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Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is the primary international airport serving Detroit and its surrounding metropolitan area. It is located in Romulus, a Detroit suburb, and is Michigan's busiest airport. The airport covers 4,850 acres of land and has service to 30 international destinations and 39 states across the United States. In this text, we will explore the history of Detroit Metropolitan Airport, its impact on the nation's aviation system, and the future of Detroit's aviation industry, including the Coleman A. Young International Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) |
| Location | Romulus, Michigan |
| Area | 4,850 acres |
| Destinations | 30 international destinations and 39 states across the United States |
| Founding | Late 1920s |
| Current Status | Open and operational |
| Airlines | Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Royal Jordanian, Compass Airlines, British Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, etc. |
| Awards | Best large U.S. airport in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power & Associates in 2010, 2019, and 2022 |
| Other | The Berry Terminal, which closed in 2008, has been used for commercial film and television production. |
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What You'll Learn
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is Michigan's busiest airport
- Detroit's economy suffered during the Great Recession, impacting the airport
- The Berry Terminal closed in 2008 and is now used for film and TV production
- The airport has been named the best large US airport in customer satisfaction
- The Coleman A. Young International Airport is a Class C gateway airport
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is Michigan's busiest airport
The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, also known by its IATA and ICAO codes, DTW and KDTW, respectively, is Michigan's busiest airport. Located in Romulus, a Detroit suburb, the airport covers 4,850 acres of land and has six runways, two terminals, and 129 in-service gates. It is the primary international airport serving Detroit and its surrounding metropolitan area, including the Toledo, Ohio area, the Ann Arbor area, and Windsor, Ontario. The airport also serves Southwestern Ontario in Canada and over 140 destinations worldwide, including 30 international destinations and 39 states across the United States.
The history of the 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, and construction was completed in 1929. The first landing at the airport took place on February 22, 1930, and it was dedicated as Wayne County Airport on September 4, 1930. From 1931 to 1945, the airport hosted Michigan Air National Guard operations, and during the war, it was named Romulus Field. In 1947, the airport was renamed Detroit-Wayne Major Airport, and it expanded significantly over the next few years, with several new runways being added.
Today, the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is a major hub for Delta Air Lines and a base for Spirit Airlines. It has been recognised for its customer satisfaction, being named the best large U.S. airport in this category by J.D. Power & Associates in 2010, 2019, and 2022. The airport has also played a role in film and television production, with the now-closed Berry Terminal being used as a set for various productions since its closure in 2008.
The airport is accessible by public transit, with several bus routes serving the local and wider transit network. It is also equipped to handle large aircraft, with maintenance facilities capable of servicing and repairing planes as large as the Boeing 747-400. With its continuous growth and expansion, the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport remains a key player in Michigan's aviation system and a vital gateway to the region.
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Detroit's economy suffered during the Great Recession, impacting the airport
Detroit's economy suffered a significant blow during the Great Recession, and the city's main airport, Detroit Metropolitan Airport, felt the impact. The economic downturn led to a decrease in demand for air travel to and from Detroit, affecting the airport's operations and causing a ripple effect of consequences.
Airlines serving the airport had to make difficult decisions to ensure their profitability. Some airlines chose to reduce their services to the city, while others completely ceased operations in Detroit. British Airways, for instance, discontinued flights to London–Heathrow. Other carriers, such as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Virgin Atlantic, opted for codeshare flights through Delta Air Lines to maintain a presence in the market. These changes meant a reduction in the number of flights and available seats, impacting the airport's revenue and its ability to attract passengers.
The airport also faced challenges due to the shrinking population of Detroit. As the city lost residents, the number of potential passengers decreased, further exacerbating the airport's struggles. The decrease in passenger numbers likely led to a reduction in airport activity, impacting various airport services and businesses, including shops, restaurants, and parking facilities. The decline in passenger traffic may have also resulted in a decrease in airport staff, affecting the local community and the broader regional economy.
However, Detroit Metropolitan Airport has shown resilience and a capacity for recovery. Despite the setbacks, the airport has since experienced growth, attracting new airlines and services. JetBlue Airways, for example, began flights to Boston in 2014, and Spirit Airlines has expanded its presence at the airport, increasing its market share. Additionally, the airport has served as a popular filming location for commercial film and television productions, finding alternative sources of revenue and showcasing its versatility.
The impact of the Great Recession on Detroit's airport highlights the vulnerability of aviation hubs to economic downturns. Yet, it also underscores the potential for recovery and the development of new strategies to enhance growth and attract airlines and passengers. Detroit Metropolitan Airport's ongoing evolution demonstrates the dynamic nature of the aviation industry and its ability to adapt to challenging circumstances.
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The Berry Terminal closed in 2008 and is now used for film and TV production
The Berry Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Airport closed in 2008 and is now a popular space for film and television production. The terminal has been used as a set for films such as 'Up in the Air' (2009), 'Machine Gun Preacher' (2011), and 'This Must Be the Place'. The airport, located in Romulus, a Detroit suburb, serves the metropolitan area of Detroit, as well as Toledo, Ohio, Ann Arbor, Windsor, and Southwestern Ontario in Canada. With service to 30 international destinations and 39 states across the US, it is Michigan's busiest airport.
The history of Detroit Metro Airport dates back to the late 1920s when Wayne County began planning an airport in the western townships. Construction was completed in 1929, and the airport was dedicated on September 4, 1930, with Thompson Aeronautical Corporation, a forerunner of American Airlines, beginning service that year. Over the decades, the airport has played a significant role in the nation's aviation system and continues to expand its reach globally.
The closure of the Berry Terminal in 2008 was not an isolated incident in Detroit's aviation history. The city has experienced economic challenges, which led to a decline in population and affected its airlines. During the Great Recession, British Airways discontinued flights to London–Heathrow, and other airlines such as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Virgin Atlantic used codeshare flights through Delta Air Lines.
Despite these challenges, Detroit Metropolitan Airport has shown resilience and growth. JetBlue Airways commenced flights to Boston in 2014, and Spirit Airlines has expanded its market share, widening the gap as the airport's second-largest carrier. In addition, Royal Jordanian scheduled the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Detroit in 2014, showcasing the airport's continued appeal to international carriers.
The transformation of the Berry Terminal into a film and television production space demonstrates Detroit's ability to adapt and find new purposes for its infrastructure. The terminal's unique characteristics and location make it an attractive setting for filmmakers, contributing to the city's cultural and creative industries.
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The airport has been named the best large US airport in customer satisfaction
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, also known as DTW, has been named the best large US airport in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power & Associates in 2010, 2019, and 2022. Serving over 140 destinations, DTW is Michigan's busiest airport, with ten times as many enplanements and deplanements as the next busiest airport, Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids.
The airport covers 4,850 acres of land and is located in Romulus, a Detroit suburb. It is a significant hub for Delta Air Lines and Spirit Airlines, with service to 30 international destinations and 39 states across the US. DTW has played a key role in the nation's aviation system since its founding in the late 1920s, and continues to expand its reach globally.
The airport has a rich history, with the Smith Terminal, built in 1958, and the older Executive Terminal, built in the late 1920s, still in operation today. The Berry Terminal, which closed in 2008, has found new life as a popular space for commercial film and television production.
Despite Detroit's economic struggles during the Great Recession, which led to a decline in population, the Detroit Metropolitan Airport has rebounded, with airlines expanding or resuming service. DTW's success and recognition in customer satisfaction reflect the city's pride and hardworking spirit, contributing to its reputation as a premier aviation hub in the US.
The Coleman A. Young International Airport, also serving Detroit, covers 300 acres of land and includes two runways, an Air Carrier Terminal, an Executive Terminal, and 129 small hangars. It handles over 75,000 aircraft operations and is a significant employer for various aviation-related organizations.
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The Coleman A. Young International Airport is a Class C gateway airport
The airport has an important role in the city's aviation activities and is the main holding of the Airport Department. It handles more than 75,000 aircraft operations and has over 100 personnel employed on-site. The primary employers are the Airport Department, Midwest Air Traffic Control, the FAA, and AvFlight Corporation.
In recent years, there have been efforts to rejuvenate and modernize the airport. In 2015, the Detroit Free Press reported that the city had considered selling the airport to cover debts from its 2013 bankruptcy filing. However, the sale did not occur, and the city council began exploring options for investing in the airport's future. In 2022, the airport received its first Airport Layout Plan in 30 years, making it eligible for significant federal grants to fund improvements and expansions. This included the addition of new hangars, a control tower, and improved taxiways, as well as enhanced safety zones.
The airport has also formed partnerships with companies like Avflight and MyFlight Tours to further develop its infrastructure and services. These initiatives aim to revitalize the airport and maximize its economic benefit to the community and region.
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Frequently asked questions
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is the primary international airport serving Detroit and its surrounding metropolitan area.
Detroit City Airport is now known as Coleman A. Young International Airport. It covers 300 acres of land and includes two runways, the Air Carrier Terminal, an Executive Terminal, 129 small hangars, and 145 based aircraft.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is Michigan's busiest airport, with ten times as many enplanements and deplanements as the next busiest airport, Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport was founded in the late 1920s. Construction was completed in 1929, and the first landing was on February 22, 1930. The airport was dedicated on September 4, 1930, and Thompson Aeronautical Corporation, a forerunner of American Airlines, began service from the airport that year.
