View source for Detroit Metropolitan Airport

{{Short description|Airport in Romulus, Michigan, United States}}
{{Redirect|DTW}}
{{distinguish|text=DFW, [[Dallas Fort Worth International Airport]] near Dallas, Texas}}
{{Use American English|date=May 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox airport
| name                      = {{nowrap|Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport}}
| ensign                    = 
| ensign_size               = 
| ensign_alt                = 
| nativename                = 
| nativename-a              = 
| nativename-r              = 
| image                     = Detroit Metropolitan Airport Aerial - November 2015 (45764509704).jpg
| image_size                = <!-- if less than 220 -->
| image_alt                 = 
| caption                   = 
| IATA                      = DTW
| ICAO                      = KDTW
| FAA                       = DTW
| TC                        = 
| LID                       = 
| GPS                       = 
| WMO                       = 72537
| type                      = Public
| owner-oper                = [[Wayne County Airport Authority]]
| owner                     = 
| operator                  = 
| city-served               = {{ubl|class=nowrap
  | [[Detroit–Windsor]]
  | [[Metro Detroit]]
  | [[Toledo metropolitan area]]
  | [[Northwest Ohio]]}}
| location                  = [[Romulus, Michigan|Romulus]], [[Michigan]], U.S.
| opened                    = {{start date and age|1930|09|04}}
| closed                    = <!-- {{end date|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| passenger_services_ceased = <!-- {{end date|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| hub                       = {{nowrap|[[Delta Air Lines]]}}
| focus_city                = <!-- If more than one airline, use {{Unbulleted list|Airline1|Airline2}} -->
| operating_base            = {{nowrap|[[Spirit Airlines]]}}
| built                     = <!-- military airports -->
| used                      = <!-- military airports -->
| commander                 = <!-- military airports -->
| occupants                 = <!-- military airports -->
| timezone                  = [[Eastern Time Zone|EST]]
| utc                       = [[UTC−05:00]]
| summer                    = EDT
| utcs                      = [[UTC−04:00]]
| elevation-f               = 645
| elevation-m               = 197
| metric-elev               = yes
| coordinates               = {{coord|42|12|45|N|083|21|12|W|region:US-MI|display=inline,title}}
| website                   = {{URL|https://www.metroairport.com}}
| image_map                 = DTW - FAA airport diagram.svg
| image_mapsize             = 180
| image_map_alt             = 
| image_map_caption         = FAA airport diagram
| mapframe                  = yes
| pushpin_map               = 
| pushpin_mapsize           = 
| pushpin_map_alt           = 
| pushpin_map_caption       = 
| pushpin_relief            = 
| pushpin_image             = 
| pushpin_label             = 
| pushpin_label_position    = 
| pushpin_mark              = 
| pushpin_marksize          = 
| r1-number                 = 4R/22L
| r1-length-f               = 12,003
| r1-length-m               = 3,659
| r1-surface                = [[Concrete]]
| r2-number                 = 4L/22R
| r2-length-f               = 10,000
| r2-length-m               = 3,048
| r2-surface                = [[Asphalt concrete|Asphalt]]/Concrete
| r3-number                 = 3R/21L
| r3-length-f               = 10,001
| r3-length-m               = 3,048
| r3-surface                = Concrete
| r4-number                 = 3L/21R
| r4-length-f               = 8,500
| r4-length-m               = 2,591
| r4-surface                = Asphalt/Concrete
| r5-number                 = 9L/27R
| r5-length-f               = 8,708
| r5-length-m               = 2,654
| r5-surface                = Asphalt/Concrete
| r6-number                 = 9R/27L
| r6-length-f               = 8,500
| r6-length-m               = 2,591
| r6-surface                = Concrete
| metric-rwy                = yes
| h1-number                 = 
| h1-length-f               = 
| h1-length-m               = 
| h1-surface                = <!-- up to h12 -->
| stat1-header              = Passengers
| stat1-data                = 32,971,060
| stat2-header              = Cargo (lbs.)
| stat2-data                = 356,264,740
| stat3-header              = Aircraft operations
| stat3-data                = 302,894
| stat-year                 = 2024
| footnotes                 = Source: Detroit Metropolitan Airport<ref name="metroairport1">{{cite web| title=Airport Statistics 2024| url=https://www.metroairport.com/business/about-wcaa/facts-figures/aviation-statistics| publisher=Wayne County Airport Authority| year=2024| access-date=January 23, 2025}}</ref>
}}

'''Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport''' {{airport codes|DTW|KDTW|DTW}} is the primary [[international airport]] serving [[Detroit]] and its [[Metro Detroit|surrounding metropolitan area]], in the U.S. state of [[Michigan]]. It is located in [[Romulus, Michigan|Romulus]], a Detroit suburb. It is by far Michigan's busiest airport, with ten times as many enplanements and deplanements as the next-busiest, [[Gerald R. Ford International Airport]] in [[Grand Rapids]] and more than all other airports in the state combined.

The [[Federal Aviation Administration]] (FAA) [[National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems]] for 2017–2021 [[FAA airport categories|categorized]] it as a large hub primary commercial service facility.<ref name="FAA">{{FAA-airport|ID=DTW|use=PU|own=PU|site=09749.*A|}} effective May 15, 2025.</ref> The airport covers {{convert|4,850|acre|ha}} of land.<ref name="FAA" /><ref>{{cite web |title=DTW airport data at skyvector.com |url=https://skyvector.com/airport/DTW/Detroit-Metro-Wayne-County-Airport |website=skyvector.com}} FAA data effective May 15, 2025.</ref>

The airport is a major and second largest hub for [[Delta Air Lines]] and is also a base for [[Spirit Airlines]].<ref>{{cite web|title = Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport|url = http://news.delta.com/detroit-metropolitan-wayne-county-airport|website = Delta News Hub|access-date = January 13, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160107201617/http://news.delta.com/detroit-metropolitan-wayne-county-airport|archive-date = January 7, 2016|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://files.shareholder.com/downloads/ABEA-5PAQQ9/2263488451x0xS1498710-12-8/1498710/filing.pdf| title=Annual Report for the period ending 12/31/11| publisher=Spirit Airlines| date=February 23, 2012| access-date=January 10, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002113457/http://files.shareholder.com/downloads/ABEA-5PAQQ9/2263488451x0xS1498710-12-8/1498710/filing.pdf| archive-date=October 2, 2013| url-status=dead}}</ref> The airport has service to 30 international destinations and service to 39 states across the United States. Operated by the [[Wayne County Airport Authority]], the airport has six runways, two terminals, and 129 in-service gates.<ref name="facts">{{cite web| title=Press Room: Facts| url=http://www.metroairport.com/about/facts.asp| publisher=Wayne County Airport Authority| access-date=January 10, 2013| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120085438/http://www.metroairport.com/about/facts.asp| archive-date=January 20, 2013| df=mdy-all}}</ref> Detroit Metropolitan Airport has maintenance facilities capable of servicing and repairing aircraft as large as the [[Boeing 747-400]].<ref name="walbridge">{{cite web| title=Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Twin Bay Boeing 747 Hangar| url=http://www.walbridge.com/projects/detroit-metropolitan-airport-twin-bay-boeing-747-hangar#| publisher=Walbridge Construction| access-date=January 10, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130713083908/http://www.walbridge.com/projects/detroit-metropolitan-airport-twin-bay-boeing-747-hangar| archive-date=July 13, 2013| url-status=live}}</ref>

Metro Airport serves the [[metropolitan Detroit]] area; the [[Toledo, Ohio]], area about {{convert|40|mi|km}} south; the [[Ann Arbor]] area to the west; [[Windsor, Ontario]]; and [[Southwestern Ontario]] in Canada.<ref name="windsor">{{cite web| url=http://metroairport.com/information/faq.asp#directions| title=Travel Tips & Security Information: FAQ-Directions| publisher=Wayne County Airport Authority| access-date=January 10, 2013| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090224061017/http://www.metroairport.com/information/faq.asp#directions| archive-date=February 24, 2009| df=mdy-all}}</ref> The airport serves over 140 destinations<ref name="facts"/> and was named the best large U.S. airport in customer satisfaction by [[J.D. Power & Associates]] in 2010, 2019, and 2022.<ref name="JD Power">{{cite news| title=Detroit Tops Airport Satisfaction Study| first=Agnes| last=Pawlowski| url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/02/24/airport.satisfaction.study/index.html| work=[[CNN]]| date=February 24, 2010| access-date=January 10, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203050922/http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/02/24/airport.satisfaction.study/index.html| archive-date=February 3, 2014| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Abdel-Baqui |first1=Omar |title=DTW ranked No. 1 for customer satisfaction in survey |url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2019/09/25/dtw-detroit-metropolitan-wayne-county-airport-customer-satisfaction/2438946001/ |website=Detroit Free Press |access-date=September 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925181351/https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2019/09/25/dtw-detroit-metropolitan-wayne-county-airport-customer-satisfaction/2438946001/ |archive-date=September 25, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wxyz.com/news/dtw-named-best-airport-in-north-america-for-customer-satisfaction | title=DTW named best airport in North America for customer satisfaction | date=September 20, 2023 }}</ref>

==History==
Wayne County began to plan an airport in the western townships of the county as early as 1927. The following year, the county board of commissioners issued a $2 million bond to fund the purchase of {{convert|1|sqmi|km2|spell=in}} of land at the corner of Middlebelt and Wick roads, the northeastern boundary of today's airport. Construction was completed in 1929, and the first landing was on February 22, 1930; Wayne County Airport was dedicated on September 4, 1930.<ref name="DFP-Meyer-08312014">{{cite news| last1=Meyer| first1=Zlati| title=This week in Michigan history: Detroit's airport is dedicated| url=http://www.freep.com/article/20140831/NEWS06/308310045/michigan-history-detroit-airport-dedication| access-date=September 3, 2014| work=[[Detroit Free Press]]| date=August 31, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140902102209/http://www.freep.com/article/20140831/NEWS06/308310045/michigan-history-detroit-airport-dedication| archive-date=September 2, 2014| url-status=live}}</ref> That year, Thompson Aeronautical Corporation, a forerunner of [[American Airlines]], began service from the airport. From 1931 until 1945, the airport hosted [[Michigan Air National Guard]] operations gained by the [[United States Army Air Forces]]. It was named '''Romulus Field''' during the war; it was then all east of Merriman Road and north of Goddard Road. The intersection of the two runways is still visible at {{coord|42.23266|-83.33564|display=inline}}.

Wayne County expanded the airport to become Detroit's primary airport. It renamed it Detroit-Wayne Major Airport in 1947, and in the next three years expanded threefold as three more runways were built. In 1949 the airport added runways 3L/21R and 9L/27R, followed by runway 4R/22L in 1950. In 1946-47 most airline traffic moved from the cramped Detroit City Airport (now [[Coleman A. Young International Airport]]) northeast of downtown Detroit to [[Willow Run Airport]] over {{convert|20|mi|km}} west of the city, and {{convert|10|mi|km}} west of Wayne County Airport.

[[Pan-Am]] (1954) and [[British Overseas Airways Corporation|BOAC]] (1956) were the first passenger airlines at Detroit-Wayne Major. In the April 1957 Official Airline Guide they were the only passenger airlines: three Pan Am [[Douglas DC-7|DC-7Cs]] each week [[Frankfurt Airport|FRA]]–[[Heathrow Airport|LHR]]–[[Shannon Airport|SNN]]–DTW–[[O'Hare International Airport|ORD]] and back, and one BOAC DC-7C each week LHR–[[Glasgow Prestwick Airport|PIK]]–[[Montréal–Trudeau International Airport|YUL]]–DTW–ORD and back (skipping YUL on the return flight).

Aerial photographs of DTW from 1949 and 1956 show the airport's expansion.<ref name="wsu">{{cite web| url=http://claslinux.clas.wayne.edu/photos/ap_index.htm| title=Detroit-area aerial pics| publisher=Wayne State University| access-date=September 14, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214163925/http://claslinux.clas.wayne.edu/photos/ap_index.htm| archive-date=February 14, 2015| url-status=live}}</ref> In 1958 the Civil Aviation Administration—now the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)—announced the inclusion of Detroit-Wayne in the first group of American airports to receive new long-range radar equipment, enabling the airport to become the first inland airport in the United States certified for jet airliners. Also, in 1958, airport management completed the Leroy C. Smith (South) Terminal and gave the airport its present name.<ref name=airporthistory/>

American Airlines moved from Willow Run to Detroit-Wayne in October 1958, followed by [[Northwest Airlines|Northwest]], Allegheny, and Delta in the next few months; the other airlines stayed at Willow Run until 1966.

Northwest's flights to Minneapolis were DTW's only nonstops west beyond Chicago and Milwaukee until 1966. The first scheduled jets were Delta DC-8s to Miami in late 1959. The North Terminal (later renamed the James M. Davey Terminal) opened in 1966, which was located on the current site of the Evans Terminal.  A third terminal, the Michael Berry International Terminal, opened in 1974. The last of its original three parallel runways (3R/21L) was completed in 1976; a new parallel crosswind runway (9R/27L) opened in 1993.

[[Republic Airlines]] began hub operations in 1984,<ref>{{cite news |last=Christoff |first=Chris |date=October 18, 1984 |title=Republic will make Metro its major hub |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-republic-will-make-me/159651618/ |access-date=November 24, 2024 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |page=A-3 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> and its merger with [[Northwest Airlines]] in 1986 expanded the hub. The Northwest hub operated out of the Davey Terminal throughout the 1980s and 1990s.<ref>{{cite web |title=DTW WORLDGATEWAY 20TH ANNIVERSARY |url=https://northwestairlineshistory.org/2022/04/10/dtw-worldgateway-20th-anniversary/ |website=Northwest Airlines History |date=April 10, 2022 |access-date=April 13, 2022}}</ref>  Transpacific flights began in 1987, with Northwest providing nonstop service to [[Narita International Airport|Tokyo–Narita]].<ref>{{cite news |date=April 11, 1987 |title=Airline offers link to flight to Tokyo |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/battle-creek-enquirer-airline-offers-lin/159651653/ |access-date=November 24, 2024 |newspaper=Battle Creek Enquirer |page=6B |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> The last of Metro's six runways (4L/22R) was completed in December 2001 in preparation for the opening of the mile-long, 122-gate, $1.2 billion McNamara Terminal in the airport midfield in 2002.<ref name="airporthistory">{{cite web| title=Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport Chronological History| url=http://www.metroairport.com/about/history.asp| publisher=Wayne County Airport Authority| access-date=January 10, 2013| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204183543/http://metroairport.com/about/history.asp| archive-date=February 4, 2009| df=mdy-all}}</ref> The airport remained a hub for Northwest Airlines until it merged with Delta Air Lines.<ref name="creager">{{cite news| title=Northwest Airlines Artifacts Soar in Value| first=Ellen| last=Creager| url=http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/story/2011/05/Northwest-Airlines-artifacts-soar-in-value/47213888/1| newspaper=[[USA Today]]| date=May 16, 2011| access-date=January 10, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121029230355/http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/story/2011/05/Northwest-Airlines-artifacts-soar-in-value/47213888/1| archive-date=October 29, 2012| url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:DTW McNamara Terminal South Ramp.jpg|thumb|left|A view south along the McNamara Terminal at DTW (8/4/2020). Tails include aircraft types [[CRJ-900]], [[A321]], [[737-900ER]], [[A319]], and [[A220]].]]

The present Runway 3L/21R has had four identifiers. When it opened in 1949, it was Runway 3/21. With the opening of the new west side Runway 3L/21R in 1950, the original 3/21 became 3R/21L. With the opening of the new east side Runway 3R/21L in 1976, it became 3C/21C. With the opening of Runway 4L/22R in December 2001 and the splitting of the field into two sectors (3/21 on the east and 4/22 on the west), Runway 3C/21C became Runway 3L/21R.

In 2009, Detroit Metro Airport launched its first [[social media]] efforts with participation in Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube networks.

Detroit was a major hub for [[Northwest Airlines]] from 1986 to 2010; Northwest merged with Delta Air Lines, and Detroit became Delta's second-largest hub.

In April 2011 [[Lufthansa]] launched a unique curbside check-in and baggage check service for premium customers from DTW's North Terminal to [[Frankfurt Airport|Frankfurt]] and beyond. Lufthansa became the only airline allowing international customers departing from DTW to check their bags and receive a boarding pass at the curb, while DTW became Lufthansa's first North American gateway with this service.<ref name="curbside">{{cite press release| title=Lufthansa Launches Curbside Check-In Service at Detroit Metropolitan Airport| url=http://www.metroairport.com/uploads/docs/NR_LH_Curbside_Launch.pdf| publisher=Wayne County Airport Authority| access-date=January 10, 2013| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722183324/http://www.metroairport.com/uploads/docs/NR_LH_Curbside_Launch.pdf| archive-date=July 22, 2012| df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Detroit's economy plunged in the [[Great Recession]], causing airlines such as [[British Airways]] to drop flights to [[Heathrow Airport|London–Heathrow]] and other airlines such as [[KLM]] and [[Virgin Atlantic]] to use codeshare flights through [[Delta Air Lines]]. The city has lost population, but Detroit Metropolitan Airport has since re-grown, and airlines are looking to expand or resume service. [[JetBlue]] began flights to [[Boston Logan International Airport|Boston]] in February 2014. [[Spirit Airlines]] has grown at DTW, adding service to more East and West Coast cities. Spirit has increased its market share to over 10%, widening the gap as Metro Airport's second largest carrier.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2019/02/05/detroit-metro-airport-sees-most-passengers-decade/2780738002/ |title=Detroit Metro Airport sees most passengers in decade |first1=Candice|last1=Williams|date=February 5, 2019|website=The Detroit News|access-date=April 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403154505/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2019/02/05/detroit-metro-airport-sees-most-passengers-decade/2780738002/ |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Royal Jordanian]] was the first airline to schedule the [[Boeing 787 Dreamliner]] into Detroit, on December 1, 2014.<ref>{{cite news| last1=Cardenas| first1=Edward| title=Metro Airport Welcomes Its First Boeing 787 Flight| url=http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2014/12/01/metro-airport-welcomes-its-first-boeing-787-flight-video/| access-date=May 13, 2015| work=[[WWJ-TV]] News| date=December 1, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518085434/http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2014/12/01/metro-airport-welcomes-its-first-boeing-787-flight-video/| archive-date=May 18, 2015| url-status=live}}</ref>

One of [[Delta Connection]] carriers, [[Compass Airlines (North America)|Compass Airlines]] chose to close its operating base in Detroit to move operations to the new Seattle hub in early 2015. Delta has replaced many of the existing Compass flights with mainline Delta flights to allow [[SkyWest Airlines]] and [[GoJet]] to open Detroit bases.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2015/04/03/compass-airlines-detroit-crew/25242429/ |title=Delta feeder airline shuttering Detroit crew base |first=Lauren |last=Abdel-Razzaq |work=[[The Detroit News]] |date=April 3, 2015 |access-date=July 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207065956/http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2015/04/03/compass-airlines-detroit-crew/25242429/ |archive-date=February 7, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Beginning in January 2018 [[Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation]], or SMART Bus, began providing a direct connection from the airport to the Rosa Parks Transit Center in [[downtown Detroit]] via route 261, also known as the Michigan Ave FAST bus, with stations at both the McNamara and Evans terminals.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.smartbus.org/About/News/ArtMID/707/ArticleID/271/SMART-Unveils-New-Service |title=SMART Unveils New Service! |work=Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation |date=December 27, 2018 |access-date=January 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203041842/https://www.smartbus.org/About/News/ArtMID/707/ArticleID/271/SMART-Unveils-New-Service |archive-date=February 3, 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Spirit Airlines Maintenance Hangar at DTW.jpg|thumb|Spirit Airlines maintenance hangar at DTW]]

On June 26, 2015, Spirit Airlines announced the construction of a new maintenance facility, saying it would bring $31.5 million and 82 jobs to the area. Spirit previously had a hangar that closed, forcing the airline to do maintenance at the gate with contract workers. With the new facility, which opened in May 2017, Spirit will retain its operating base at Metro Airport and bring more flights.<ref>{{cite news| last1=Reindl| first1=JC| title=Detroit Metro Airport to get new hangar, 80 jobs| url=http://www.freep.com/story/money/2015/06/26/spirit-airlines-new-detroit-metroro-hangar/29331767/| access-date=June 27, 2015| work=Detroit Free Press| date=June 26, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630091013/http://www.freep.com/story/money/2015/06/26/spirit-airlines-new-detroit-metroro-hangar/29331767/| archive-date=June 30, 2015| url-status=live}}</ref>  Spirit was also the first airline to regularly fly the [[A320neo]] in the US, the first route was Detroit to Los Angeles as well as add self-tagging luggage kiosks at DTW.

In 2017, [[WOW Air]] announced service to [[Keflavík International Airport|Reykjavík]] on the Airbus A321. This marked the first ever entrance of a modern European low-cost carrier to DTW. In the summer of 2018, Reykjavík went from the 55th most traveled destination to the fifth due to this flight's popularity. Passengers could connect onwards in Reykjavík, boosting travel to European destinations. In March 2019, the airline ceased operations, leaving Metro Airport with no low-cost nonstop to Europe; the airport looked for replacement service to begin in 2020, but due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], that effort ceased until 2022, when [[Icelandair]] and Delta announced seasonal flights to Reykjavík starting in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/transportation/icelandic-budget-airline-wow-air-ceases-operations-grounding-flights-detroit |title=Icelandic budget airline WOW Air ceases operations, grounding flights in Detroit |date=March 28, 2019 |access-date=April 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403154507/https://www.crainsdetroit.com/transportation/icelandic-budget-airline-wow-air-ceases-operations-grounding-flights-detroit |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Since the Great Recession of 2008, Southeast Michigan has gone through an economic and industrial resurgence leading to several new airlines and services including service by [[Icelandair]], [[Sun Country Airlines]], [[Turkish Airlines]], and [[WestJet]]. In October 2021, Turkish Airlines announced the intent to serve Detroit. Service began on November 13, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.metroairport.com/about-us/dtw-news/turkish-airlines-broadens-us-presence-launch-13th-us-gateway-detroit |title=
Turkish Airlines Broadens U.S. Presence with Launch of 13th U.S. Gateway in Detroit |date=November 13, 2023 |access-date=August 9, 2024 }}</ref> In February 2023, WestJet announced seasonal service to [[Calgary International Airport|Calgary]], later adding seasonal service to [[Vancouver International Airport|Vancouver]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.metroairport.com/about-us/dtw-news/westjet-brings-new-us-destinations-and-enhanced-domestic-connectivity-summer-schedule-airlines-new | title=WestJet brings new U.S. Destinations and enhanced domestic connectivity to summer schedule as airline's new growth strategy takes flight &#124; Wayne County Airport Authority }}</ref>

[[File:De-Icing at DTW Airport with departing Delta A321.jpg|thumb|De-icing at DTW with departing Delta A321]]

==Facilities==
DTW has 2 passenger terminals and 4 concourses with a total of 147 gates.

===Edward H. McNamara Terminal===
[[File:DTW McNamara Concourse 2019.jpg|thumb|View of McNamara Concourse A from Concourse B/C]]
[[File:LightTunnelDetroit.jpg|thumb|right|Detroit's colorful ''Light Tunnel'', with displays choreographed to music, connects Concourse A with Concourse B and C.]]
[[File:Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Concourse A.jpg|thumb|People move through Concourse A]]
[[File:Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Concourse B.jpg|thumb|Concourse B at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport]]
The McNamara Terminal, also once known as the '''Northwest WorldGateway''', opened February 24, 2002. Designed by [[SmithGroup]] and built by [[Hunt Construction Group]], it replaced the aged Davey Terminal (which was located where the Evans Terminal stands now). During development, the terminal was known as the Midfield Terminal.<ref name="airporthistory"/> The terminal is used exclusively by Delta (which merged with Northwest) and Delta partners [[Aeromexico]], [[Air France]], and [[WestJet]]. This terminal has three concourses, A, B, and C, which house 121 gates with shopping and dining in the center of A concourse (known as the Central Link), as well as throughout the concourses. It houses five Delta Sky Clubs located throughout Concourse A, and 1 located in Concourses B and C.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Detroit |url=https://www.delta.com/us/en/airports/united-states/detroit-sky-club-airport-map |access-date=June 23, 2022 |website=www.delta.com |language=en}}</ref> At nearly {{convert|1|mi|abbr=on}} in length, Concourse A in McNamara Terminal is the second-longest airport concourse in the world (the longest is in Terminal 1 of [[Kansai International Airport]] in Japan).<ref>{{cite web|last=Keraghosian|first=Greg|date=January 21, 2016|title=Airports You'll Enjoy Being Stranded at During Winter Storm Jonas|url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/airports-youll-enjoy-being-stuck-in-during-the-012236080.html|publisher=[[Yahoo!]]|access-date=October 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011034339/https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/airports-youll-enjoy-being-stuck-in-during-the-012236080.html|archive-date=October 11, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=May 31, 2018|title=Osaka Kansai International Airport|url=https://www.skyscanner.com.hk/hk/en-gb/hkd/airports/kix/osaka-kansai-international-airport.html|publisher=[[Skyscanner]]|access-date=October 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011031434/https://www.skyscanner.com.hk/hk/en-gb/hkd/airports/kix/osaka-kansai-international-airport.html|archive-date=October 11, 2018}}</ref> In addition to [[moving walkway]]s spaced along the length of each concourse, Concourse A has a [[people mover]], the [[ExpressTram]]. It transports passengers between each end of Concourse A in just over three minutes. Trams arrive almost simultaneously at the ''Terminal Station'', in the midpoint of the concourse and depart in opposite directions to the ''North Station'' and the ''South Station'', then return.<ref name="mcnamaramap">{{cite web| url=http://www.metroairport.com/pdf/maps/mcnamara_gates_map.pdf| title=McNamara Terminal Map| publisher=Wayne County Airport Authority| access-date=January 10, 2013| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227160326/http://metroairport.com/pdf/maps/mcnamara_gates_map.pdf| archive-date=February 27, 2009| df=mdy-all}}</ref> The McNamara Terminal opened a new baggage sorting facility in October 2008, which has improved the screening of baggage through 14 new explosive detection system devices along a fully automated conveyor system. Northwest Airlines said that it reduced the amount of lost baggage, and it improved the timeliness of bags getting to their correct flight.<ref name="bnp">{{cite press release| title=Detroit (DTW) McNamara Terminal Northwest World Gateway Baggage Handling System| url=http://www.bnpassociates.com/pdf/baggage_security/detroit_dtw_mcnamara.pdf| publisher=BNP Associates| access-date=January 10, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315142337/http://www.bnpassociates.com/pdf/baggage_security/detroit_dtw_mcnamara.pdf| archive-date=March 15, 2013| url-status=dead| df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="Detnews">{{cite news| title=New, Faster Baggage Screening| first=Nathan| last=Hurst| url=http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20090320/BIZ/903200380| newspaper=The Detroit News| date=March 20, 2009| access-date=January 10, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522130910/http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20090320/BIZ/903200380| archive-date=May 22, 2014| url-status=live}}</ref>

An [[American Automobile Association|AAA]] Four Star [[Westin]] hotel is connected to the A concourse. Additionally, overnight guests at the hotel who are not flying can obtain a pass to enter the concourses to visit shops and restaurants. Called the ''Airport Access Authorization to Commercial Establishments Beyond the Screen Checkpoint'' (AAACE), registered guests must be cleared through the same security background check ([[Secure Flight]]) and [[TSA]] screening process as travelers to access the terminal area. [[Dallas Fort Worth International Airport]] (DFW) is the only other airport participating in this program.<ref name="hotel">{{cite web| title=Privacy Impact Assessment for the Airport Access Authorization To Commercial Establishments Beyond The Screening Checkpoint (AAACE) Program| url=https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/privacy/privacy_pia_tsa_hotel.pdf| publisher=Department of Homeland Security| date=April 5, 2007| access-date=January 10, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524143627/https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/privacy/privacy_pia_tsa_hotel.pdf| archive-date=May 24, 2012| url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File: DTW tower.jpg|thumb|right|Air traffic control tower is located near the McNamara Terminal.]]

The A concourse houses 78 gates with 12 gates used for international departures and arrivals processing.<ref name="mcnamaramap"/> The A concourse is intended for all aircraft. At the midpoint of the concourse is a large, laminar flow water feature designed by [[WET Design|WET]].<ref name=mcnamarawaterfeature>{{cite web| url=http://www.metroairport.com/TravelerInfo/GeneralInfo/CoolStuff/WaterFeature.aspx| title=Water Feature| publisher=Wayne County Airport Authority| access-date=August 30, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905090936/http://www.metroairport.com/TravelerInfo/GeneralInfo/CoolStuff/WaterFeature.aspx| archive-date=September 5, 2015| url-status=live}}</ref> The concourse contains over {{convert|1.5|mi|km}} of moving walkways. The A concourse also includes a pet relief area for passengers traveling with pets and service animals.{{citation needed|date=October 2016}} Signage through the terminal is in English, along with Japanese, due to a large number of business travelers from Japan. Izumi Suzuki, a [[Sheraton Hotels and Resorts|Sheraton]] employee, and several colleagues provided the Japanese translations used by the airport. In previous eras many Japanese travelers going through Detroit missed connections due to a lack of [[English as a second language|English comprehension]].<ref>{{cite book| last1=Kelly| first1=Natalie| first2=Jost| last2=Zetzsche| title=Found in Translation: How Language Shapes Our Lives and Transforms the World| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1Glkd3p3ZxkC| publisher=Penguin Books| date=October 2, 2012| isbn=978-1101611920| quote=Back in the 1980s, waves of Japanese businessmen started to arrive in Detroit[...]one local hotel, part of the Sheraton chain, was lucky enough to have an employee, Izumi Suzuki, who spoke Japanese[...]Eventually, she and some colleagues translated all of the signs that appear in the more modern airport that Detroit boasts today,[...]| access-date=August 7, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160928003241/https://books.google.com/books/about/Found_in_Translation.html?id=1Glkd3p3ZxkC| archive-date=September 28, 2016| url-status=live}}</ref> Also, messages reminding travelers to configure watches to the [[Eastern Time Zone]] regularly broadcast through the [[public address system]] are said in English, Japanese, and Mandarin.

In addition to the ticketing level, there's an additional ticketing and security area for passengers using the parking structures.

The terminal houses ten international gates that are capable of dual [[jet bridge]] loading and unloading. The gates contain two exit configurations depending on the arriving flight. Domestic arrivals follow an upper path directly into the terminal, while international arrivals proceed downstairs to customs and immigration screening. The [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection|Customs and Border Protection]] processing center located in the terminal's lower level is designed to accommodate as many as 3,200 passengers per hour. International arriving passengers connecting to another flight are screened by [[TSA]] at a dedicated screening checkpoint within the international arrivals facility. Those passengers then exit directly back into the center of the A concourse.<ref name=mcnamarafood>{{cite web| url=http://www.metroairport.com/services/mcnamara.asp| title=McNamara Terminal Restaurants, Shops and Services| publisher=Wayne County Airport Authority| access-date=January 10, 2013| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130202094244/http://www.metroairport.com/services/mcnamara.asp| archive-date=February 2, 2013| df=mdy-all}}</ref> Passengers arriving from international destinations who end their trip in Detroit (or connecting to a flight via Evans Terminal) exit directly into a dedicated International Arrivals Hall on the lower level of the terminal.

The B and C concourses currently have 41 gates that are used for Delta's regional flights that employ smaller aircraft. All regional flights have [[jet bridge]]s, eliminating the need for outdoor boarding.{{Citation needed|date=April 2023}}

The B and C concourses are connected to the main terminal building and the A concourse by a pedestrian walkway under the [[airport ramp]]. This walkway, known as the ''Light Tunnel'', features an elaborate multi-colored light show behind sculpted glass panels extending the entire length of the walkway, as well as several [[moving walkways]]. The light patterns are synchronized with an original musical score composed by Victor Alexeeff,<ref name="tunnel">{{cite web| title=The McNamara Tunnel, Detroit Airport| first=Marcus| last=Wuebker| url=http://www.jimonlight.com/2008/11/18/the-mcnamara-tunnel-detroit-airport/| publisher=JimOnLight.com| date=November 18, 2008| access-date=January 10, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506213736/http://www.jimonlight.com/2008/11/18/the-mcnamara-tunnel-detroit-airport/| archive-date=May 6, 2012| url-status=live}}</ref> which runs for nearly 30 minutes before repeating. This installation, one of the first large-scale uses of color-changing [[LED light]]ing in the United States, was produced by [[Mills James Productions]] with glasswork by Foxfire Glass Works of [[Pontiac, Michigan]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Northwest Airlines Passenger Tunnel: 2001–present |url=https://www.colorkinetics.com/global/showcase/detroit-airport |website=ColorKinetics |access-date=April 13, 2022}}</ref> The display won multiple lighting design awards, including the prestigious Guth Award of Merit. For passengers prone to medical conditions such as seizures, buttons at each end of the tunnel will suspend the light show for five minutes so they can pass through with no adverse effects.

The terminal has undergone updates that include new electronic terminal directories to assist passengers better. A unique feature of this is that passengers can scan their boarding passes, and the screen will direct them to the gate from which their plane departs.  The passenger can also choose to view the information in other languages. Passengers may select a restaurant on the touch screen, and a menu will show what items the restaurant serves. Mini tablet devices and phone/tablet apps have been installed in food court areas, where travelers may order food and have it delivered to their table.<ref name="Detroit Airport DTW has variety of new food options">{{cite news| title=Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) has variety of new food choices| url=http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/detroit-metro-airport-dtw-has-variety-of-new-food-choices/36617650| first=Guy| last=Gordon| date=November 23, 2015| work=[[WDIV-TV|WDIV News]]| access-date=August 4, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126233109/http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/detroit-metro-airport-dtw-has-variety-of-new-food-choices/36617650| archive-date=November 26, 2015| url-status=live}}</ref>

There are five Delta Sky Clubs located in the McNamara terminal. The largest is located above the central link across from gate A38. Next to that, across from gate A43, houses a smaller Sky Club. There are two satellite Sky Clubs in Concourse A located on the upper level near gates A18 and A68, across from their respective ExpressTram stations. An additional Sky Club is located in Concourse C, at gate level near the entrance to Concourse C. This lounge services Delta Connection flights in concourses B & C.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.delta.com/us/en/airports/united-states/detroit-sky-club-airport-map |title=Alert: System Unavailable : Delta Air Lines |access-date=August 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019065624/https://www.delta.com/us/en/airports/united-states/detroit-sky-club-airport-map |archive-date=October 19, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Warren Cleage Evans Terminal===
[[File:DTW North Terminal 2019.jpg|thumb|View of DTW's Evans Terminal and the remains of the Smith Terminal]]

The Evans Terminal, formerly known as the '''North Terminal''', was designed by [[Gensler]] and built by Walbridge/Barton Malow Joint Venture,<ref name="gensler">{{cite web| url=http://www.gensler.com/#projects/1| publisher=Gensler| title=Detroit Metropolitan Airport| access-date=January 10, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526075355/http://www.gensler.com/#projects/1| archive-date=May 26, 2012| url-status=live}}</ref> opened September 17, 2008, as the replacement for the aged Berry and Smith terminals, which housed all non-[[SkyTeam]] airlines. It used to be known as the North Terminal until it was renamed on April 4, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 5, 2022 |title=Metro Airport Renames North Terminal in Warren Evans' Honor |url=https://michiganchronicle.com/2022/04/05/metro-airport-renames-north-terminal-in-warren-evans-honor/ |access-date=June 3, 2022 |website=The Michigan Chronicle |language=en-US |archive-date=April 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417164751/https://michiganchronicle.com/2022/04/05/metro-airport-renames-north-terminal-in-warren-evans-honor/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Initially, [[Wayne County Airport Authority]] sought bids for the [[naming rights]] of the North Terminal.  After two years with no successful offers, however, the effort ceased and the ''North Terminal'' name remained.<ref name="shea">{{cite news| title=Detroit Metropolitan Airport Calls Off Plan to Sell Naming Rights| first=Bill| last=Shea| url=http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20100726/FREE/100729916/detroit-metropolitan-airport-calls-off-plan-to-sell-naming-rights| work=[[Crain's Detroit Business]]| date=July 27, 2010| access-date=January 10, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807233659/http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20100726/FREE/100729916/detroit-metropolitan-airport-calls-off-plan-to-sell-naming-rights| archive-date=August 7, 2017| url-status=live}}</ref> 
The terminal currently houses all non-SkyTeam airlines serving the airport and is considered D Concourse. (Concourses A, B, and C are housed in the McNamara Terminal) The concourse has 29 gates, two of which opened in the middle of 2009 to accommodate international wide-body aircraft, and three of which were added to the north end of the concourse in 2022. The two gates were unusable at the building's opening because they were extremely close to Smith Terminal's C concourse, which was demolished after operations moved to the new facility. The terminal features four long segments of moving walkways on the departures level and another moving walkway on the lower level, for international arriving passengers to access the Federal Inspection Services area.

Airlines that utilize the Evans Terminal include [[Air Canada]], [[Alaska Airlines]], [[American Airlines]], [[American Eagle (airline brand)|American Eagle]], [[Frontier Airlines]], [[Icelandair]], [[JetBlue]], [[Lufthansa]], [[Royal Jordanian]], [[Southwest Airlines]], [[Spirit Airlines]], [[Sun Country Airlines]], [[Turkish Airlines]], [[United Airlines]], [[United Express]], and all non-[[SkyTeam]] and non-Delta partner charters.

The Evans Terminal houses two six-lane security checkpoints. The terminal also has U.S. [[Customs & Border Protection]] inspection facilities located on the lower level for arriving international flights.<ref name=ntshops>{{cite web| title=North Terminal Restaurants, Shops and Services| url=http://www.metroairport.com/services/NorthTerminal.asp| publisher=Wayne County Airport Authority| access-date=January 10, 2013| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130202094239/http://www.metroairport.com/services/NorthTerminal.asp| archive-date=February 2, 2013}}</ref>

This terminal includes a brand new service pet relief area to accommodate passengers traveling with pets.

The Evans Terminal has five common-use domestic baggage carousels on the lower level. Two additional carousels are located inside the Federal Inspection Services area for international flights, and a central Oversize Baggage Claim is adjacent to both the international and domestic carousel areas.

On January 29, 2010, the Evans Terminal was named winner of the "Build Michigan" award project.<ref name="award">{{cite press release| title=Detroit Metro Airport's North Terminal Named 'Build Michigan' Winner| url=http://www.redorbit.com/news/business/1816293/detroit_metro_airports_north_terminal_named_build_michigan_winner/| date=February 1, 2010| publisher=redOrbit| access-date=January 10, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225191928/http://www.redorbit.com/news/business/1816293/detroit_metro_airports_north_terminal_named_build_michigan_winner/| archive-date=December 25, 2013| url-status=live}}</ref>

The Evans Terminal is home to a Lufthansa Business and Senator Lounge located between Gates D7 and D8. This lounge is accessible to passengers flying in Lufthansa premium cabins as well as select Lufthansa and Star Alliance elite members. This lounge also grants access to Priority Pass members outside of peak hours.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.loungebuddy.com/DTW/lufthansa-business-lounge-north-terminal-QjSoIBFa8M?booking_date=08-09-2019&source=homepage |title=DTW: Lufthansa Business Lounge |access-date=August 9, 2019 |website=LoungeBuddy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809140321/https://www.loungebuddy.com/DTW/lufthansa-business-lounge-north-terminal-QjSoIBFa8M%3Fbooking_date%3D08-09-2019%26source%3Dhomepage |archive-date=August 9, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Historical terminals===
====Michael Berry Terminal====
[[File:USA 3000 Airbus A320, N264AV@DTW,07.02.2008-499ee - Flickr - Aero Icarus.jpg|thumb|right|Michael Berry Terminal the year it closed in 2008]]
The Berry Terminal, named for a former airport commissioner, was designed by Detroit architect Louis G. Redstone, and opened in 1974 as the international terminal at DTW. It was decommissioned on September 17, 2008, and replaced by the Evans Terminal; however, the airport authority voted May 20, 2009, to renovate the terminal to house its offices.<ref name=Masson>{{cite news| url=http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20090520/FREE/905209995/berry-terminal-at-detroit-airport-gets-new-life| work=[[Crain's Detroit Business]]| title=Berry Terminal at Detroit airport gets new life| agency=Associated Press| date=May 20, 2009| accessdate=January 10, 2013}}</ref> All international passengers would arrive at this terminal, pass through customs and immigration inspection, and continue on to their connecting flights by bus to adjacent terminals.

Originally containing six gates (two of which were removed in 2003 to allow for construction of an adjacent Northwest Airlines maintenance hangar), the terminal was later used for scheduled and charter flights. There were still several international scheduled flights on low cost carriers to destinations in the [[Caribbean]] and other warm-weathered places in the early 2000s (decade), including flights from [[Champion Air]], [[Ryan International Airlines]], and [[USA3000 Airlines]]. Four charter airlines also used this terminal.

Following its closure in 2008, the Berry Terminal became a popular space for commercial film and television production. Films such as [[Up in the Air (2009 film)|Up in the Air]] (2009), [[Machine Gun Preacher]] (2011), and [[This Must Be the Place (film)|This Must Be the Place]] used the vacant terminal as a set (in addition to shooting in and around the airport's active terminals).

The Berry Terminal was demolished in 2018.

====Leroy C. Smith Terminal====
[[File:Lockheed L-188A Electra, American Airlines JP7356682.jpg|thumb|right|Smith Terminal in 1962]]
[[File:Executive Terminal, Wayne County Airport.jpg|thumb|right|The former Executive Terminal, 2014]]
The Smith Terminal, named for Detroit-Wayne Major airport visionary Leroy C. Smith, was built in 1958. Though cited as the oldest of Metro Airport's terminals, that designation belongs to the ''Executive Terminal'' building located near Middlebelt Road and Lucas Drive, one-quarter-mile east. The Executive Terminal was built in the late 1920s and is still in operation today as home to ASIG, a flight support company.

The Smith Terminal's 32 gates originally housed Northwest Orient Airlines, [[Allegheny Airlines]] (forerunner to [[US Airways]]), [[Eastern Air Lines]], and [[Pan-Am]], among others. A control tower was included in the construction, and served its purpose until the late 1980s, when a new control tower was built near the site of the new McNamara Terminal.

In later years, Smith Terminal hosted North American carriers other than Northwest, Continental, and later Delta, which relocated to the McNamara Terminal in 2002 before its merger with Northwest.

State of the art for its time, the Smith Terminal eventually became victim to airline expansion. The design of the building did not allow for physical expansion of the ticketing area. To accommodate additional airlines, ticketing counters were constructed on the sides of the lobby in areas that previously held lounges and retail.<ref name="smith">{{cite web| url=http://www.metroairport.com/pdf/maps/Smith_Concessions_Map.pdf| title=Smith Terminal Map| publisher=Wayne County Airport Authority| accessdate=January 10, 2013| archive-date=June 5, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120605211002/http://metroairport.com/pdf/maps/Smith_Concessions_Map.pdf| url-status=dead}}</ref> In contrast, the North Terminal was constructed with future expansion in mind.

[[Spirit Airlines]], which operated out of many of the gates once used by Northwest, made few upgrades to the gate areas in those parts of the terminal. The Northwest Airlines display boards near check-in counters at each gate remained in place, with the Northwest logos removed, and a Spirit information board simply affixed over the old signage.

On September 10, 2008, ''[[The Detroit News]]'' reported that Smith Terminal itself will not be demolished due to the airport authority offices remaining on the upper floors. However, the [[Detroit Free Press]] of October 9, 2008, stated that maintaining the terminal in its present condition would cost upwards of $4 million annually in utilities, a sore spot for airlines at DTW who foot the bill, in part, through airport landing fees; the airlines were hoping for a greater cost savings once the Smith and Berry Terminals were decommissioned.<ref name="notfond">{{cite news| title=Memories of Smith Terminal Not Fond| first=Mary Frances| last=Masson| url=http://www.freep.com/article/20080917/BUSINESS05/809170398/Memories-Smith-Terminal-not-fond| newspaper=Detroit Free Press| date=September 17, 2008| accessdate=January 10, 2013}}</ref> On May 20, 2009, the airport authority formally voted to totally vacate the Smith Terminal, while retaining and renovating the Berry Terminal for its offices.<ref name=Masson/>

Discussions were also raised regarding proposed construction of a new structure to house the Airport Authority offices and Airport Police, with a preliminary price tag of $31.5 million.

====James M. Davey Terminal====
The Davey Terminal was built in 1966 and was first known as "Terminal 2" or the "North Terminal". Designed by the firm of [[SmithGroup|Smith, Hinchman and Grylls]], it was said to be the largest post tensioned building in the world. Tapering cruciform columns around the perimeter and curved beams supported five large concrete roof panels. The lack of columns allowed maximum flexibility in the interior space. The spaces between the roof panels and exterior columns were filled with glass to allow abundant natural light into the building.<ref>{{cite book| last1=Mattingly–Meyer| first1=Katherine| last2=Martin–McElroy| first2=C.P.| author3=W. Hawkins Ferry, Hon A.I.A.| title=Detroit Architecture A.I.A. Guide Revised Edition| year=1980| publisher=Wayne State University Press| isbn=0-8143-1651-4}}</ref> It was renamed the "J. M. Davey Terminal" in 1975 in honor of former airport manager James M. Davey. It originally contained three concourses labeled C to E, as well as a Host Hotel which later was rebranded [[Marriott International|Marriott]].<ref name="airporthistory"/> In the early 1980s, a separate ticketing area was constructed to the north of the Davey Terminal, along with Concourses F and G to eventually accommodate [[Northwest Airlink]]'s regional jet fleet.

Over time, the terminal and added concourse began showing its age due to its layout and poor maintenance, hastened further by increased aircraft traffic, which it was not designed to handle efficiently. Despite this, more gates were added to Concourse C in a short-term expansion project in the early 1990s, making it 26 gates in length. This concourse was considered the worst by most travelers due to its long distance from the center of the terminal, and for its length.

The Davey Terminal was originally the principal base of operations for [[Republic Airlines]], which merged with Northwest Orient Airlines to become [[Northwest Airlines]] in 1986. Upon relocation of Northwest operations to the McNamara Terminal, the Davey Terminal was mothballed for three years before demolition of the ticketing area and Concourse G began October 17, 2005, to prepare for the North Terminal project. All concourses of the Davey Terminal and adjoining Marriott hotel, except gates 1 to 11 of Concourse C, were subsequently demolished in 2005–06 (the remaining gates were in use by [[Spirit Airlines]] until the new North Terminal (now Evans Terminal) opened on September 17, 2008).<ref name="airporthistory"/>

===Ground transportation===
The airport is accessible from [[Interstate 94 in Michigan|I-94]] via Merriman Road (exit 198), which is the nearest entrance to the Evans Terminal, and from [[Interstate 275 (Michigan)|I-275]] via Eureka Road (exit 15), which is closer to the McNamara Terminal. Both entrances and the terminals are connected by John D. Dingell Drive, an expressway completed in 1999 and named after [[John Dingell|the longtime Congressman]].<ref name="directons">{{cite web| url=http://www.metroairport.com/maps/drivingmap.asp| title=Maps and Directions| publisher=Wayne County Airport Authority| access-date=January 10, 2013| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090217213117/http://metroairport.com/maps/drivingmap.asp| archive-date=February 17, 2009| df=mdy-all}}</ref>  [[Cell phone lot]]s are located near both entrances.<ref name="cell">{{cite web |title=Cell Phone Waiting Area |url=http://www.metroairport.com/uploads/docs/cell_lots.gif |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120215053445/http://www.metroairport.com/uploads/docs/cell_lots.gif |archive-date=February 15, 2012 |access-date=January 10, 2013 |publisher=Wayne County Airport Authority }}</ref>

Free shuttle buses are available between the two terminals, and also connect to the Green parking lots. Rental car companies provide their own shuttles, as do private offsite parking lots and most hotels in the airport's vicinity.

=== Public transit ===
[[File:Michigan Flyer at DTW.jpg|thumb|Michigan Flyer arriving at Evans Terminal]]
Metro Airport is accessible by public transit, served by the [[RTA of Southeast Michigan|RTA]]'s [[Detroit Air Xpress|Detroit Air Xpress (DAX)]], an express bus to downtown Detroit; and [[Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation|SMART]]'s [[Frequent Affordable Safe Transit|FAST Michigan]], a [[limited-stop]] [[Public transport bus service|bus]] route connecting the airport to Detroit and Dearborn, with connections to the region's wider transit network.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2017/12/28/express-bus-service-detroit-airpot/108971720/ |title=Express bus service links Detroit's downtown to airport |work=Detroit News |date=December 28, 2017 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112125005/http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2017/12/28/express-bus-service-detroit-airpot/108971720/ |archive-date=January 12, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=SMART |title=Ride Smart-Fast |url=https://www.smartbus.org/ridesmart-fast |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831123410/https://www.smartbus.org/ridesmart-fast |archive-date=August 31, 2018 |access-date=October 8, 2018 |website=www.smartbus.org |language=en-US}}</ref>

Two local bus routes, operated by SMART, also serve the airport: route 125, to communities in the [[Downriver]] region of southern Wayne County, serving both terminals; and route 280, to downtown Romulus and other suburbs in western Wayne County, serving only the Evans Terminal.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=September 12, 2022 |title=System Map |url=https://www.smartbus.org/Portals/0/System%20Maps/SMARTSystemMap.pdf |publisher=[[Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation]]}}</ref>

Transit to [[Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority|Ann Arbor]], [[Brighton, Michigan|Brighton]], and [[East Lansing]] is available with the [[Michigan Flyer]], an [[intercity bus]] operated by [[Indian Trails]] in partnership with [[TheRide]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oppenhuizen |first=Clay |date=February 24, 2022 |title=Michigan Flyer, Expanding Connections in Mid-Michigan, Turns 15 |url=https://eastlansinginfo.news/michigan-flyer-turns-15/ |website=East Lansing Info}}</ref> Service to destinations in southern Ontario, Canada, including [[Windsor, Ontario|Windsor]] and [[London, Ontario|London]], is offered by Robert Q Airbus, a private operator.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pickup Locations |url=https://reservation.robertq.com/airbus/Info/Pickup |website=Robert Q}}</ref>

Transit buses board from the Ground Transportation Center at the Evans Terminal, and from the departures drop-off area at McNamara.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Public Transportation |url=https://www.metroairport.com/dtw/other-ground-transportation/public-transportation |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Wayne County Airport Authority |language=en}}</ref>

==Airlines and destinations==
===Passenger===
<!-- Please use only independent sources. The airport and the airline itself are not independent sources. -->
{{Airport destination list | 3rdcoltitle = Refs | 3rdcolunsortable=yes
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| {{nowrap|[[Aeroméxico Connect]]}} | [[Monterrey International Airport|Monterrey]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aviacionline.com/2022/09/delta-and-aeromexico-reactivate-flights-between-monterrey-and-detroit/|title=Delta and Aeromexico reactivate flights between Monterrey and Detroit|publisher=Aviacionline|date=September 7, 2022|accessdate=September 7, 2022}}</ref> [[Querétaro Intercontinental Airport|Querétaro]]<ref name="newam">{{cite web|title=Aeromexico Schedules First Batch Of U.S. Additions|website=Aviation Week|url=https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/airports-networks/aeromexico-schedules-first-batch-us-additions|access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref> | <ref>{{cite web|url=https://booking.aeromexico.com/SSW2010/D5DE/flightSchedulePage.html|title=Timetables|publisher=Aeroméxico|access-date=March 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119011305/https://booking.aeromexico.com/SSW2010/D5DE/flightSchedulePage.html|archive-date=November 19, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| {{nowrap|[[Air Canada Express]]}} | [[Toronto–Pearson]]<br />'''Seasonal:''' [[Montréal–Trudeau]] | <ref name="AirCanadaRoutes">{{cite web| title=Flight Schedules| url=https://beta.aircanada.com/us/en/aco/home/book/routes-and-partners/flight-schedules.html?acid=beta%7Credirect%7Caircanada.com%7CNoBar| publisher=Air Canada| access-date=April 5, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925064718/https://www.aircanada.com/us/en/aco/home/book/routes-and-partners/flight-schedules.html?acid=beta%7Credirect%7Caircanada.com%7CNoBar| archive-date=September 25, 2019| url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Air France]] | [[Charles de Gaulle Airport|Paris–Charles de Gaulle]] | <ref name="AirFranceRoutes">{{cite web| title=Horaires| url=https://www.airfrance.co.uk/GB/en/local/resainfovol/horaires/horaires.do| publisher=Air France| access-date=April 5, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419122802/http://www.airfrance.co.uk/GB/en/local/resainfovol/horaires/horaires.do| archive-date=April 19, 2017| url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Alaska Airlines]] | [[Seattle–Tacoma International Airport|Seattle/Tacoma]]<br />'''Seasonal:''' [[Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport|Anchorage]]<ref>{{cite web|url= https://news.alaskaair.com/destinations/new-flights-to-anchorage-from-detroit-and-sacramento/ |title= Alaska Airlines announces new flights to Anchorage from Detroit and Sacramento |website=Alaska Airlines News Hub |date=January 7, 2025|access-date=January 7, 2025}}</ref> | <ref name="AlaskaRoutes">{{cite web| title=Flight timetable| url=https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/timetables.aspx| publisher=Alaska Airlines| access-date=April 5, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202123138/https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/timetables.aspx| archive-date=February 2, 2017| url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[American Airlines]] | [[Charlotte Douglas International Airport|Charlotte]], [[O'Hare International Airport|Chicago–O'Hare]], [[Dallas Fort Worth International Airport|Dallas/Fort Worth]], [[Miami International Airport|Miami]], [[Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport|Phoenix–Sky Harbor]]<br />'''Seasonal:''' [[Philadelphia International Airport|Philadelphia]] | <ref name="AmericanRoutes">{{cite web| title=Flight schedules and notifications| url=https://www.aa.com/travelInformation/flights/schedule| publisher=American Airlines| access-date=April 5, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202010611/https://www.aa.com/travelInformation/flights/schedule| archive-date=February 2, 2017| url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[American Eagle (airline brand)|American Eagle]] | [[O'Hare International Airport|Chicago–O'Hare]], [[LaGuardia Airport|New York–LaGuardia]], [[Philadelphia International Airport|Philadelphia]], [[Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport|Washington–National]] | <ref name="AmericanRoutes"/>
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| [[Avelo Airlines]] | '''Seasonal:''' [[Tweed New Haven Airport|New Haven]],<ref name="AveloHVN25">{{cite web|url=https://www.wtnh.com/news/connecticut/new-haven/dominican-republic-among-avelo-airlines-5-new-destinations/|title=Dominican Republic among Avelo Airlines' 5 new destinations|date=December 9, 2024|access-date=December 9, 2024|last=Wright|first=Bailey}}</ref> [[Wilmington International Airport|Wilmington (NC)]]<ref name="AveloNew11Mar25">{{cite press release |title=Avelo Airlines Announces 13 New Routes and Three New Destinations to its Growing Network |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/avelo-airlines-announces-13-new-routes-and-three-new-destinations-to-its-growing-network-302397839.html |website=PR Newswire |access-date=March 11, 2025}}</ref> | <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aveloair.com/destinations/|title=Destinations|website=Avelo Airlines|access-date=January 18, 2022|archive-date=November 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107173629/https://www.aveloair.com/destinations/|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Delta Air Lines]] | [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Amsterdam]], [[Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport|Atlanta]], [[Austin–Bergstrom International Airport|Austin]], [[Baltimore/Washington International Airport|Baltimore]], [[Logan International Airport|Boston]], [[Buffalo Niagara International Airport|Buffalo]], [[Cancún International Airport|Cancún]], [[Charleston International Airport|Charleston (SC)]], [[Charlotte Douglas International Airport|Charlotte]], [[O'Hare International Airport|Chicago–O'Hare]], [[Dallas Fort Worth International Airport|Dallas/Fort Worth]], [[Denver International Airport|Denver]], [[Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport|Fort Lauderdale]], [[Southwest Florida International Airport|Fort Myers]], [[Frankfurt Airport|Frankfurt]], [[Bradley International Airport|Hartford]], [[Daniel K. Inouye International Airport|Honolulu]], [[George Bush Intercontinental Airport|Houston–Intercontinental]], [[Jacksonville International Airport|Jacksonville (FL)]], [[Kansas City International Airport|Kansas City]], [[Harry Reid International Airport|Las Vegas]], [[Heathrow Airport|London–Heathrow]], [[Los Angeles International Airport|Los Angeles]], [[Dane County Regional Airport|Madison]], [[Memphis International Airport|Memphis]], [[Mexico City International Airport|Mexico City]], [[Miami International Airport|Miami]], [[Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport|Minneapolis/St. Paul]], [[Myrtle Beach International Airport|Myrtle Beach]], [[Nashville International Airport|Nashville]], [[Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport|New Orleans]], [[John F. Kennedy International Airport|New York–JFK]], [[LaGuardia Airport|New York–LaGuardia]], [[Newark Liberty International Airport|Newark]], [[John Wayne Airport|Orange County]], [[Orlando International Airport|Orlando]], [[Charles de Gaulle Airport|Paris–Charles de Gaulle]], [[Philadelphia International Airport|Philadelphia]], [[Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport|Phoenix–Sky Harbor]], [[Portland International Airport|Portland (OR)]], [[Raleigh–Durham International Airport|Raleigh/Durham]], [[Sacramento International Airport|Sacramento]],<ref name=DALNEW>{{cite web |title=Santa Barbara, Yosemite, Tahoe and more: Get there on Delta with new and returning flights for summer 2024|url= https://news.delta.com/santa-barbara-yosemite-tahoe-and-more-get-there-delta-new-and-returning-flights-summer-2024|access-date=September 15, 2023|website=Delta News Hub|date= September 15, 2023}}</ref> [[Salt Lake City International Airport|Salt Lake City]], [[San Antonio International Airport|San Antonio]], [[San Diego International Airport|San Diego]], [[San Francisco International Airport|San Francisco]], [[Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport|San Juan]], [[Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport|Savannah]], [[Seattle–Tacoma International Airport|Seattle/Tacoma]], [[Incheon International Airport|Seoul–Incheon]], [[Shanghai Pudong International Airport|Shanghai–Pudong]], [[St. Louis Lambert International Airport|St. Louis]], [[Syracuse Hancock International Airport|Syracuse]], [[Tampa International Airport|Tampa]], [[Tokyo–Haneda]], [[Cherry Capital Airport|Traverse City]], [[Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport|Washington–National]], [[Palm Beach International Airport|West Palm Beach]]<br />'''Seasonal:''' [[Albany International Airport|Albany]], [[Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport|Anchorage]],<ref name=DALNEW /> [[Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport|Bozeman]], [[Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport|Destin/Fort Walton Beach]],<ref name="auto1">{{cite web | url=https://news.delta.com/delta-boosts-summer-2025-schedule-return-seven-us-and-latin-leisure-routes| title=Delta boosts Summer 2025 schedule with return of seven U.S. And Latin leisure routes &#124; Delta News Hub| date=December 23, 2024}}</ref> [[Dublin Airport|Dublin]],<ref name="DLSum25">{{cite web |url= https://businesstravelerusa.com/news/delta-expands-europe-routes/|title= Delta Expands in Europe with First-Ever Nonstop Flights to Catania|website=Business Traveler|date=September 20, 2024|access-date=September 20, 2024 }}</ref> [[Owen Roberts International Airport|Grand Cayman]] (begins December 20, 2025),<ref name="DLWin25">{{cite web |url= https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/mexico-puerto-rico-bahamas-cayman-islands-dominican-republic-and-guatemala-get-new-and-revamped-delta-routes-for-easy-travel-across-caribbean-and-america-what-you-need-to-know/|title= Mexico, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic and Guatemala Get New and Revamped Delta Routes for Easy Travel Across Caribbean and America: What You Need to Know|website=Travel and Tour World|date=April 5, 2025|access-date=April 5, 2025 }}</ref> [[Gerald R. Ford International Airport|Grand Rapids]], [[Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport|Greenville/Spartanburg]], [[Guanacaste Airport|Liberia (CR)]] (begins January 10, 2026),<ref name="DLWin26">{{cite web |url= https://airlinegeeks.com/2025/05/12/delta-adding-two-routes-in-2026/|title= Delta Adding Two Routes in 2026|website=Airline Geeks|date=May 12, 2025|access-date=May 13, 2025 }}</ref> [[Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport|Milwaukee]], [[Sangster International Airport|Montego Bay]], [[Munich Airport|Munich]], [[Lynden Pindling International Airport|Nassau]] (resumes December 20, 2025),<ref name="DLWin25" /> [[Pensacola International Airport|Pensacola]],<ref name="auto1"/>  [[Pittsburgh International Airport|Pittsburgh]], [[Portland International Jetport|Portland (ME)]], [[Providenciales International Airport|Providenciales]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Delta NW24 Caribbean Network Additions |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240508-dlnw24caribbean |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=May 8, 2024}}</ref> [[Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport|Puerto Vallarta]],<ref name="auto">{{cite web | url=https://news.delta.com/explore-more-mexico-new-routes-tulum-mazatlan-plus-expanded-aeromexico-service | title=Explore more Mexico: New routes to Tulum, Mazatlán, plus expanded Aeromexico service &#124; Delta News Hub | date=July 30, 2024 }}</ref> [[Punta Cana International Airport|Punta Cana]], [[Keflavík International Airport|Reykjavík–Keflavík]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240103-dlns24jfkkef | title=Delta NS24 New York – Reykjavik Aircraft Changes }}</ref> [[Richmond International Airport|Richmond]], [[Rome–Fiumicino]], [[San Jose International Airport|San Jose (CA)]] (resumes July 7, 2025),<ref>{{cite web|url= https://airlinegeeks.com/2024/11/08/delta-to-resume-two-domestic-routes/#|title= Delta to Resume Two Domestic Routes |website=AirlineGeeks|date=November 8, 2024|access-date=November 9, 2024}}</ref> [[Los Cabos International Airport|San José del Cabo]],<ref name="auto"/> [[Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport|Sarasota]], [[Tulum International Airport|Tulum]]<ref>{{Cite web |title= Delta Continues Mexico Network Expansion in NW24 |url= https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240722-dlnw24mx |access-date=July 22, 2024 |website=Aeroroutes |language=en-US}}</ref> | <ref name="DeltaRoutes">{{cite web|title=Flight Schedules |url=https://www.delta.com/us/en/travel-planning-center/find-your-destination/route-map|access-date=May 26, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250422010127/https://www.delta.com/us/en/travel-planning-center/find-your-destination/route-map |archive-date=April 22, 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref>
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| {{nowrap|[[Delta Connection]]}} | [[Albany International Airport|Albany]], [[Alpena County Regional Airport|Alpena]], [[Appleton International Airport|Appleton]], [[Greater Binghamton Airport|Binghamton]],<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.pressconnects.com/story/news/local/2023/10/21/delta-adds-detroit-drops-laguardia-flights-from-binghamton-airport/71258874007/|title=Delta adds Detroit flights at Greater Binghamton Airport, LaGuardia discontinued|publisher=PressConnects|date=October 21, 2023}}</ref> [[Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport|Birmingham (AL)]], [[Buffalo Niagara International Airport|Buffalo]], [[Burlington International Airport|Burlington (VT)]], [[Charleston International Airport|Charleston (SC)]], [[Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport|Chattanooga]], [[Midway International Airport|Chicago–Midway]], [[Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport|Cincinnati]], [[Cleveland Hopkins International Airport|Cleveland]], [[John Glenn Columbus International Airport|Columbus–Glenn]], [[Des Moines International Airport|Des Moines]], [[Elmira Corning Regional Airport|Elmira]], [[Delta County Airport|Escanaba (MI)]], [[Northwest Arkansas National Airport|Fayetteville/Bentonville]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://airlinegeeks.com/2024/08/17/delta-adds-two-regional-routes/|title=Delta Adds Two Regional Routes &#124; AirlineGeeks.com|date=August 17, 2024|website=AirlineGeeks.com }}</ref> [[Fort Wayne International Airport|Fort Wayne]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Delta Resumes Detroit – Fort Wayne From June 2024 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240401-dlns24fwa |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=April 1, 2024}}</ref> [[Gerald R. Ford International Airport|Grand Rapids]], [[Green Bay–Austin Straubel International Airport|Green Bay]], [[Piedmont Triad International Airport|Greensboro]], [[Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport|Greenville/Spartanburg]], [[Harrisburg International Airport|Harrisburg]], [[Huntsville International Airport|Huntsville]], [[Indianapolis International Airport|Indianapolis]], [[Ford Airport (Iron Mountain)|Iron Mountain]], [[Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport|Kalamazoo]], [[McGhee Tyson Airport|Knoxville]], [[Capital Region International Airport|Lansing]], [[Blue Grass Airport|Lexington]], [[Louisville International Airport|Louisville]], [[Dane County Regional Airport|Madison]], [[Sawyer International Airport|Marquette]], [[Memphis International Airport|Memphis]], [[Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport|Milwaukee]], [[Montréal–Trudeau]], [[John F. Kennedy International Airport|New York–JFK]], [[Norfolk International Airport|Norfolk]], [[Eppley Airfield|Omaha]], [[Pellston Regional Airport|Pellston]], [[Pittsburgh International Airport|Pittsburgh]], [[Portland International Jetport|Portland (ME)]], [[T. F. Green Airport|Providence]], [[Richmond International Airport|Richmond]], [[Greater Rochester International Airport|Rochester (NY)]], [[MBS International Airport|Saginaw]], [[Chippewa County International Airport|Sault Ste. Marie (MI)]], [[South Bend International Airport|South Bend]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wndu.com/2023/06/26/delta-bringing-back-flights-between-south-bend-detroit/ | title=Delta bringing back flights between South Bend, Detroit| date=June 26, 2023}}</ref> [[Syracuse Hancock International Airport|Syracuse]], [[Toronto–Pearson]], [[Cherry Capital Airport|Traverse City]], [[Dulles International Airport|Washington–Dulles]], [[Westchester County Airport|White Plains]]<br />'''Seasonal:''' [[Bangor International Airport|Bangor]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wabi.tv/2025/03/04/delta-adds-route-bangor-detroit/|title=Delta adds route from Bangor to Detroit|date=March 4, 2025|website=www.wabi.tv}}</ref> [[Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport|Savannah]] | <ref name="DeltaRoutes"/>
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| [[Frontier Airlines]] | [[Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport|Atlanta]], [[Baltimore/Washington International Airport|Baltimore]],  [[Dallas Fort Worth International Airport|Dallas/Fort Worth]],<ref name=FRO>{{cite web |title=Frontier Airlines Announces New Routes, Expanding Operations Across 38 Airports | url=https://news.flyfrontier.com/frontier-airlines-announces-new-routes-expanding-operations-across-38-airports/}}</ref> [[Denver International Airport|Denver]], [[Orlando International Airport|Orlando]], [[Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport|Phoenix–Sky Harbor]], [[Raleigh–Durham International Airport|Raleigh/Durham]] | <ref name="FrontierRoutes">{{cite web |publisher=Frontier |title=route map |url=https://www.flyfrontier.com/plan-and-book/route-map/ |access-date=June 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221130820/https://www.flyfrontier.com/plan-and-book/route-map/ |archive-date=February 21, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
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| [[Icelandair]] | '''Seasonal:''' [[Keflavík International Airport|Reykjavik–Keflavík]] | <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.icelandair.com/flights/campaign/destinations-schedule/ | title=Our Flight Schedule 2022 &#124; Icelandair }}</ref>
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| [[JetBlue]] | [[Logan International Airport|Boston]], [[John F. Kennedy International Airport|New York–JFK]]<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250115533992/en/JetBlue-Enhances-Summer-Travel-with-New-Routes-and-Destinations-Strengthening-its-East-Coast-Network | title=JetBlue Enhances Summer Travel with New Routes and Destinations, Strengthening its East Coast Network |website=Business Wire | date=January 15, 2025 }}</ref> | <ref>{{cite web |title=JetBlue Airways Timetable |url=https://b6.innosked.com/(S(whnhpluzmesss4olwfvucmjv))/default.aspx |access-date=December 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130200342/http://b6.innosked.com/(S(ro2r12waz2i2nldghwmy0bnr))/default.aspx |archive-date=November 30, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
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| [[Lufthansa]] | [[Frankfurt Airport|Frankfurt]] | <ref name="LufthansaRoutes">{{cite web| title=Timetable| url=http://www.lufthansa.com/uk/en/Online-timetable| access-date=April 5, 2017| publisher=Lufthansa| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126161034/http://www.lufthansa.com/uk/en/Online-timetable| archive-date=January 26, 2017| url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Royal Jordanian]] | [[Queen Alia International Airport|Amman–Queen Alia]] | <ref name="RoyalJordanianRoutes">{{cite web| title=Route Map| url=http://www.rj.com/en/destinations/route_map| publisher=Royal Jordanian Airlines| access-date=April 5, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805082904/https://www.rj.com/en/destinations/route_map| archive-date=August 5, 2018| url-status=dead}}</ref>
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| {{nowrap|[[Southwest Airlines]]}} | [[Baltimore/Washington International Airport|Baltimore]], [[Midway International Airport|Chicago–Midway]], [[Denver International Airport|Denver]], [[Harry Reid International Airport|Las Vegas]], [[Nashville International Airport|Nashville]], [[St. Louis Lambert International Airport|St. Louis]] <br /> '''Seasonal:''' [[Orlando International Airport|Orlando]], [[Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport|Phoenix–Sky Harbor]], [[Tampa International Airport|Tampa]] | <ref name="SouthwestRoutes">{{cite web| title=Check Flight Schedules| url=https://www.southwest.com/air/flight-schedules/index.html| publisher=Southwest Airlines| access-date=June 16, 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202053931/https://www.southwest.com/air/flight-schedules/index.html| archive-date=February 2, 2017| url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Spirit Airlines]] | [[Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport|Atlanta]], [[Austin–Bergstrom International Airport|Austin]],<ref name=SpiritSpringRoutes>{{cite web|url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2025/03/26/new-spirit-airlines-destinations-detroit-metro-michigan-flights/82671341007/|title=Where can you fly with Spirit Airlines? New routes coming this spring for Michigan fliers |date=March 26, 2025 |publisher= Detroit Free Press |accessdate=April 10, 2025}}</ref> [[Baltimore/Washington International Airport|Baltimore]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2025/03/10/spirit-adds-6-nonstop-routes-detroit-metro-airport/82226455007/|title=Spirit Airlines adds 6 nonstop routes from Detroit Metro Airport |date=March 10, 2025 |publisher= The Detroit News |accessdate=April 10, 2025}}</ref> [[Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport|Birmingham (AL)]],<ref name=SpiritSpringRoutes /> [[Logan International Airport|Boston]], [[Cancún International Airport|Cancún]], [[Charlotte Douglas International Airport|Charlotte]],<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/03/08/spirit-airlines-expands-with-20-new-routes-cuts-5-destinations/ |title=Spirit Airlines Expands with 20+ New Routes |date=March 7, 2025 |publisher=Aviation A2Z  |accessdate=March 7, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250308025823/https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/03/08/spirit-airlines-expands-with-20-new-routes-cuts-5-destinations/ |archive-date=March 8, 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Charleston International Airport|Charleston (SC)]],<ref name="NKJuly">{{cite web |title=Spirit Airlines July 2024 Dallas / Detroit Network Expansion |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240508-nkjul24 |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=May 8, 2024}}</ref> [[Dallas Fort Worth International Airport|Dallas/Fort Worth]], [[Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport|Fort Lauderdale]], [[Southwest Florida International Airport|Fort Myers]], [[Bradley International Airport|Hartford]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hartfordbusiness.com/article/spirit-airlines-adding-routes-from-hartford-to-detroit-nashville | title=Spirit Airlines adding routes from Hartford to Detroit, Nashville }}</ref> [[George Bush Intercontinental Airport|Houston–Intercontinental]], [[Kansas City International Airport|Kansas City]],<ref name=SpiritSpringRoutes /> [[Harry Reid International Airport|Las Vegas]], [[Los Angeles International Airport|Los Angeles]], [[Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport|Louisville]],<ref name=SpiritSpringRoutes /> [[Memphis International Airport|Memphis]],<ref name="auto2"/> [[Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport|Milwaukee]],<ref name=SpiritSpringRoutes /> [[Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport|Minneapolis/St. Paul]], [[Myrtle Beach International Airport|Myrtle Beach]], [[Nashville International Airport|Nashville]],<ref name="NKJuly"/> [[Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport|New Orleans]], [[LaGuardia Airport|New York–LaGuardia]], [[Newark Liberty International Airport|Newark]], [[Norfolk International Airport|Norfolk]],<ref name=SpiritSpringRoutes /> [[Orlando International Airport|Orlando]], [[Philadelphia International Airport|Philadelphia]], [[Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport|Phoenix–Sky Harbor]],<ref name=SpiritSpringRoutes /> [[Punta Cana International Airport|Punta Cana]],<ref name=SpiritSpringRoutes /> [[Raleigh–Durham International Airport|Raleigh/Durham]],<ref name="auto2"/> [[Richmond International Airport|Richmond]],<ref name=SpiritSpringRoutes /> [[Salt Lake City International Airport|Salt Lake City]],<ref name=SpiritSpringRoutes /> [[San Antonio International Airport|San Antonio]],<ref name="auto2"/> [[San Diego International Airport|San Diego]],<ref name=SpiritSpringRoutes /> [[Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport|San Juan]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Delguy |first1=Juan |title=Spirit Airlines expande su red con 15 nuevas rutas |url=https://aviationclubcenter.com/index.php/2025/03/26/202spirit-airlines-expande-su-red-con-15-nuevas-rutas28/ |website=Aviation Club Center |access-date=March 26, 2025 |date=March 26, 2025}}</ref> [[Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport|Savannah]] (begins October 9, 2025),<ref name="SpiritSAV">{{cite press release | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-peach-state-to-get-even-sweeter-with-new-spirit-airlines-service-coming-to-savannah-302422756.html | title=The Peach State to Get Even Sweeter with New Spirit Airlines Service Coming to Savannah }}</ref> [[St. Louis Lambert International Airport|St. Louis]],<ref name=SpiritSpringRoutes /> [[Tampa International Airport|Tampa]] <br /> '''Seasonal:''' [[Pensacola International Airport|Pensacola]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Spirit Airlines NS25 Network Additions – 09MAR25 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250310-nkns25 |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=March 10, 2025}}</ref> | <ref name="SpiritRoutes">{{cite web| title=Where We Fly| url=https://www.spirit.com/RouteMaps.aspx| publisher=Spirit Airlines| access-date=April 5, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223042503/https://www.spirit.com/routemaps.aspx| archive-date=December 23, 2017| url-status=live}}</ref>
<!-- -->
| [[Sun Country Airlines]] | '''Seasonal:''' [[Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport|Minneapolis/St. Paul]] | {{citation needed|date=June 2024}}
<!-- -->
| [[Turkish Airlines]] | [[Istanbul Airport|Istanbul]] | <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/Turkish-Airlines-launching-Detroit-service | title=Turkish Airlines to launch Detroit service | date=June 6, 2023 }}</ref>
<!-- -->
| [[United Airlines]] |  [[O'Hare International Airport|Chicago–O'Hare]], [[Denver International Airport|Denver]], [[George Bush Intercontinental Airport|Houston–Intercontinental]], [[Newark Liberty International Airport|Newark]], [[San Francisco International Airport|San Francisco]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240425-uaaug24sfo|title=United Resumes San Francisco - Detroit/ St. Louis in Aug 2024|publisher=AeroRoutes|date=April 25, 2024|accessdate=April 25, 2024}}</ref> <br /> '''Seasonal:''' [[Washington–Dulles]] | {{nowrap|<ref name="UnitedRoutes">{{cite web| title=Timetable| url=https://www.united.com/web/en-US/apps/travel/timetable/default.aspx| publisher=United Airlines| access-date=April 5, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128165254/https://www.united.com/web/en-US/apps/travel/timetable/default.aspx| archive-date=January 28, 2017| url-status=live}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=March 2022}}}}
<!-- -->
| [[United Express]] | [[O'Hare International Airport|Chicago–O'Hare]], [[George Bush Intercontinental Airport|Houston–Intercontinental]], [[Newark Liberty International Airport|Newark]], [[Dulles International Airport|Washington–Dulles]] | <ref name="UnitedRoutes"/>
<!-- -->
| [[WestJet]] | '''Seasonal:''' [[Calgary International Airport|Calgary]], [[Vancouver International Airport|Vancouver]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/10076685/westjet-edmonton-vancouver-routes-fees/|title=WestJet adds U.S. routes to Edmonton and Vancouver while hiking some baggage, seat fees|publisher=Global|date=November 7, 2023|accessdate=November 7, 2023}}</ref> | <ref name=westjetroutes>{{cite web|url=https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/flights/direct-flights|title=Direct and Non-Stop Flights|publisher=WestJet|access-date=September 25, 2022}}</ref>
<!-- -->
}}

===Cargo===
{{unreferenced section|date=November 2021}}
{{Airport-dest-list
| [[Atlas Air]] | [[Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport|Cincinnati]]
<!-- -->
| {{nowrap|[[FedEx Express]]}} | [[Rickenbacker International Airport|Columbus–Rickenbacker]], [[Indianapolis International Airport|Indianapolis]], [[Memphis International Airport|Memphis]], [[Newark Liberty International Airport|Newark]]
<!-- -->
| [[UPS Airlines]] | [[Chicago Rockford International Airport|Chicago/Rockford]], [[Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport|Louisville]], [[Philadelphia International Airport|Philadelphia]]
}}

==Statistics==
===Top destinations===
[[File:DTW C2.JPG|thumb|right|Concourse C]]
[[File:DTW ExpressTram (51415317805) (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|The ExpressTram transports passengers among three stations in the McNamara Terminal.]]
[[File:DTWNorth.jpg|thumb|right|Evans Terminal]]
[[File:DTW North Terminal.jpg|thumb|right|Evans Terminal check-in]]
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+Busiest domestic routes from DTW (January 2024 – December 2024)<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web |title=Detroit, MI: Detroit Metro Wayne County (DTW) |url=https://www.transtats.bts.gov/airports.asp?20=E&Nv42146=Qgj&Nv42146_anzr=Qr641v6,%20ZV:%20Qr641v6%20Zr641%20jnB0r%20P1706B&pn44vr4=SNPgf |access-date=March 24, 2025 |publisher=Bureau of Transportation Statistics}}</ref>
|-
!scope="col"| Rank
!scope="col"| City
!scope="col"| Passengers
!scope="col"| Carriers
|-
!scope="row"| 1
| [[Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport|Atlanta, Georgia]]
| style="text-align:right;"| 825,000
| Delta, Frontier, Spirit
|-
!scope="row"| 2
| [[Orlando International Airport|Orlando, Florida]]
| style="text-align:right;"| 662,000
| Delta, Frontier, Southwest, Spirit
|-
! scope="row" | 3
| [[LaGuardia Airport|New York-LaGuardia, New York]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 532,000
| American, Delta,  Spirit
|-
! scope="row" | 4
| [[Harry Reid International Airport|Las Vegas, Nevada]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 500,000
| Delta, Southwest, Spirit
|-
! scope="row" | 5
| [[Los Angeles International Airport|Los Angeles, California]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 459,000
| Delta, Spirit
|-
! scope="row" | 6
| [[Denver International Airport|Denver, Colorado]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 449,000
| Delta, Frontier, Southwest, United
|-
! scope="row" | 7
| [[Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport|Ft. Lauderdale, Florida]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 417,000
| Delta, Spirit
|-
! scope="row" | 8
| [[O'Hare International Airport|Chicago–O'Hare, Illinois]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 414,000
| American, Delta, Spirit, United
|-
! scope="row" | 9
| [[Dallas Fort Worth International Airport|Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 411,000
| American, Delta, Frontier, Spirit
|-
! scope="row" | 10
| [[Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport|Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Arizona]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 390,000
| American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Busiest international routes from DTW (October 2021 – September 2022)<ref name="internationalreport">{{Cite web|title=International_Report_Passengers {{!}} Department of Transportation - Data Portal|url=https://data.transportation.gov/Aviation/International_Report_Passengers/xgub-n9bw|access-date=July 26, 2021|website=data.transportation.gov}}</ref>
|-
!scope="col"| Rank
!scope="col"| Airport
!scope="col"| Passengers
!scope="col"| Carriers
|-
! scope="row" | 1
| [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Amsterdam, Netherlands]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 347,856
| Delta
|-
!scope="row"| 2
| [[Charles de Gaulle Airport|Paris–Charles de Gaulle, France]]
|style="text-align:right;"| 314,063
| Air France, Delta
|-
! scope="row" | 3
| [[Cancún International Airport|Cancún, Mexico]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 306,594
| Delta, Frontier, Spirit
|-
! scope="row" | 4
| [[Toronto Pearson International Airport|Toronto–Pearson, Canada]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 153,619
| Air Canada, Delta
|-
! scope="row" | 5
| [[Frankfurt Airport|Frankfurt, Germany]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 145,448
| Delta, Lufthansa
|-
! scope="row" | 6
| [[Incheon International Airport|Seoul–Incheon, South Korea]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 130,620
| Delta
|-
! scope="row" | 7
| [[Montréal–Trudeau International Airport|Montréal–Trudeau, Canada]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 128,873
| Air Canada, Delta
|-
! scope="row" | 8
| [[Heathrow Airport|London–Heathrow, United Kingdom]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 115,796
| Delta
|-
! scope="row" | 9
| [[Mexico City International Airport|Mexico City, Mexico]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 72,619
| Delta
|-
! scope="row" | 10
| [[Munich Airport|Munich, Germany]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 50,340
| Delta
|}

===Airline market share===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right;"
|+Top airlines at DTW<br />(October 2023 – September 2024)<ref>{{cite web |title=Detroit, MI: Detroit Metro Wayne County (DTW) |url=https://www.transtats.bts.gov/airports.asp?pn=1&Airport=DTW&carrier=FACTS |website=www.transtats.bts.gov |publisher=Bureau of Transportation Statistics |access-date=July 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130316070333/http://www.transtats.bts.gov/airports.asp?pn=1&Airport=DTW&carrier=FACTS |archive-date=March 16, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
!scope="col"| Rank
!scope="col"| Airline
!scope="col"| Passengers
!scope="col"| Market Share
|-
!scope="row"| 1
| style="text-align:left;"| [[Delta Air Lines]] || 16,010,000 || 55.70%
|-
!scope="row"| 2
| style="text-align:left;"| [[Spirit Airlines]] || 3,780,000 || 11.75%
|-
!scope="row"| 3
| style="text-align:left;"| [[SkyWest Airlines]]|| 2,651,000 || 9.22%
|-
!scope="row"| 4
| style="text-align:left;"| [[Endeavor Air]] || 1,706,000 || 5.93%
|-
!scope="row"| 5
| style="text-align:left;"| [[American Airlines]]|| 1,416,000 || 4.93%
|-
!scope="row"| 6
| style="text-align:left;"|Others|| 3,582,000 || 12.46%
|}

===Annual traffic===
{{Airport-Statistics|iata=DTW}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right;"
|+ Annual passenger traffic (enplaned + deplaned) at DTW<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.wcaa.us/About/FactsFigures/AviationStatistics.aspx| title=Aviation Statistics| publisher=Wayne County Airport Authority| access-date=February 9, 2024| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150323045623/http://www.wcaa.us/About/FactsFigures/AviationStatistics.aspx| archive-date=March 23, 2015| url-status=live}}</ref>
!scope="col"| Year
!scope="col"| Passengers
!scope="col"| Year
!scope="col"| Passengers
!scope="col"| Year
!scope="col"| Passengers
|-
| 1995
|28,298,215
|2005||36,383,514
|2015||33,440,112
|-
| 1996
|27,408,666
|2006||35,972,673
|2016||34,401,254
|-
| 1997
|30,732,871
|2007||36,013,478
|2017||34,701,497
|-
| 1998
|30,803,158
|2008||35,135,828
|2018||35,236,676
|-
| 1999
|33,967,819
|2009||31,357,388
|2019||'''36,769,279'''
|-
| 2000
|35,535,080
|2010||32,377,064
|2020||14,105,007
|-
| 2001
|32,631,463
|2011||32,406,159
|2021||23,610,765
|-
| 2002
|32,477,694
|2012||32,242,473
|2022||28,160,572
|-
| 2003
|32,738,900
|2013||32,389,544
|2023||31,453,486
|-
| 2004
|35,229,705
|2014||32,513,555
|2024||32,971,060
|}

==Accidents and incidents==
* December 30, 1963, a [[Zantop Air Transport]] [[C-46 Commando]] with 4 occupants crashed 2.2 miles SW of DTW, killing all aboard. A loss of control during a night instrument approach in adverse weather was the probable cause.<ref>{{ASN accident|id=19641230-1|title=N608Z|wikibase=no}}</ref>
* June 12, 1972, after a stopover in Detroit, [[American Airlines Flight 96]], a McDonnell Douglas [[DC-10-10]] with 56 passengers and 11 crew from [[Los Angeles International Airport]] en route to [[Buffalo, New York]], suffered a cargo door failure and explosive decompression shortly after departure from Detroit Metropolitan Airport while flying over [[Windsor, Ontario]]. It is thus sometimes referred to as the Windsor incident.<ref name="Black Box">{{cite book| first=Nicholas| last=Faith| year=1996| title=Black Box: Why Airline Safety Is No Accident| publisher=Motorbooks International| location=Osceola, Wisconsin| pages=[https://archive.org/details/blackboxaircrash00fait/page/n174 157]–158| isbn=978-0-7603-0400-6| url=https://archive.org/details/blackboxaircrash00fait| url-access=registration| access-date=November 20, 2015}}</ref> The aircraft sustained damage that left the pilots without full flight controls but the plane returned to Detroit for a successful emergency landing. There were no fatalities but several serious to minor injuries.
* July 31, 1972, [[Delta Air Lines Flight 841]]; members of the [[Black Liberation Army]] took over the airplane in flight using weapons smuggled on board, including a Bible, cut out to hold a handgun. The plane held seven crew and 94 passengers, none of whom was killed during the hijacking. Five hijackers who had boarded with three children took over the plane. The plane flew to Miami, where the passengers were exchanged for $1 million in ransom. The plane was then flown on to Boston, where it refueled before flying to Algeria. Algeria seized the plane and ransom, which they returned to the U.S., but the hijackers were released after a few days.
* December 15, 1972, a [[Zantop International Airlines]] [[Learjet 23]], a ferry flight, crashed after failing to climb from runway 3R, hitting a fuel storage tank. Both occupants on board and one on the ground were killed. Cause undetermined.<ref>{{ASN accident|id=19721215-0|title=N20M|wikibase=no}}</ref>
* January 19, 1979, a [[Learjet 25]] operated by [[Massey Ferguson]] rolled violently and crashed on approach to runway 09. The probable causes were icing, [[wake vortex]] by a preceding [[McDonnell Douglas DC-9]] and a delayed application of engine thrust during an attempted go-around. All six occupants (two crew, four passengers) were killed.<ref>{{ASN accident|id=19790119-0|access-date=November 5, 2020|title=N137GL}}</ref> 
*On April 4, 1979, [[TWA Flight 841 (1979)]] went into a dive above [[Saginaw, Michigan]]. The flight made an emergency landing at DTW. 
* January 11, 1983, [[United Airlines Flight 2885]], a [[McDonnell Douglas DC-8]]F cargo flight with 3 occupants aboard crashed after takeoff due to a mistrimmed stabilizer causing a loss of control, all on board were killed.<ref>{{ASN accident|id=19830111-1|title=N8053U|wikibase=no}}</ref>
* March 4, 1987, [[Northwest Airlink Flight 2268]], operated by Fischer Brothers Aviation, a [[CASA 212]] was on a scheduled flight from [[Mansfield, Ohio|Mansfield]] to Detroit with an intermediate stop in [[Cleveland]] when it crashed while landing at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. The plane yawed violently to the left about {{convert|70|ft|m}} above the runway, skidded to the right, hit three ground support vehicles in front of Concourse F, and caught fire. Of 19 occupants onboard (16 passengers and three crew), nine were killed. The cause of the crash was determined to be pilot error.<ref name="franklin">{{cite news| title=9 Killed in Detroit Plane Crash| url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1987/03/05/9-killed-in-detroit-plane-crash/| newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]| date=March 5, 1987| access-date=January 10, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315142410/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1987-03-05/news/8701170950_1_northwest-airlines-crew-members-detroit-plane-crash| archive-date=March 15, 2013| url-status=live}}</ref>
* August 16, 1987, a [[McDonnell Douglas MD-82]] operating as [[Northwest Airlines Flight 255]],<ref name="flight255">{{cite web| url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19870816-2| title=Accident Description: Northwest Airlines Flight 255| publisher=Aviation-safety.net| date=August 16, 1987| access-date=January 10, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024200139/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19870816-2| archive-date=October 24, 2012| url-status=live}}</ref> bound for [[Phoenix, Arizona]], crashed on take-off from Metro's {{convert|8500|ft|m|adj=mid|-long}} Runway 3 Center (Now Runway 3L). All but one passenger on the aircraft were killed; the lone survivor was a young girl, [[Cecelia Cichan]], who lost both of her parents and her brother. The NTSB determined that the accident resulted from flight crew's failure to deploy the aircraft's flaps prior to take-off, resulting in a lack of necessary lift. The aircraft slammed into an overpass bridge on [[Interstate 94 in Michigan|I-94]] just northeast of the departure end of the runway.<ref name="255memorial">{{cite web| url=http://www.flight255memorial.com/thecrash.html| title=The Crash| publisher=Flight255memorial.com| access-date=January 10, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107172350/http://www.flight255memorial.com/thecrash.html| archive-date=November 7, 2012| url-status=live}}</ref>
* December 3, 1990, a [[McDonnell Douglas DC-9-14]] operating as [[Northwest Airlines Flight 1482]], bound for [[Pittsburgh]], collided with a [[Boeing 727|Boeing 727-200 Adv.]] operating as Northwest Airlines Flight 299, bound for [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]], on runway 03C. Seven passengers and a flight attendant on Flight 1482 were killed. The cause of the accident is listed as "pilot error".<ref name="flight1482">{{cite web| url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19901203-1| title=Accident Description: Northwest Airlines Flight 1482| publisher=Aviation-safety.net| date=December 3, 1990| access-date=January 10, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110315041543/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19901203-1| archive-date=March 15, 2011| url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="flight299">{{cite web| url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19901203-2| title=Accident Description: Northwest Airlines Fight 299| publisher=Aviation-safety.net| date=December 3, 1990| access-date=January 10, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110103081531/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19901203-2| archive-date=January 3, 2011| url-status=live}}</ref>
* January 9, 1997, an [[Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia]] aircraft operating as [[Comair Flight 3272]] crashed nose down {{convert|18|mi|km}} from the airport while on approach into Detroit. All 26 passengers and 3 crew members were killed. The cause is listed to be the "FAA's failure to establish adequate aircraft certification standards for flight in icing conditions, the FAA's failure to ensure that an FAA/CTA-approved procedure for the accident airplane's deice system operation was implemented by U.S.-based air carriers, and the FAA's failure to require the establishment of adequate minimum airspeeds for icing conditions."<ref name="flight3272">{{cite web| url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19970109-0| title=Accident Description: Comair Flight 3272| publisher=Aviation-safety.net| date=January 9, 1997| access-date=January 10, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110625024451/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19970109-0| archive-date=June 25, 2011| url-status=live}}</ref>
*March 17, 2001, an [[Airbus A320-200]] operating as Northwest Airlines Flight 985 bound for [[Miami]], [[Florida]], prematurely rotated during takeoff from runway 3C. The captain aborted the takeoff, and the aircraft skidded off the runway. All 151 occupants survived. The cause of the accident was the captain's delayed rejection of the takeoff, and the flight crew had incorrectly set the trim of the horizontal stabilizer.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ranter|first=Harro|title=ASN Aircraft accident Airbus A320-212 N357NW Detroit-Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, MI (DTW)|url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20010317-1|url-status=live|access-date=March 30, 2021|website=aviation-safety.net|publisher=[[Aviation Safety Network]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050318023039/http://aviation-safety.net:80/database/record.php?id=20010317-1 |archive-date=March 18, 2005 }}</ref>
*December 25, 2009, [[Nigerian]] national [[Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab]] attempted to detonate an explosive device on [[Northwest Airlines Flight 253]], an [[Airbus A330]] from [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Amsterdam]] to Detroit as the plane was approaching Detroit. The device failed to go off correctly, and the suspect suffered burns to his lower body. Three other passengers had minor injuries. The White House said it considered the incident an attempted terrorist attack.<ref name="passenger">{{cite news| title=U.S. Security for Air Travel Under New Scrutiny| url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna34592031| work=[[NBC News]]| date=December 28, 2009| access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Michigan|Aviation}}
* [[Bishop International Airport]]
* [[Detroit Region Aerotropolis]]
* [[List of airports with triple takeoff/landing capability]]
* [[Michigan World War II Army Airfields]]
* [[Selfridge Air National Guard Base]]
* ''[[United States v. Mendenhall]]''
* [[Windsor International Airport]]
{{Clear}}

==Notes==
{{nlist}}

==References==
{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikivoyage|Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport}}
* {{Official website|https://www.metroairport.com/}}
* [http://www.waynecounty.com/about/history_metro.htm Wayne County-Detroit Metro Airport History]
* [http://www.detroitspotters.com/ Detroit Spotters]
* {{FAA-diagram|00119}}
* {{FAA-procedures|DTW}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100106002230/http://metroairport.com/programs/DTWMasterPlan/Preferred_Development_Plan.pdf Preferred Development Plan]
{{US-airport|DTW}}

{{Metro Detroit Transportation}}
{{Romulus, Michigan}}
{{Major US Airports}}
{{Airports in Michigan}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Detroit Metropolitan Airport| ]]
[[Category:1930 establishments in Michigan]]
[[Category:Airports established in 1930]]
[[Category:Economy of Metro Detroit]]
[[Category:Airports in Wayne County, Michigan]]
[[Category:Economy of Detroit]]
[[Category:Airfields of the United States Army Air Forces in Michigan]]
[[Category:Airfields of the United States Army Air Forces Air Transport Command in North America]]
[[Category:Romulus, Michigan]]
[[Category:John Dingell]]