Detroit airport opening major new terminal amid air-travel slump

Detroit Metropolitan Airport's new terminal has more retail and restaurant space than its predecessors, the latest in energy-efficient lighting and refueling technology and room to expand.

What it couldn't account for during the four-year design and construction process was opening amid an industry retreat. Saddled with high fuel costs, airlines are cutting flights and raising ticket prices, leaving some airports to delay big projects.

Still, the $431-million terminal opening Wednesday further raises the airport's national and international profile, building on the 2002 opening of a $1.2 billion, 97-gate terminal serving as one of Northwest Airlines' main hubs.

The new terminal has 50,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space — more than double that in the two terminals it replaces — although about 9,000 square feet is yet to be occupied.

Now dubbed the North Terminal, it is soon expected to be the first major airport facility in the country to bestow naming rights on a bidder.

It accommodates American, Southwest, Spirit and United airlines and others. Lufthansa and Royal Jordanian also are moving in from the larger McNamara Terminal.

The new terminal is being financed with bonds to be paid off with revenues from a $4.50-per-ticket surcharge.

Airport spokesman Scott Wintner said the $431 million price tag is modest by airport development standards. He said the budget was set during the last downturn in 2001 and held to as construction began during the relative boom of the mid-decade.

Airports in Oakland, Calif., and San Luis Obispo, Calif., which both have lost major airline service, are canceling or delaying terminal projects.