Traffic Continues to Take-Off at Detroit Metropolitan Airport

Passenger traffic at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) increased nearly 2 percent during the first nine months of 2010 compared to the same period last year, according to data released today by Wayne County Airport Authority’s (WCAA) Division of Financial Planning and Analysis. More than 24.3 million passengers flew through DTW during the first three quarters—up from 23.9 million during the same period in 2009—cementing a pattern of growth in traffic for Michigan’s busiest airport.

In September alone, the total number of passengers using DTW jumped from 2,435,807 in 2009 to 2,627,326 this year—a nearly 8 percent increase.

“The continued climb in traffic at Detroit Metro Airport is encouraging for the entire airport service region,” said WCAA Interim CEO Genelle Allen. “The addition of new destinations ranging from Chattanooga to Sao Paulo, largely to credit for this growth, has also significantly enhanced our region’s attractiveness to new and expanding business activity.”

International passenger traffic led the growth, increasing at more than double the rate of domestic passenger growth. International traffic through the Airport was up 4.9 percent year-to-date (YTD) through September over the same period last year, while domestic growth jumped about 1.7 percent.

Meanwhile, air cargo traffic at DTW surged in the first three quarters as well—up by more than 50.8 million pounds—or nearly 20%—over 2009. Aircraft landings and take-offs increased as well–up 11.5 percent in September alone and up 3.9 percent YTD.

“The growth we’re seeing across the board at Detroit Metro Airport this year—in particular international and cargo traffic—is further evidence that our two, world-class airports are central to the future development of Wayne County,” said Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano.

See the monthly and YTD summary on p. 2 of the attached document for more details, or visit www.metroairport.com for a complete archive of DTW aviation statistics.

Please note that airport statistics are subject to change as airlines report updates to WCAA.