Detroit Metropolitan Airport reaches record high numbers in 2019

Passenger traffic at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) reached a record high of 36,769,279 in 2019, according to data released by the airport’s Department of Financial Planning & Analysis. Traffic increased by more than 1.5 million travelers compared to 2018; the 4.3 percent year-over-year increase can be attributed to an increase in domestic passengers.

Several domestic routes were added last year. Spirit began service to Austin, Texas in February. Delta added service to Bozeman, Montana; La Crosse, Wisconsin; Sacramento, California; and Worcester, Massachusetts. Frontier added service to popular destinations including Las Vegas, Nevada; Phoenix, Arizona; and Miami, Florida. In December, Delta made it easy to visit Puerto Rico, by adding nonstop service to San Juan.

“Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport had a very successful year in 2019,” said Wayne County Airport Authority CEO Chad Newton. “In one year, we’ve reached the highest number of total passengers, ranked highest in customer satisfaction according to the J.D. Power 2019 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, and earned top honors from Airports Council International as one of the best airports for customer service in the Airport Service Quality Survey. We will continue to work hard for our passengers who have put so much faith in us.”    

The number of outbound passengers visiting or residing in the Detroit area, also known as origin and destination – or ‘O & D’ – traffic, contributed to the jump in total passengers and enplanements. The airport set an all-time record for O & D traffic in 2019, with a nearly 6 percent increase from the previous year.

“This is the fourth consecutive year of record O & D traffic,” said WCAA Director of Air Service Development Joe Cambron. “Electrification and self-driving vehicle engineering job gains drove Detroit air traffic to new highs. Detroit’s economy is strong, and DTW offers many direct flights to more than 140 nonstop destinations, which allows us to service those traveling for leisure or business.”

Several exciting developments are on the horizon for 2020. Lufthansa will begin nonstop service from DTW to Munich, Germany beginning in May. The nearly $21 million food and beverage transformation in the North Terminal will reach completion. Also in 2020, Taxiway P will be reconstructed along with a new connector taxiway, completing the two-year project on Runway 3L/21R.

Visit https://www.metroairport.com/business/about-wcaa/facts-figures/aviation-statistics for more detailed statistical information.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) welcomed more than 36 million passengers in 2019 and is one of the world’s leading air transportation hubs. With service from 13 scheduled passenger airlines, Michigan’s largest airport offers approximately 1,100 flights per day to and from more than 140 nonstop destinations on four continents. With two award-winning passenger terminals, six jet runways, and an onsite AAA Four-Diamond Westin Hotel, DTW is among the world’s most efficient, customer friendly and operationally capable airports in North America. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport received the highest score among mega airports in the J.D. Power 2019 North America Airport Satisfaction Study of customers’ satisfaction with the airport they traveled through and scored the highest in the security check and terminal facilities factors. Visit jdpower.com/awards for details. DTW is operated by the Wayne County Airport Authority, which also operates nearby Willow Run Airport – an important corporate, cargo and general aviation facility.  The Airport Authority is entirely self-sustaining and does not receive tax dollars to support airport operations. Visit www.metroairport.com for more information.