Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, commonly known as DTW, traces its origins to the late 1920s when Wayne County Airport was established. The first hangar was built in 1929, with the first plane landing on February 22, 1930, and the official dedication taking place on September 4 of that year. By the 1950s, the airfield underwent significant expansion, adding three new runways and becoming the city’s primary aviation hub under the name Detroit Wayne Major Airport.
The airport’s terminal facilities evolved substantially over the decades. The North Terminal (later renamed the James M. Davey Terminal) opened in 1966, followed by the Michael Berry International Terminal in 1974. The most transformative development came with the construction of the McNamara Terminal, which opened in 2002 at a cost of more than $1.2 billion. This state-of-the-art facility, with its mile-long concourse and 122 gates, dramatically enhanced the airport’s capacity.
In 2008, the new North Terminal (now known as the Evans Terminal) opened, while the older Smith and Berry terminals were retired. The completion of DTW’s sixth runway in December 2001 further positioned the airport as a major hub for air travel, part of a broader $3.2 billion expansion completed by 2009.
Quick Facts and Statistics
- IATA Code: DTW
- Size: 4,850 acres
- Runways: Four main runways and two crosswind runways
- Gates: 129 gates across two terminals
- Terminal Buildings: McNamara Terminal and Evans Terminal
- Annual Passenger Traffic: Serves more than 32 million passengers annually
- Daily Flights: Approximately 1,100
- Destinations: 140+ nonstop destinations, including 30 international destinations across 39 states
- Economic Impact: Generates $10.2 billion annually and supports more than 86,000 jobs in Michigan
- Distance from Downtown Detroit: Approximately 22 miles (35 km)
Terminal Facilities
McNamara Terminal
The McNamara Terminal, named after Wayne County Executive Edward H. McNamara, serves as the primary home for Delta Air Lines and its SkyTeam partners. As the larger of DTW’s two terminals, it features three concourses (A, B, and C) with approximately 100 gates. Concourse A is particularly notable as the longest in the United States and the second-longest in the world.
Passengers can navigate this expansive terminal via the ExpressTram, a people mover that transports travelers between ends of Concourse A in about three minutes. Another distinctive feature is the Light Tunnel, which provides a synchronized light and music show along the walkway connecting concourses B and C, creating a memorable experience for travelers.
The terminal offers multiple Delta Sky Club lounges for eligible passengers and houses The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport, which is directly connected to the terminal building. Throughout the McNamara Terminal, travelers will find diverse dining and shopping options, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, family restrooms, and nursing rooms, all designed to enhance the passenger experience.
Evans Terminal
The Evans Terminal (formerly North Terminal) opened in 2008 and serves airlines other than Delta and its SkyTeam partners. This more compact facility features one concourse (D) with 29 gates, providing a more navigable environment for passengers flying with carriers such as Air Canada, American Airlines, and United Airlines.
Premium travelers can access the Lufthansa Business and Senator Lounges or the American Airlines Admirals Club, while military personnel have dedicated space at the Freedom Center. The terminal offers various dining and shopping options to suit different preferences and budgets. For convenience, passengers have direct access to the Big Blue Deck parking garage through an enclosed pedestrian bridge.
Airlines and Service
Detroit Metropolitan Airport serves as a major hub for two prominent carriers. Delta Air Lines operates its second-largest hub at DTW, after Atlanta, handling significant domestic and international traffic. Following Delta’s merger with Northwest Airlines in 2010, the airport’s importance in Delta’s network grew substantially. Spirit Airlines also maintains DTW as an operational base, offering low-cost service to numerous destinations throughout the Americas.
The airport’s two terminals host different airline groupings. The McNamara Terminal primarily serves Delta Air Lines and its regional partners, along with SkyTeam alliance members like Air France and Aeromexico. Meanwhile, the Evans Terminal accommodates all other carriers, including Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Lufthansa, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.
DTW continues to expand its international reach. In May 2025, Delta launched a new nonstop route from Detroit to Dublin, bringing its total daily flights to Dublin to five from various U.S. cities, reinforcing the airport’s role as a vital international gateway.
Ground Transportation
Detroit Metro Airport offers multiple transportation options to connect passengers to their final destinations. The SMART Route 261 (FAST Michigan) provides public transit service connecting both terminals to downtown Detroit for just $2, running twice hourly. For regional travel, the Michigan Flyer offers service to Ann Arbor, East Lansing, and other locations, while the Robert Q Airbus connects to southern Ontario cities including Windsor and London.
Traditional taxi services depart from designated areas at both terminals, while ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have specific pickup zones. For those who prefer to drive themselves, major rental car companies operate at DTW, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.
Many nearby hotels offer complimentary shuttle service, with The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport providing the ultimate convenience through its direct connection to the McNamara Terminal. The airport is easily accessible by car via major highways including I-94, I-275, and Merriman Road, with clear signage directing travelers to the appropriate terminal.
Parking Facilities
DTW provides varied parking options to accommodate different needs and trip durations. At the McNamara Terminal, the Big Deck offers covered parking connected to the terminal via enclosed pedestrian bridges, while valet parking is available for those seeking added convenience. The Evans Terminal features similar amenities with the Big Blue Deck, also connected via an enclosed pedestrian bridge, while the Green Lot provides a more economical option with shuttle service.
For those picking up arriving passengers, the cell phone lot offers a free waiting area, allowing drivers to temporarily park until their party is ready for pickup, helping to reduce congestion at terminal curbsides.
Airport Amenities and Services
DTW prides itself on offering a comprehensive range of passenger-friendly amenities. Dining options showcase both local Detroit specialties and national favorites, while shopping ranges from duty-free outlets for international travelers to retail stores offering both travel necessities and luxury goods.
Technology integration is evident throughout the facility, with free Wi-Fi, abundant charging stations, and dedicated work spaces for business travelers. Special services abound, including nursing rooms for mothers and infants, pet relief areas, prayer rooms, children’s play areas, and comprehensive accessibility services. A recent partnership with Unifi has introduced automated wheelchairs, enhancing mobility assistance for those who need it.
The airport’s commitment to creating a pleasant environment extends to its art and music programs, featuring installations and occasional live performances throughout both terminals. The Light Tunnel’s synchronized light and music experience has become an iconic feature, complemented by various water features and architectural elements that reflect Michigan’s natural beauty.
Future Development Plans
DTW’s master plan, completed in 2019, provides a comprehensive approach to development over a 20-year planning horizon. Current and upcoming projects include terminal renovations and modernization, technology enhancements for improved passenger processing, sustainability initiatives to reduce environmental impact, and airfield improvements for safety and operational efficiency.
The Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) focuses its long-term vision on phased development and capacity expansion, enhanced customer experience, infrastructure modernization, and environmental stewardship. This development strategy incorporates input from local communities, business partners, government agencies, passengers, airlines, and other stakeholders to ensure the airport evolves in alignment with regional needs and industry trends.
Economic Impact and Management
As one of Michigan’s most valuable economic assets, DTW supports more than 86,000 jobs across the state and generates $10.2 billion in annual economic impact. The airport serves as a gateway for tourism and business travel while facilitating critical cargo operations.
Since 2002, DTW has been operated by the Wayne County Airport Authority, which also manages nearby Willow Run Airport. Under the WCAA’s leadership, the airport has received numerous accolades, including being named the best large U.S. airport in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power & Associates in 2010 and 2019. Through continuous improvement and strategic planning, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport maintains its position as a world-class facility and a vital transportation link for the Great Lakes region and beyond.
Keyword: TopAirports