About Us

Willow Run Airport serves cargo, corporate and general aviation clients and has excellent services and infrastructure for airports in its class. 

Willow Run Airport typically handles over 200,000,000 lbs. of cargo annually, making it one of the nation's largest airports for landed air freight flown by exclusively cargo aircraft. Willow Run Airport-based carriers transport a wide range of cargo, including high-value automotive and electronic components, emergency medical supplies, mail and packages.

What we offer you

  • Four runways, including an ILS all-weather runway and cross wind 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 omni-directional 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

Contact Information

Maintenance Call Center
734-247-7888

Airport Operations/Security
734-485-6675

Airport Administration
734-485-6666

Airport Maintenance
734-485-6672

Fire Department (non-emergency)
734-485-6660

Real Estate
734-485-6670

History of Willow Run

Willow Run Airport has a rich history, dating back to 1941 when Henry Ford and Charles Lindbergh built the world's largest bomber facility at the airport.

During World War II, almost 8,700 B-24 "Liberator" bombers were built at Willow Run. During its peak production, the plant employed 42,000 people including "Rosie the Riveter." 

I-94 freeway was extended to Willow Run by Henry Ford to ease transportation to the bomber plant.

After the war, the bomber plant was converted into a luxury passenger terminal. Commercial airline traffic was transferred from Detroit City Airport, and Willow Run became Detroit's principal airport.

In 1947, the federal government sold Willow Run to the University of Michigan for $1.00.

In the 1950's, some commercial air traffic began moving from Willow Run to Detroit Metro Airport. By 1966, all commercial airline traffic moved to Metro. Willow Run has been a cargo, general aviation, and executive aviation airport since.

In 1977, the University of Michigan sold Willow Run to Wayne County for $1.00.

Today, Willow Run is one of the largest cargo airports in the United States.