Michigan Airports: Location And Convenience

where is the airport in mi

Michigan is a state in the United States with several airports located throughout, making it easy to book flights to and within the state. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is Michigan's largest and busiest airport, located in Romulus, a suburb of Detroit. Other airports in Michigan include the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport in Southwest Michigan, and Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City.

Characteristics Values
Name of the airport Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
Other names Detroit Metro Airport, Metro Airport, DTW
Location Romulus, Michigan
Area covered in acres 4,850
Destinations served 30 international destinations and 39 states across the United States
Airlines Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines
Nearby areas Toledo, Ohio; Ann Arbor; Windsor, Ontario; Southwestern Ontario in Canada
Airports in Michigan serving other areas Gerald R. Ford International Airport, Cherry Capital Airport, Detroit Willow Run Airport, Capital Region International Airport, Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport

shunhotel

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

The airport is operated by the Wayne County Airport Authority and covers 4,850 acres of land. It is a major hub for Delta Air Lines and a base for Spirit Airlines. DTW has a rich history, with airline traffic moving to Willow Run Airport in 1946-47, and the airport's expansion documented in aerial photographs from 1949 and 1956. In 1958, it became the first inland airport in the United States certified for jet airliners.

DTW offers a range of transportation options for travellers. It is accessible by public transit, with bus services connecting the airport to downtown Detroit, Dearborn, and the wider transit network. Local bus routes also serve communities in the Downriver region of southern Wayne County and downtown Romulus. For those driving to the airport, there is a 10-level parking facility that can accommodate nearly 11,500 vehicles, as well as privately owned parking lots nearby.

When planning a trip through DTW, it is recommended to allow ample time for parking, baggage check, and TSA wait lines. Arriving two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight is generally advised. The airport provides travel tips and guidance in the DTW Travel Guide to assist passengers in navigating the airport efficiently.

DTW also offers various amenities and services to ensure a smooth travel experience. It provides accessible entrances, wheelchair assistance, and assistance for passengers with disabilities. Additionally, the airport houses maintenance facilities capable of servicing and repairing large aircraft, such as the Boeing 747-400.

shunhotel

Gerald R. Ford International Airport

The facility is owned by the Kent County Board of Commissioners and is managed by an independent authority, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. The airport was originally known as the Kent County Airport, but it was renamed in December 1999 to honour President Ford.

The airport offers a range of parking options, including Premier Parking, the Economy Lot, and the North Lot. The Economy Lot provides a 24/7 shuttle service to and from the airport terminal. There are also various shops and dining options available, such as Altitude, Blue Bridge Market, Starbucks, and Firehouse Subs.

shunhotel

Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)

Cherry Capital Airport (IATA: TVC, ICAO: KTVC, FAA LID: TVC) is a commercial and general aviation airport located in Traverse City, Michigan. The airport is a 20-minute drive from downtown Grand Rapids, also known as Beer City USA. It is named after Michigan native and former President Gerald R. Ford.

Cherry Capital Airport is the third-busiest airport in Michigan, after Detroit and Grand Rapids. It is the largest and busiest airport in Northern Michigan, with 700,699 total passengers in 2023. The airport is owned and operated by the Northwest Regional Airport Authority, which was created in 2022. It covers an area of 1,026 acres at an elevation of 624 feet above mean sea level. The airport has two asphalt runways: 10/28, which is 7,016 by 150 feet, and 18/36, which is 5,378 by 150 feet.

Cherry Capital Airport opened in 1936 as Traverse City Airport, replacing Ransom Field. It was moved to the Coast Guard Air Station, which was then a naval air station. The airport opened with four runways, three of which have since been replaced. In 2004, a new terminal was built on the south side of the east-west runway, and the old terminal on the north side was demolished. The airport has one concourse with six gates.

In February 2009, Forbes magazine ranked Cherry Capital Airport second in its list of the top ten "rip-off" airports in the United States, citing an average cost per mile to travellers of 41 cents. In February 2023, the airport was selected as a recipient of a $5 million grant under the Airport Terminals Program to replace its passenger jetways and modernize the boarding process.

shunhotel

Detroit Willow Run Airport (YIP)

Detroit Willow Run Airport (IATA: YIP, ICAO: KYIP, FAA LID: YIP) is located in Van Buren Charter Township and Ypsilanti Charter Township, near Ypsilanti, Michigan. The airport is less than 10 miles east of the University of Michigan. Willow Run Airport covers 2,392 acres and has two runways, a staffed FAA control tower, and US Customs operations. It is one of two facilities operated by the Wayne County Airport Authority, the other being Detroit Metropolitan Airport, which serves as the region's primary commercial airport.

Willow Run Airport was opened in 1942 and played a significant role in the American industrial effort during World War II. It was operated by the Ford Motor Company, and the manufacturing plant produced 8,685 B-24 Liberator heavy bombers before closing in June 1945. From 1946 to 1947, passenger airlines serving Detroit used Willow Run Airport before moving to the closer Detroit-Wayne Major Airport in Romulus. During this time, Willow Run witnessed the founding of the first rental car operation at an airport by Warren Avis, who started Avis Airlines Rent a Car Systems.

In 1947, the airport was sold to the University of Michigan for $1.00, with the condition that the university operate it as a research facility. The Michigan Aeronautical Research Center, later renamed the Willow Run Research Center, took over several airport buildings that were not required for commercial aviation. The United States Air Force established the Willow Run Air Force Station to the east of the airport runway in 1951, but it closed in 1959.

Until 1958, almost all of Detroit's scheduled airline flights used Willow Run Airport. However, with the advent of the Jet Age, airline traffic shifted to the Romulus airfield, which had been redesigned to accommodate jet airliners. Willow Run Airport continues to serve freight, corporate, and general aviation, and is home to the worldwide cargo airline Kalitta Air. The airport is also home to the American Center for Mobility's autonomous vehicle proving ground, Technology Park, which utilizes a portion of the former Willow Run Expressway.

shunhotel

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport

The airport is served by several air carriers, including major airlines such as American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, which offer daily flights to busy hubs across the US, including Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and Detroit Metropolitan Airport. In addition to these larger airlines, several smaller businesses operate from the airport, including Duncan Aviation, RAI Jets, the Kalamazoo Pilot Association, and Kalamazoo Aircraft Inc. These businesses offer services such as customer shuttles, aircraft maintenance, private jet charters, and flight training.

Historically, the airport was known as Kalamazoo County Airport until 1989, when the name was changed to Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International to stimulate economic growth in the Battle Creek area. This name change was accompanied by a renovation of the terminal, doubling its size and expanding the ramp. As a result, passenger numbers increased significantly, from 200,000 to over 500,000 per annum.

In terms of flight operations, the 12-month period ending December 31, 2022, saw 52,162 flights, including general aviation, air taxi, commercial, and military flights. The airport has a diverse mix of aircraft, with single-engine, multi-engine, and jet planes utilising the facility.

Frequently asked questions

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is Michigan's largest airport, located in Romulus, a suburb of Detroit.

Some of the other major airports in Michigan include Coleman A. Young Municipal Airport, Gerald R. Ford International Airport, Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport, and Cherry Capitol Airport.

It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment