Ann Arbor Municipal Airport (ARB)

Ann Arbor Municipal Airport (ARB) serves the city of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan community, functioning as a dedicated general aviation reliever airport. Located just south of the I-94 corridor, it is a convenient hub for private pilots, corporate charters, and medical transport flights, but it does not accommodate scheduled commercial airlines. Most commercial passengers traveling to the area utilize Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), which is approximately 25 miles to the east. The airport's terminal building is a small, administrative structure that houses airport management, flight planning facilities, and pilot services.

Operational procedures at ARB are tailored to private aviation. The airport features an air traffic control tower that operates during daylight hours, ensuring safe and efficient movement of the high volume of training and transient aircraft. There are no TSA security checkpoints or boarding gates; passengers and pilots access the ramp through the terminal lobby or designated gates at the Fixed Base Operator (FBO). This setup allows for rapid arrivals and departures, a significant advantage for business travelers and visiting university guests.

Amenities within the terminal are limited to the essentials for aviation operations. There is a comfortable lounge for pilots, a conference room, and car rental counters (typically Hertz) to facilitate ground transport. While there are no dining options inside the airport, the facility is located directly off South State Street, placing it within minutes of numerous restaurants, hotels, and the Briarwood Mall. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available for transport to downtown Ann Arbor and the university campus.