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Airport funding

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Department of Transportation

Airport funding

Michigan airports can receive funding from a variety of sources.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides funding to airports that are part of the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). The FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) is a federal funding initiative that supports airport projects across the U.S. Its primary goal is to enhance the safety, capacity, security, and environmental sustainability of airports. The FAA also has special appropriations such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to modernize infrastructure, increase equity in transportation, help fight climate change, strengthen the supply chain, and create jobs. 

The MDOT Office of Aeronautics provides funding to help match federal grants, as well as standalone programs. The state programs include a statewide Pavement Condition Index (PCI) survey, and one-time appropriations for air service revitalization projects (under an air service program) and general aviation airports funding for maintenance, capital development, revenue-generating, and equipment needs (under a state/local program).

Air service

Airline passengers in Michigan increased by 1% between 2023 and 2024. In 2024, over 38 million passengers and more than 498 million pounds of cargo were moved through Michigan’s 17 Air Carrier airports. Approximately 19 airlines serve Michigan. Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) ranked 20th nationwide (USA) in terms of passenger enplanements, and 29th in operations.