Detroit Metropolitan Airport shows appreciation for federal workers
DETROIT (Oct. 20, 2025) – The Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) has partnered with concessionaires at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to show appreciation and support to the dedicated federal workers currently impacted by the ongoing government shutdown. Federal employees who aid airport operations including Customs & Border Protection, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration can take advantage of a free food initiative starting Monday, Oct. 20.
The “Federal Employee Meal Program” is specifically designed for federal workers at DTW and Willow Run Airport (YIP) to spend up to $20 per day on food and beverage items at restaurants and retailers in the Evans and McNamara terminals. Concessionaires that sell food, beverages and snack-related items have agreed to participate.
“Although they are not being paid, our federal partners continue to stand beside us each day, committed to safety,” said WCAA CEO Chad Newton. “DTW’s concessionaires and the Airport Authority are pleased to be able to offer a small token of our appreciation.”
This program will continue through Wednesday, Dec. 31, unless a resolution to the federal government shutdown is achieved prior to that date.
The Airport Authority and concessionaires collaborated during the 2019 government shutdown to similarly support affected federal employees who worked at DTW and YIP without compensation.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) welcomed 33 million passengers in 2024. As one of the world’s leading air transportation hubs, DTW offers service from 18 scheduled passenger airlines. Michigan’s largest airport offers approximately 800 flights per day to and from more than 125 nonstop destinations on three continents. With two award-winning passenger terminals, six jet runways, and an onsite AAA Four-Diamond Westin Hotel, DTW is among the world’s most efficient, customer friendly and operationally capable airports in North America. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport earned Airports Council International’s 2020 and 2022 Airport Service Quality Award for Best Airport by Size and Region (25 to 40 million passengers per year in North America). DTW has also garnered three prestigious awards for customer satisfaction since 2010. DTW is operated by the Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA), which also operates nearby Willow Run Airport – an important corporate, cargo and general aviation facility. The Airport Authority is entirely self-sustaining and does not receive tax dollars to support airport operations. Visit www.metroairport.com for more information.