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Willow Run Airport

Welcome to Willow Run airport.

The airport has a storied past, located just to the east of Ypsilanti, Michigan. Constructed in 1942, it also had a significant role during World War II. Ford Motor Company had a plant here that produced many B-24 Liberator bombers. Willow Run is in the freight, corporate and general aviation business today. This close proximity to Detroit Metropolitan Airport keeps major airlines from here. The Yankee Air Museum displays period aircraft for visitors to see. If you're a lover of aviation or history, Willow Run Airport is an interesting little gem.

Live Air Traffic

Willow Run Airport — A dedicated local location for aviator geeks. It handles freight, and corporate as well as general aviation. It's near Detroit Metropolitan Airport, so there are no big airlines here. Operational since 1942, the airport was an important staging area during World War II. It was also run by the Ford Motor Company, and manufactured a large number of B-24 Liberator bombers. These days, you can now visit the Yankee Air Museum located at the airport. They have some very interesting vintage aircraft in their museum! Have a blast with the history and have a blast flying planes at Willow Run Airport!

air Arrivals
air Departures

Basic information about airport

Airport code: KYIP
Type: medium
Continent: NA
Country code: US
Country: United
City Detroit
IATA: YIP
Longitude: -83.53040314
Latitude: 42.23789978

Willow Run Airport on Google Maps

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Willow Run Airport: The Cornell Gateway to the Aviation Marvels of Michigan

Introduction

Located in the heart of Michigan, Willow Run Airport (IATA: YIP), has a long history of being an aviation hub. The world fought the Nazis and imperial Japan with good ol' American steel, built on a production line that would empty out onto this runway in southern Michigan which is, today... just another airport. The combination of these features make Willow Run Airport a unique airport that is located in close proximity to the Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport (DTW) and serving many different aspects of aviation for various levels/degrees.

Airlines and Destinations

Willow Run Airport is not used for passenger traffic by any major airlines anymore, but the facility remains an important point of private and corporate aviation access. The airport has two runways, 5/23 and 9/27 which are used by a wide range of aircraft from small private planes to large corporate jets. Willow Run also houses a number of flight schools, so amateur pilots and aviation fans often find their way to the airport.

Passenger and Flight Count

Willow Run, which is a general aviation airport, does not report passenger or scheduled commercial flights. Nonetheless, the airport is active with private, corporate and military air traffic year-round. With flight schools, business aviation and transient general aviation traffic, Willow Run remains fairly active and vibrant as an airport in the Michigan sky.

How to Get Here

Located about eight miles (12 km) to the west of Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport and 30 miles (50 km) northwest of Toledo, Ohio, Willow Run is situated on more than 2.4 square kilometers in a relatively rural area within Van Buren Township.[5] Located along Interstate 94, and with direct access off Michigan State Route 17, the airport can be reached easily from distances using these major highways in about two hours of travel.

Parking

Willow Run Airport has plenty of parking for both pilots and visitors. In addition, there is ample parking on the ramp and designated areas make visiting any FBOs or other airport-based businesses an easy process.

Transportation Prices

Willow Run is a general aviation airport, so there are no central buses or shuttle service. Local rental car agencies and rideshare services can be found at that location as well, giving travelers an affordable way to get around while also allowing them the flexibility they need.

Terminal Layout

Willow Run Airport does not have a conventional passenger terminal building. That infrastructure is instead devoted to general aviation, corporate and military movements. The FBOs and general aviation businesses are scattered around the airport grounds, each with its own space.

Navigate the Airport

Willow Run Airport is easy to navigate with a well-timed taxiway system and good signage. There are plenty of runways 5/23 and new numbers 9/27 for landing options, as well as extensive reductions in the taxiway network to allow you to get everywhere including your local FBOs or other companies.

Getting Between Terminals

Willow Run Airport is without a unifying terminal building, meaning travelers do not have to travel between two disparate terminals. Taxiing via the airport's easily identified taxiways and signage, pilots are able to access numerous FBOs as well as aviation-centric businesses from passengers entering or leaving an aircraft.

Services and Amenities

Willow Run Airport has a variety of services and amenities to help support the general aviation, corporate, and military clients traveling through or based at YIP. Those investments might have been in the form of FBO facilities with pilot lounges, flight planning areas and conference rooms combined with maintenance/repair services, space for de-icing operations or even cargo handling.

Restaurants and Shops

There are no dining or shopping options at Willow Run Airport itself, but the nearby city of Ypsilanti has a range of restaurants and stores just minutes away. Additionally, visitors can get a taste of the local flavor and visit the city center for unique boutiques and specialty stores.

Security and Customs

Willow Run Airport adheres to general aviation security requirements and has restricted access with screenings. The airport requests at least a one-hour U.S. Customs required advance notice for international flights, and this can be through the FBOs or by contacting the local office directly.

Accessibility

Willow Run Airport is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. The airport has ADA-compliant facilities and infrastructure, inclusive of accessible pathways to parking and amenities.

Travel Tips

For those stopping at Willow Run Airport, remember to prepare in advance and get a feel for the facility. Process with the FBO of your choice any particulars or requirements you might have, and plan for time to handle customs if arriving internationally. Some advance planning can ensure you maximize your visit to what is a key piece of Michigan aviation history.