Passenger traffic at Detroit Metropolitan Airport DTW grew to 34,401,254 in 2016 compared to 2015, an increase of more than 960,000 travellers, according to data released by the airport’s department of financial planning and analysis. The 2.9 per cent year-over-year increase can be attributed in part to new domestic and international service, executives told Routesonline at Routes Americas in Las Vegas, USA this week.

Since 2014, four airlines and one cargo carrier have initiated service from Detroit, due to direct collaboration between the airport and airlines. “Throughout the year, we meet with current and potential airlines with the goal of maximising air service from our community,” said Airport Authority director of air service development, Joe Cambron.

“Every new flight we are able to get provides more passengers who fill our terminals each day, gives our travelers better flying options and helps increase business opportunities for the region,” he added.

Aeromexico is the latest addition to the airport’s roster of air carriers, with flights to Mexico City beginning April 1, 2017 and flights to Monterrey starting May 1, 2017, coinciding with the busy summer travel season. In January 2017, Southwest Airlines resumed its weekend service to Orlando. Additionally, Spirit Airlines will add service to Oakland and Seattle this spring, while United Airlines will begin direct flights to and from San Francisco this summer.

“We’re confident 2017 will be another banner year,” said Airport Authority chief executive officer, Joseph Nardone. “Customers have a choice when they fly and we want Detroit Metropolitan to be their choice.”

“Our team works hard to attract new service and continue expanding offerings for local and connecting travellers. The steady increase of passenger traffic at Detroit Metropolitan shows our efforts are paying off, but we will continue working hard to add new carriers and new routes, while still focusing on delivering a high level of customer service,” he added.

The last year the airport welcomed more than 34 million passengers was 2008, when numbers reached 35.1 million. Since then, traffic hovered around 32 million, until 2015 when 33.4 million passengers chose Detroit Metro Airport. In 2016, the number of airplanes taking off and landing at Detroit Metropolitan increased for the first time since 2010 to 393,427, approximately 14,000 more operations – and 3.7 per cent higher – than in 2015.