Discover Airports in Detroit: DTW, Willow Run & More!

Detroit is a major city in the U.S. state of Michigan that is a primary hub for air travel as it connects visitors, and businesses from across the U.S., and foreign countries.

The city is equipped with a major international airport and several other smaller airports. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is the primary international airport in Detroit that serves millions of passengers every year.

In this article, we will explore all the airports in Detroit including their infrastructure, services, facilities, airlines, destinations, and so on. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, or just want to explore Detroit’s aviation industry, this article might be helpful.

Without further delay, let’s get started.

What are the major airports in Detroit?

There are several airports in Detroit city including international airports, private airports, military air bases, general aviation airfields, and public-use airports.

International Airports in Detroit play a vital role in connecting the city to various domestic, and international destinations. Now, let’s explore the airports in detail.

International Airports in Detroit

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is the only international airport in Detroit that is responsible for handling the majority of air traffic to and from the city. 

There is another international airport in the city called Coleman A. Young International Airport (DET), however, the airport serves general aviation and doesn’t feature the same level of international services as DTW Airport.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (ICAO: KDTW, IATA: DTW, FAA LID: DTW) is the primary international airport in Detroit city that serves the Detroit Metropolitan area, Greater Toledo, and Windsor (Canada). It is owned, and operated by the Wayne County Airport Authority.

DTW is the primary hub for Delta Air Lines, and also the focus city for Spirit Airlines. The airport is situated at an elevation of 645 ft (197 m) above mean sea level (AMSL).

Related: Explore Delta Terminal at DTW Airport.

More than 18 commercial airlines operate flights to and from DTW Airport connecting domestic, and international destinations. DTW also operates nearby Willow Run Airport (YIP), an important corporate, cargo and general aviation facility. WCAA drives economic activity.

DTW Airport Infrastructure

Detroit Metropolitan Airport covers a total area of 4,850 acres (1,960 ha), and features six runways: RWY 4R/22L, RWY 4L/22, RWY 3R/21L, RWY 3L/21R, RWY 9L/27R, and RWY 9R/27L.

DTW RUNWAYS	LENGTH	SURFACE
RWY 4R/22L	12,003 ft (3,659 m)	Concrete
RWY 4L/22R	10,000 ft (3,048 m)	Asphalt/Concrete
RWY 3R/21L	10,001 ft (3,048 m)	Concrete
RWY 3L/21R	8,500 ft (2,591 m)	Asphalt/Concrete
RWY 9L/27R	8,708 ft (2,654 m)	Asphalt/Concrete
RWY 9R/27L	8,500 ft (2,591 m)	Concrete

Regarding the airport infrastructure, DTW Airport is equipped with two terminals; Edward H. McNamara Terminal and Warren C. Evans Terminal (formerly known as the North Terminal).

McNamara Terminal holds three Concourses: A, B, and C whereas Evans Terminal accommodates Concourse D. 

McNamara Terminal Details

• Lower Level – International Arrivals
• Level 1 – Baggage Claim
• Level 2 – Gates (A2-A78, B1-B21 & C1-C27)
• Level 3 – Ticketing 
• Airlines – Delta Air Lines, and Air France
• Shopping Options– Be Relax, Brighton Collectibles, Brooks Brothers, Brookstone, CNBC News Smartshop, Creative Kidstuff, Desigual, Detroit!, DTW Essentials, Forbes Newsstand, Ink by Hudson, Johnston & Murphy, Michigan Sports, Michigan Treasures, Pandora, and more.
• Dining Options– Andiamo, Cat Cora’s Taproom, Chick-fil-A, Chili’s/Papa Joe’s Market, Coffee Beanery, Corridor Kitchen, Detroit Street Lunchbox, Embers- A Fire & Ice Lounge, Fountain Bar, Gordon Biersch, Illy Coffee & Fountain Bar, Longhorn Steakhouse, McDonald’s, and more.
• Airline Lounge – Delta Sky Club

Evans Terminal Details

• Level 1 – Baggage Claim
• Level 2 – Check-in & Departures (Gates D1-D32)
• Airlines – Air Canada, Lufthansa, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Lufthansa, Royal Jordanian, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines.
• Shopping Options – CNBC News Smartshop, CNBC Smartshop, Detroit Marketplace, Explore Afar, Frivolous, InMotion, The Detroit News, Today, and World Duty Free.
• Dining Options – Air Margaritaville, Anita’s Kitchen, Atwater Brewery, Brioche Doree, Chick-fil-A, Common Grace, Detroit Street Cafe – Zingeerman’s Coffee, Jolly Pumpkin, McDonald’s, MOD Pizza, National Coney Island, Outback Steakhouse, Pei Wei, and Starbucks.
• Airline Lounge – Lufthansa Club

Services offered by DTW Airport

• Baggage Service
• TSA Security Screening
• ATMs
• Dining & Shopping Options
• Wi-Fi
• Armed Services Lounge
• Family Restrooms
• Nursing Rooms
• Reflection Rooms
• Check-in
• Gates & Boarding
• Security Screening
• Lost & Found
• Airport Parking Facilities
• Ground Transportation
• Car Rental Services
• Airline Lounges

Airlines Operating at DTW Airport

Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air France, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Lufthansa, Royal Jordanian, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines are the major airlines operating flights to and from Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

DTW also offers charter flights that are operated by some airlines including Miami Air International, Sun Country, Sunwing Airlines, Swift Air, VivaAerobus, Volaris, World Atlantic Airlines, and Xtra Airways.

AIRLINES AT DTW AIRPORT	DESTINATIONS
Aeromexico	Monterrey
Air Canada	Montreal–Trudeau, and Toronto–Pearson
Air France	Paris–Charles de Gaulle
Alaska Airlines	Seattle/Tacoma
American Airlines	Charlotte, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Miami, Chicago–O’Hare, New York–LaGuardia, Philadelphia, Washington–National, and Dallas/Fort Worth Seasonal Routes: Philadelphia, and Charlotte
Delta Air Lines	Major Domestic Destinations
Frontier Airlines	Atlanta, San Juan, Denver, Raleigh/Durham, Phoenix-Sky Harbor, Las Vegas, and Orlando Seasonal Route: San Francisco
JetBlue	Boston, and New York–JFK
Lufthansa	Frankfurt
Royal Jordanian	Amman–Queen Alia
Southwest Airlines	Baltimore, St. Louis, Chicago–Midway, Denver, Las Vegas, Nashville, and Phoenix–Sky Harbor Seasonal Route: Dallas–Love, Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Myers
Spirit Airlines	Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Cancún, Dallas/Fort Worth, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Houston–Intercontinental, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New Orleans, New York–LaGuardia, Orlando, San Juan, and Tampa Seasonal Routes: Myrtle Beach, Philadelphia, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, San Diego
United Airlines	Chicago–O’Hare, Denver, Houston–Intercontinental, and Newark

DTW Airport Travel Tips

Here are some important travel tips for passengers and visitors to DTW Airport.

• Check the airport’s website for information about your flight, and any updates or changes. Also, you can confirm your reservation, and check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
• DTW features various ground transportation including taxis, shuttles, rental cars, and ride-sharing services. You can research, and book these services in advance to avoid disruptions.
• The airport authority recommends passengers arrive at least 2 hours before their departure to allow time for security screenings. Also, make sure you are adhering to the TSA guidelines for carry-on, and checked baggage.
• Regarding parking facilities, DTW offers on-site parking with various options such as short-term, long-term, and economy parking. You can book parking spaces online or use nearby off-site parking for discounts. (Explore Parking Facility at DTW Airport).
• You can find various dining and shopping options at the airport’s terminal. 

If you are traveling with your pets via DTW Airport, make sure you are following the pet travel policies of the respective airlines. For detailed information on pet travel policies, you can refer to the following articles.

• American Airlines Pet Travel Policy
• Alaska Airlines Pet Travel Policy
• Delta Air Lines Pet Travel Policy
• Frontier Airlines Pet Travel Policy
• JetBlue Pet Travel Policy
• Southwest Airlines Pet Travel Policy
• Spirit Airlines Pet Travel Policy
• United Airlines Pet Travel Policy

Coleman A. Young International Airport (DET)

Coleman A. Young Int’l Airport (ICAO: KDET, IATA: DET, FAA LID: DET) is also one of the airports in Detroit located 6 miles northeast of downtown Detroit. The airport is owned, and operated by the City of Detroit.

DET Airport was the primary international airport in Detroit city till 1946-47 but after that flights moved to Willow Run Airport, and later to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW).

Wright Airlines, Northwest Airlink, Comair, Southwest Airlines, Direct Air, Northcoast Executive Airlines, Continental Express, Central State Airlines, Air Alpha, USAir Express, and Pro Air were the major airlines operating flights to and from DET Airport.

At present, Coleman Airport serves as general aviation, military, and other private aircraft operations.

The airport covers a total area of 264 acres (107 ha), and features two runways: RWY 15/33, and RWY 7/25. The elevation of DET Airport is 626 ft (191 m) AMSL.

DET RUNWAY	DIMENSION	SURFACE
RWY 15/33	5,090 ft by 100 ft	Asphalt
RWY 7/25	4,025 ft by 100 ft	Asphalt

Willow Run Airport (YIP)

Willow Run Airport (ICAO: KYIP, IATA: YIP, FAA LID: YIP) is an airport located close to DTW Airport serving cargo, corporate, and general aviation operations. This airport is operated by DTW Airport.

Each year, Willow Run Airport manages an average of 200 million pounds of cargo, establishing it as one of the largest airports in the United States that solely operates cargo aircraft. The airport’s carriers transport an extensive assortment of goods, such as valuable automotive and electronic components, emergency medical supplies, mail, and packages.

YIP Airport covers a total area of 2,392 acres (968 ha), and features two runways: RWY 5/23 (7,543 ft long), and RWY 9/27 (5,000 ft long).

Services offered by YIP Airport

• Four runways, including an ILS all-weather runway and crosswind runways
• 24-hour aircraft rescue fire fighting facilities
• On-site weather bureau service
• Tower Operations: 24-hour FAA tower operations; no restrictions, non-directional beacon, instrument landing system, VHF omnidirectional range, and GPS
• Snow removal
• Monday-Friday 24-hour US Customs service
• FAA Flight Standards District Office
• Flight instruction
• Newly upgraded runways and taxiways
• Low Fees – With the most attractive landing fees in the region, Willow Run makes good economic sense

Airports near Detroit

AIRPORTS NEAR DETROIT	DISTANCE FROM DOWNTON DETROIT	ESTIMATED DRIVING TIME
Oakland County International Airport (PTK)	34.8 miles	42 minutes
Bishop International Airport (FNT)	66.9 miles	58 minutes
Toledo Express Airport (TOL)	76.7 miles	1 hour 13 minutes
Capital Region International Airport (LAN)	95.6 miles	1 hour 33 minutes
London International Airport (YXU)	127 miles	2 hours 6 minutes
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)	158 miles	2 hours 23 minutes

Conclusion on Airports in Detroit

As we come to the end of this article, we explored all airports in Detroit including the primary international airport, and other smaller airfields.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is the major airport in Detroit which is served by several commercial airlines connecting the airport to domestic, and international routes.

Other airports including Coleman A. Young International Airport (DET), and Willow Run Airport (YIP) offer general aviation services only.

If you are planning to visit Detroit city, your best choice would be DTW Airport. This is because DTW offers numerous daily flights to domestic, and international destinations operated by 13 airlines (8 national, and 5 international carriers).

FAQs on Airports in Detroit