
Detroit Metropolitan Airport, also known as Detroit Metro Airport, Wayne County Airport, or by its airport code DTW, is the main airport serving Detroit, Michigan. It is one of the world's leading air transportation hubs, with more than 800 flights per day to and from three continents and over 140 destinations. The airport has six runways, two terminals, and 129 gates in total. It is operated by the Wayne County Airport Authority, which also operates the nearby Willow Run Airport, an important corporate, cargo, and general aviation facility.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Detroit Metropolitan Airport |
| Alternative names | Detroit Metro Airport, Metro Airport, Detroit Metro, DTW |
| Location | Detroit, Michigan |
| Operator | Wayne County Airport Authority |
| Number of Runways | 6 |
| Number of Terminals | 2 |
| Number of Gates | 129 |
| Number of Destinations | 140+ |
| Number of Passengers in 2012 | 32 million+ |
| Awards | Best large U.S. airport in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power & Associates in 2010, 2019, and 2022 |
| Connection to Downtown Detroit | SMART Bus route 261, also known as the Michigan Ave FAST bus |
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What You'll Learn
- Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) is one of the world's leading air transportation hubs
- The airport is operated by the Wayne County Airport Authority
- It has six runways, two terminals, and 129 in-service gates
- The airport serves over 140 destinations across four continents
- DTW has been named the best large U.S. airport in customer satisfaction three times

Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) 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 for an airport in the western townships. In 1928, the county board of commissioners issued funds to purchase land for the airport, which was later expanded over time. Today, the airport covers a significant area, with its terminals and concourses connected by pedestrian walkways, making it a convenient and accessible hub for travellers.
DTW offers a wide range of amenities and services to ensure a smooth travel experience. The airport provides accessible entrances, wheelchair assistance, and dedicated assistance for passengers with disabilities. It also features a variety of dining and shopping options, both onsite and nearby, making it a convenient gateway for travellers. Additionally, DTW is committed to safe and secure operations, with TSA checkpoints and efficient customs and border protection processes to handle a large volume of passengers.
The airport has also seen continuous growth and development, with airlines expanding their services and seeking to resume operations. For instance, Spirit Airlines has increased its market share and added flights to East and West Coast cities. Moreover, DTW has improved its facilities, including the construction of a new maintenance hangar for Spirit Airlines, enhancing its capacity to serve a diverse range of aircraft.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport's role as a leading transportation hub extends beyond passenger travel. The airport, along with the nearby Willow Run Airport (also operated by WCAA), plays a crucial role in driving economic activity in the region. Together, these airports create and sustain a significant number of jobs, contributing to the state's economic growth and development.
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The airport is operated by the Wayne County Airport Authority
Detroit's main airport is called Detroit Metropolitan Airport, also known as Detroit Metro Airport, DTW, or Detroit Metro Wayne County. The airport is operated by the Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA), which also operates the nearby Willow Run Airport (YIP).
The Wayne County Airport Authority manages an airport that is one of the world's leading air transportation hubs, with more than 800 flights per day to and from three continents. DTW has six runways, two terminals, and 129 in-service gates. It serves over 140 destinations, including locations in Asia, making it the primary gateway to the continent from the US. The airport has been named the best large US airport in customer satisfaction three times, in 2010, 2019, and 2022.
The Wayne County Airport Authority strives to make the airport process quick and simple, providing helpful resources on its website, such as flight time data and travel tips. They recommend arriving two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight to account for parking, baggage check, and TSA wait lines. DTW also offers accessible entrances, wheelchair assistance, and other forms of assistance for passengers with disabilities.
The Wayne County Airport Authority works with various business partners to ensure safe, secure, and dynamic air travel. They have also partnered with Unifi to bring autonomous wheelchairs to DTW, with automated assistance available 24/7 and personal assistance during Airport Authority business hours.
The Wayne County Airport Authority has played a key role in the nation's aviation system since the late 1920s when Detroit Metro Airport was founded. The Authority continues to build on this legacy, expanding its reach and driving economic activity.
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It has six runways, two terminals, and 129 in-service gates
Detroit's main airport, the Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), is a large and busy transportation hub, offering more than 1200 flights per day to and from nearly 150 destinations across four continents. Operated by the Wayne County Airport Authority, the airport is equipped with six runways, two terminals, and 129 in-service gates, enabling efficient handling of its significant flight and passenger volume.
The two terminals, the McNamara Terminal and the Evans Terminal, facilitate seamless travel for both domestic and international passengers. The Customs and Border Protection processing centre at the terminal's lower level is designed to efficiently process up to 3,200 international arriving passengers per hour. International passengers connecting to another flight are screened by TSA at a dedicated checkpoint within the international arrivals facility before proceeding to the A concourse. Those ending their journey in Detroit or transferring to a flight via the Evans Terminal exit into a dedicated International Arrivals Hall on the lower level of the terminal.
The Detroit Metropolitan Airport's two terminals offer a combined total of 129 in-service gates, ensuring efficient aircraft handling and passenger boarding. The B and C concourses, for example, feature 41 gates dedicated to Delta's regional flights, accommodating smaller aircraft. All regional flights at these gates are conveniently equipped with jet bridges, eliminating the need for outdoor boarding and enhancing passenger comfort.
The airport's six runways support the efficient takeoff and landing of flights, contributing to the smooth flow of air traffic. In addition to its passenger facilities, the airport also boasts maintenance capabilities. It has maintenance facilities capable of servicing and repairing large aircraft, such as the Boeing 747-400. This comprehensive infrastructure, including runways, terminals, gates, and maintenance facilities, ensures Detroit Metropolitan Airport's efficient operation as one of the world's leading air transportation hubs.
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The airport serves over 140 destinations across four continents
Detroit's main airport is the Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW). Operated by the Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA), the airport has six runways, two terminals, and 129 in-service gates. It is one of the world's leading air transportation hubs, offering more than 1,200 flights daily to and from over 140 destinations across four continents.
The airport serves a wide area, including the metropolitan Detroit area, Toledo, Ohio, Ann Arbor, Windsor, Ontario, and Southwestern Ontario in Canada. It is easily accessible by public transport, with the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART Bus) providing a direct connection to downtown Detroit. DTW is also committed to providing safe, secure, and dynamic air travel for all its passengers.
One of the unique features of DTW is its ability to accommodate a large number of passengers efficiently. The Customs and Border Protection processing centre, for example, can process up to 3,200 passengers per hour. The airport also has dedicated screening checkpoints for international arriving passengers connecting to another flight, ensuring a smooth and quick transition.
DTW has a long history, with Wayne County beginning plans for an airport in the western townships as early as 1927. The airport has grown and expanded over the years, with new terminals and maintenance facilities being added to accommodate increasing air traffic. Today, it is Michigan's busiest airport, serving over 32 million passengers in 2012 and offering a range of amenities, including high-end shopping and restaurants.
The airport has also received recognition for its customer satisfaction. It was named the best large U.S. airport in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power & Associates in 2010, 2019, and 2022. With its efficient processes, dedication to safety and security, and wide range of destinations, Detroit Metropolitan Airport plays a key role in the nation's aviation system and continues to be a preferred choice for travellers.
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DTW has been named the best large U.S. airport in customer satisfaction three times
Detroit's main airport, Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), has been named the best large U.S. airport in customer satisfaction three times. This airport is operated by the Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) and is one of the world's leading air transportation hubs, offering over 800 flights daily to and from three continents. DTW has two terminals, six runways, and 129 in-service gates.
DTW's first recognition as the best large U.S. airport in customer satisfaction came in 2010, with the airport receiving the highest numerical score among large airports (30+ million passengers/year) in the J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study. The study evaluated customer satisfaction across various factors, including terminal facilities, airport arrival/departure, baggage claim, security check, check-in/baggage check, and food, beverage, and retail options.
In 2019, DTW earned the prestigious J.D. Power Award once again. This recognition was a testament to the airport's continuous improvement initiatives. In the preceding year, DTW expanded the use of biometric/facial recognition technology for faster boarding, enhanced concessions locations, and implemented several improvements in the Evans Terminal, including renovating the Pet Relief Area and adding USB charging ports.
Most recently, in 2022, DTW was again named the best large U.S. airport in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power & Associates. This achievement highlighted the airport's consistent commitment to enhancing the customer experience. Throughout its history, DTW has played a pivotal role in the nation's aviation system, and it continues to expand its reach globally.
DTW's accolades in customer satisfaction reflect the dedication of the airport staff and their focus on ensuring safe, comfortable, and satisfying experiences for travellers. With ongoing improvements and a commitment to excellence, DTW strives to maintain its position as one of the leading air transportation hubs in the world.
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Frequently asked questions
Detroit Metropolitan Airport, also known as Detroit Metro Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, or by its airport code DTW, is the main airport serving Detroit, Michigan.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport is one of the world's leading air transportation hubs, with more than 800 flights per day to and from three continents. Another source states that the airport offers more than 1,200 flights per day to and from nearly 150 destinations on four continents.
In 2012, Detroit Metropolitan Airport welcomed more than 32 million passengers, making it Michigan's busiest airport.









































