willow Run Airport, catering to corporate, cargo, and general aviation needs. The airport serves over 140 destinations and has earned recognition for its customer satisfaction, receiving top honours from J.D. Power & Associates on multiple occasions.

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Wayne County Airport Authority

The Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) is an independent agency that was established in 2002 by the Michigan State Legislature. The WCAA is responsible for operating the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) and the nearby Willow Run Airport (YIP).

Detroit Metropolitan Airport, also known as Metro Airport, is one of the world's leading air transportation hubs, with more than 800 flights per day to and from three continents. It is Michigan's busiest airport, having welcomed more than 34 million passengers in 2018. DTW offers more than 1,000 daily flights with 13 airlines to and from 120+ destinations on three continents. The airport features two state-of-the-art passenger terminals, six jet runways, and an onsite AAA Four-Diamond Westin hotel. DTW is among the world's most efficient, customer-friendly, and operationally capable airports in North America.

Willow Run Airport, located about 20 miles (32 km) west of Detroit, is an important corporate, cargo, and general aviation facility. During World War II, it housed the world's busiest aircraft bomber plant, producing the B-24 Liberator. Today, it remains a crucial part of the Southeast Michigan air transportation infrastructure, serving as a reliever to DTW for air cargo, general, and corporate aviation.

The Wayne County Airport Authority is committed to safe, secure, and dynamic air travel. It strives to provide a quick and simple airport process, but recommends that passengers arrive two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight to account for potential delays. The WCAA also drives economic activity in the region, creating and sustaining tens of thousands of jobs.

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Romulus, Michigan

The history of Romulus, Michigan, dates back to the early 19th century. The first white settler in the area was a French-Canadian named Samuel Polyne, who settled in Romulus in 1826. However, he left soon after the township was organised in 1835. The village of Romulus was officially platted on the Lansing B. Misner estate in 1871, and the township's name was changed to "Wayne" in 1845 before being changed back to Romulus in 1848. The city of Romulus came into existence in 1970.

Romulus holds historical significance as a stop on the Underground Railroad in the 1800s. During this period, slaves fled the inhumane conditions of plantations in the South and sought freedom in the Northern states. The Samuel Kingsley Home, a famous historic landmark in Romulus, served as one such underground railroad stop. Today, the structure still stands, and the house is located on Hunt Street, across from the Romulus Historical Museum.

In addition to its historical significance, Romulus has also gained recognition in popular culture. Sufjan Stevens, in his 2003 album "Michigan," included a single titled "Romulus." Furthermore, the independent comedy-drama film "Meet Monica Velour" was partially filmed in Romulus, along with other cities in the Detroit area.

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Airport history

Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) is located in Romulus, Michigan, and serves the metropolitan area of Detroit, as well as Toledo, Ohio, Ann Arbor, Windsor, and Southwestern Ontario in Canada. The airport is operated by the Wayne County Airport Authority and has six runways, two terminals, and 129 gates. With more than 800 flights daily to and from three continents, it is one of the world's leading air transportation hubs.

The history of Detroit Metropolitan Airport dates back to the late 1920s when Wayne County began planning an airport in the western townships of the county. In 1928, the county board of commissioners issued a $2 million bond to fund the purchase of land for the airport. Construction was completed in 1929, and the first landing took place on February 22, 1930. The airport, then known as Wayne County Airport, was officially dedicated on September 4, 1930, and Thompson Aeronautical Corporation, a forerunner of American Airlines, began service that same year.

From 1931 to 1945, the airport hosted Michigan Air National Guard operations for the United States Army Air Forces and was named Romulus Field during this time. In 1947, Wayne County expanded the airport to become Detroit's primary airport, renaming it Detroit-Wayne Major Airport. Over the next few years, the airport expanded significantly with the addition of multiple runways. In 1958, the airport received new long-range radar equipment, becoming the first inland airport in the United States certified for jet airliners.

Detroit Metropolitan Airport has continued to grow and develop over the years, with various improvements and expansions. The Michael Berry International Terminal was built in 1974, and in 1978, deregulation allowed airlines to set their own fares and routes. In 1986, Northwest Orient and Republic merged to form Northwest Airlines, creating a hub at the airport. The Midfield Terminal opened in 2002 and was named after Wayne County Executive Edward H. McNamara. In 2008, the new North Terminal opened, while the Smith and Berry terminals were retired. Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines merged in 2008, making Delta the hub airline at DTW by 2009.

The airport has received numerous accolades, including being named the best large U.S. airport in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power & Associates in 2010, 2019, and 2022. In 2019, DTW launched the Art in the Airport program, bringing reproductions from the Detroit Institute of Arts to the airport. In 2022, the North Terminal was renamed the Warren Cleage Evans Terminal, honouring Wayne County Executive Evans' dedication to public service. That same year, DTW achieved Level Two of the Airports Council International's Customer Experience Accreditation.

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Transport to and from the airport

The Detroit Metropolitan Airport, also known as the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport or "Detroit Metro", is located in Romulus, Michigan, in Wayne County. The airport is accessible by various transport options, providing convenient connections to and from the airport for travellers.

Public Transit Options

For those travelling to and from the airport, there are several public transit options available. The RTA's Detroit Air Xpress (DAX) is an express bus service that connects the airport to downtown Detroit, offering a direct and efficient travel option. Additionally, SMART's FAST Michigan is a limited-stop bus route that links the airport to Detroit and Dearborn, providing connections to the wider regional transit network.

Local Bus Services

Two local bus routes, operated by SMART, also serve Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Route 125 connects communities in the Downriver region of southern Wayne County, serving both terminals at the airport. Route 280 provides service to downtown Romulus and other western Wayne County suburbs, but only serves the Evans Terminal. These bus routes offer convenient travel options for those travelling to and from the airport within the local area.

Intercity and International Bus Services

For travellers looking to explore beyond the immediate area, the Michigan Flyer, operated by Indian Trails in partnership with TheRide, offers intercity bus connections to Ann Arbor, Brighton, and East Lansing. Additionally, for those travelling to southern Ontario, Canada, Robert Q Airbus, a private operator, provides transit services to destinations including Windsor and London. These intercity and international bus services extend the reach of the airport's transport network, catering to a wider range of traveller destinations.

Parking and Ground Transportation

The Detroit Metropolitan Airport also offers parking options for those who prefer to drive to the airport. Short-term and long-term parking facilities are available, with recommendations to arrive two to three hours before a domestic or international flight, respectively, to allow for parking, baggage check, and security wait times. The airport strives to provide a quick and simple travel process, but unexpected delays can occur.

Frequently asked questions

Detroit Metropolitan Airport, also known as Detroit Metro, is in Wayne County.

The airport opened on September 4, 1930, and was originally called the Wayne County Airport.

The airport is located at the corner of Middlebelt and Wick roads in Romulus, Michigan.

Detroit Metropolitan Airport serves over 140 destinations across three continents, with more than 800 flights per day.

It is recommended that passengers arrive two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.

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