7+ Major Airports in Michigan: Gateway to the Great Lakes

Michigan is a state located in the Great Lakes region of the United States, and it is famous for featuring beautiful Great Lakes shorelines, a bustling college town atmosphere, an automobile industry, and agriculture.

The state of Michigan is equipped with several airports serving both domestic, and international travelers. If you’re planning a trip to Michigan, one of the first priorities is to find which airport to fly to.

There are several commercial, regional, and county airports in Michigan featuring unique features, services, and amenities.

In this article, we will explore all major airports in Michigan, including their locations, services, amenities, airlines, destinations, travel tips, and more.

So, let’s get started.

What are the major airports in Michigan?

Michigan is home to lots of international commercial airports, regional airports, county airfields, general aviation facilities, and other smaller airports. There are more than 300 airports in the state including public, private, heliport, seaplane base, and international airports.

A total of 16 airports in Michigan offer passenger service out of which 7 are international airports.

With this short introduction, let’s explore the major airports in detail.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, denoted by its ICAO code KDTW, IATA code DTW, and FAA LID DTW, functions as the predominant airport that serves Detroit’s Metropolitan region, Greater Toledo, and Windsor (Canada). The Wayne County Airport Authority owns and administers it with utmost precision.

DTW represents Delta Air Lines’ primary hub and serves as Spirit Airlines’ focal city. DTW locates itself at a height of 645 ft (197 m) above mean sea level (AMSL) with precision and finesse.

Related: Explore Delta Terminal at DTW Airport.

More than 18 commercial airline service providers serve DTW Airport in the United States and worldwide, connecting passengers from various destinations. DTW, alongside its primary functions, operates the nearby Willow Run Airport (YIP), an integral corporate, cargo, and general aviation facility that drives the entire region’s economic activity with maximum efficiency.

Detroit Metropolitan Airport covers a vast area of 4,850 acres and has six runways: RWY 4R/22L, RWY 4L/22, RWY 3R/21L, RWY 3L/21R, RWY 9L/27R, and RWY 9R/27L.

There are two terminals at the airport- Edward H. McNamara Terminal and Warren C. Evans Terminal (previously known as the North Terminal). McNamara Terminal is comprised of three Concourses (A, B, and C) while Evans Terminal has one 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

Detroit Metropolitan Airport is serviced by numerous major airlines such as 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. These carriers offer regular scheduled flights in and out of DTW. 

Additionally, some airlines like Miami Air International, Sun Country, Sunwing Airlines, Swift Air, VivaAerobus, Volaris, World Atlantic Airlines, and Xtra Airways operate charter flights from this airport. Such offerings provide specialized air services, adding to the airport’s already impressive commercial air traffic.

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

For those planning to visit or fly out of Detroit Metropolitan Airport, it is crucial to follow these travel tips. 

• First, ensure you regularly check the airport’s website to receive updates on your flight status, and any changes that may arise. You can also confirm your reservation to avoid any last-minute surprises.
• To avoid transport disruptions, DTW offers various ground transportation options such as taxis, shuttles, rental cars, and ride-sharing services. You can pre-book these services, so you don’t have to worry about finding them upon arrival.
• It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight departure to allow for security screenings. Remember to adhere to TSA guidelines for carry-on and checked baggage, so you don’t face any problems.
• When it comes to parking, DTW offers various options, including short-term, long-term, and economy parking. You can easily book parking spaces online or choose from off-site parking options that provide discounts.
• Finally, you can indulge in various dining and shopping options at the airport’s terminal, making your time at the airport enjoyable and stress-free.

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

Gerald R Ford International Airport (GRR)

Gerald R Ford Int’l Airport (ICAO: KGRR, IATA: GRR, FAA LID: GRR) is the second-busiest airport in Michigan after Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW). Is it the largest commercial airport in West Michigan, and serves Grand Rapids.

GRR Airport is owned by Gerald R. Ford Int’l Airport Authority, and Kent County. Located at an elevation of 794 ft (242 m) AMSL, the airport offers regular commercial flights to several domestic, and international destinations. It is also one of the focus airports for Allegiant Air.

GRR Airport Infrastructure

GRR Airport covers a total area of 3,127 acres (1,265 ha), and is equipped with three concrete runways: Rwy 08R/26L (10,001 ft.), Rwy 08L/26R (5,001 ft.), and Rwy 17/35 (8,501 ft.).

The airport features a passenger terminal with two Concourses: Concourse A, and Concourse B. You can find 15 total gates in these two Concourses.

GRR Services, and Amenities

• Baggage Services
• Lost & Found
• TSA Security Screening
• Dining, and Shopping Options
• Military Welcome Center
• Visitor Information
• ATM Banking Service
• Airport Parking with EV Charging Stations
• Nursing Area
• Ground Transportation
• Car Rental Services, and more.

Concourse A

• Shopping Options – Grand Rapids Magazine Travel Store
• Dining Options – Vending Machines for a quick snack

Concourse B

• Shopping Options – Grand Rapids Magazine Travel Store
• Dining Options – The Great American Bagel, MI Tap Room, and Food & Beverage Vending Machines

Airlines at GRR Airport

A total of 6 major U.S carriers including Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines operate non-stop commercial passenger flights to and from GRR.

AIRLINES AT GRR AIRPORT	NON-STOP DESTINATIONS
Allegiant Air	Boston (BOS), Destin/Fort Walton (VPS), Las Vegas (LAS), Nashville (BNA), Newark (EWR), Orlando-Sanford (SFB), Phoenix-Mesa (AZA), Sarasota/Bradenton (SRQ), and St. Petersburg-Clearwater International (PIE) Seasonal Routes: Austin (AUS), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Los Angeles (LAX), Portland International (PDX), Punta Gorda (PGD), and Savannah/Hilton Head (SAV)
American Airlines	Charlotte (CLT), Chicago-O’Hare (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Philadelphia (PHL), and Washington-Reagan Airport (DCA) Seasonal Routes: Miami (MIA), and Phoenix-Sky Harbor (PHX)
Delta Air Lines	Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), LaGuardia (LGA), and Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP)
Frontier Airlines	Denver (DEN) Seasonal Route: Tampa (TPA)
Southwest Airlines	Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Chicago-Midway (MDW), and Denver (DEN) Seasonal Routes: Fort Myers (RSW), Orlando (MCO), and Tampa (TPA)
United Airlines	Chicago–O’Hare (ORD), Denver (DEN), Houston-George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), and Newark (EWR)

Bishop International Airport (FNT)

Bishop Int’l Airport (ICAO: KFNT, IATA: FNT, FAA LID: FNT) is the third busiest airport in the state of Michigan. It is owned, and operated by Bishop International Airport Authority.

FNT Airport sits at an elevation of 782 ft (238 m) AMSL, and is the focus airport for Allegiant Air. A total of 3 commercial airlines operate regular commercial flights to some important domestic routes from FNT.

Bishop International Airport spans a total area of 1,550 acres, and features two runways: Rwy 18/36 (7,849 by 150 ft), and Rwy 09/27 (7,201 by 150 ft).

The airport infrastructure is equipped with a terminal building that handles all arrivals, and departures.

FNT Airport Services, and Amenities

• Baggage Services
• TSA Security Screening
• Lost & Found
• Airport Parking
• Ground Transportation
• Car Rental Services
• Shopping & Dining Options
• Conference Rooms
• Wheelchair Services, and more.

Shopping Options at FNT – Gifts to Go by Shopaholic, and CNBC Newsstand

Dining Options at FNT – The Gateway Grille, and Samuel Adams Toasts Flint Bar

Airlines at FNT Airport

Three major airlines including Allegiant Air, American Airlines, and United Airlines operate flights to domestic routes from FNT Airport. The airport also offers connections to international routes via Chicago with the world’s top airlines.

AIRLINES AT FNT AIRPORT	DESTINATIONS
Allegiant Air	Savannah/Hilton Head, Boston, Jacksonville (FL), Savannah/Hilton Head, Boston, and Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Tampa Bay/St. Pete, Orlando/Sanford, Punta Gorda/Ft. Myers, Sarasota, Ft. Lauderdale, Nashville, and Phoenix/Mesa
American Airlines	Chicago–O’Hare
United Airlines	Chicago–O’Hare

Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)

Cherry Capital Airport (ICAO: KTVC, IATA: TVC, FAA LID: TVC) is also among the key airports in Michigan located 2.3 miles southeast of the central business district of Traverse City. It is categorized as a non-hub primary commercial facility.

TVC Airport is owned by Grand Traverse & Leelanau Counties, and serves Traverse City, a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated at an elevation of 624 ft (190 m) AMSL.

TVC occupies a total area of 1,026 acres (415 ha), and features two asphalt runways: Rwy 10/28 (7,016 by 150 ft), and Rwy 18/36 (5,378 by 150 ft).

There is a passenger terminal building at the airport facilitating travelers with arrivals, and departures.

TVC Airport Amenities, and Services

• Close-in Parking 
• Electronic Check-in
• Advanced Baggage Screening
• Dining Options (Cherrry County Cafe)
• Shopping Options (Cherry County Gift Shop)
• General Aviation Services

Airlines Serving Cherry Capital Airport

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Sun Country Airlines are the major U.S. carriers operating flights to and from TVC Airport.

AIRLINES AT TVC AIRPORT	DESTINATIONS
Allegiant Air	Phoenix/Mesa, St. Petersburg/ClearwaterSeasonal: Orlando/Sanford, and Punta Gorda (FL)
American Airlines	Chicago–O’Hare (ORD) Seasonal: Philadelphia, Boston, Charlotte, and Washington–National
Delta Air Lines	Detroit  Seasonal: Atlanta, Minneapolis/St. Paul, and New York–Laguardia
United Airlines	Chicago–O’Hare (ORD) Seasonal: Denver, Newark, and Washington–Dulles

Capital Region International Airport (LAN)

Capital Region Int’l Airport (ICAO: KLAN, IATA: LAN, FAA LID: LAN) is also among the non-hub primary commercial service airports in Michigan. The airport is owned, and operated by Capital Region Airport Authority.

Located at an elevation of 861 ft (262 m) AMSL, the airport serves Lansing, the capital of the U.S. state of Michigan. LAN Airport offers regular commercial passenger flights, and cargo services.

Covering a total area of 2,160 acres, the Capital Region Airport is equipped with three runways: Rwy 10R/28L (8,506 by 150 ft), Rwy 06/24 (5,003 by 120 ft), and Rwy 10L/28R (3,601 by 75 ft).

The airport’s terminal building holds four floors out of which lower two floors are designated for passenger service. The third floor houses airport administration offices while the fourth floor features the control tower.

LAN Airport Amenities and Services

• Baggage Services
• TSA Security Screening
• Lost & Found
• Airport Parking
• Wheelchair Assistance
• Free Wi-Fi
• ATM/Cash Machines
• Mother’s Room
• Upstairs Lounge, and more.

Shopping Options at LAN Airport – Market 24/7

Dining Options at LAN Airport – Capital Brewport

Airlines at LAN Airport

The major airlines operating out of LAN Airport are Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Avelo Airlines, and Apple Vacations. These airlines connect the airport to various domestic destinations. Besides, the airport also offers international connection flights to 500+ destinations worldwide.

AIRLINES AT LAN AIRPORT	NON-STOP DESTINATIONS
Apple Vacations	Seasonal Routes: Cancun (CUN), Punta Cana (PUJ), and Montego Bay (MBJ)
Delta Air Lines	Detroit (DTW)
American Airlines	Washington (DCA), and Chicago–O’Hare (ORD)
Avelo Airlines	Orlando (MCO)

Other important airports in Michigan

There are various other airports in the state of Michigan offering more personalized flight services. Some important airports are listed below.

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO)

• Location – Kalamazoo County, Michigan
• Serving Airlines (Destinations) – American Airlines (Chicago–O’Hare), Avelo Airlines (Orlando), and Delta Air Lines (Detroit)

MBS International Airport (MBS)

• Location – Freeland, Michigan
• Serving Airlines (Destinations) – Delta Air Lines (Detroit), and United Airlines (Chicago–O’Hare)

Sawyer International Airport (MQT)

• Location – Gwinn, Michigan
• Serving Airlines (Destinations) – American Airlines (Chicago–O’Hare), and Delta Air Lines (Detroit)

County Airports in Michigan

Here are some of the county airports in Michigan that offer limited commercial passenger flights to domestic destinations.

• Houghton County Memorial Airport (CMX)
• Pellston Regional Airport (PLN)
• Chippewa County International Airport (CIU)
• Ford Airport (IMT)
• Muskegon County Airport (MKG)
• Delta County Airport (ESC)
• Alpena County Regional Airport (APN)
• Gogebic-Iron County Airport (IWD)

Conclusion on Airports in Michigan

As we come to the end of this informative article, we explored more than 7 major airports in Michigan. All the airports we discussed above offer commercial services connecting the state to various domestic, and international destinations.

Michigan offers a broad selection of airports to meet the needs of both domestic and international travelers. With a total of seven significant international airports and multiple county airports, travelers can easily locate a suitable airport to satisfy their travel necessities. 

Each airport, from the Detroit Metropolitan Airport to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, presents an exceptional and distinct travel experience, complete with a diverse range of services and amenities that cater to the demands of all types of travelers.

Michigan’s airports provide an array of options, from direct flights to top-rated destinations to more budget-friendly travel alternatives, suitable for all budget types. 

Additionally, Michigan’s airports feature an assortment of airlines, including leading carriers such as Delta, American Airlines, United, and Southwest. With countless flights to sought-after destinations such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, among others, the possibilities for travel are boundless.

Aside from flights, each airport offers various facilities and amenities that help make travelers’ journeys as comfortable and convenient as possible. While awaiting their flights, travelers can delight in a variety of dining establishments and cafes, duty-free shopping, and lounges.

In general, Michigan’s airports serve as a vital gateway to the state and the rest of the world. Michigan’s airports offer top-notch services and a broad selection of amenities, delivering a superior travel experience for all types of travelers. 

Thus, whether you frequently travel or plan your first trip, consider utilizing one of Michigan’s airports for a comfortable, convenient, and hassle-free travel experience.

FAQs on Airports in Michigan