Detroit Metro Airport Faces Major Delays After Power Outage

Detroit Metro Airport Faces Major Delays After Power Outage...

A widespread power outage at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) caused significant flight disruptions Sunday morning, leaving thousands of travelers stranded. The outage, which began around 8:30 a.m. ET, affected terminals, baggage systems, and security checkpoints, forcing airlines to delay or cancel flights.

DTW officials confirmed the outage was caused by an electrical equipment failure. Emergency generators provided limited power, but critical systems remained offline for nearly two hours. By 10:15 a.m., power was mostly restored, though residual delays persisted throughout the day.

Major carriers like Delta, Spirit, and American Airlines issued travel waivers for affected passengers. Social media posts showed long lines at ticket counters and frustrated travelers scrambling to rebook. The airport, a major hub for Delta, handles over 1,000 daily flights.

The outage comes during a busy spring travel period, compounding existing staffing shortages. DTW ranks among the top 20 busiest U.S. airports, serving 36 million passengers annually. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's office said it was monitoring the situation but offered no immediate comment.

This incident follows similar infrastructure failures at other U.S. airports this year, renewing concerns about aging aviation systems. The FAA has recorded 12 major airport power disruptions since January, up from 7 during the same period in 2025.

Passengers are advised to check flight statuses before heading to DTW. Airport officials say a full investigation into the outage's cause is underway, with updates expected Monday.