If you live in or are visiting southeast Michigan and looking into Ann Arbor Municipal Airport flights, you should know how this airport works, what kind of flights it has and how it fits into the region’s air travel landscape. While it may not be as big as Detroit Metro Airport, the Ann Arbor Municipal Airport (ARB) is a big player in the area’s aviation scene.
In this post we’ll break down all the important details about the airport, including its history, flight types, facilities and how it serves private and business travelers.
Ann Arbor Municipal Airport (ARB) Quick Facts
Ann Arbor Municipal Airport (FAA code: ARB) is located 3 miles south of downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan off South State Street and Ellsworth Road. The airport is owned and operated by the City of Ann Arbor and is primarily general aviation.
The airport does not have commercial airline flights like Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) but is used heavily for private charters, flight training, business aviation and air taxi services.
What Flights are at ARB?
Looking for Ann Arbor Municipal Airport flights? Here’s what you’ll find:
Here’s what:
1. General Aviation
Most of the flights at ARB are general aviation. Private pilots, business travelers using corporate aircraft and recreational flyers. Many people fly in and out of ARB to avoid the congestion and wait times at bigger airports.
2. Flight Training
The airport has several flight schools so it’s a hub for student pilots and instructors. Schools like Solo Aviation and Michigan Flyers operate out of the airport and offer everything from beginner courses to advanced ratings.
If you want to become a pilot or just want to try flying this is the place to start.
3. Air Taxi and Charter
For those who want the convenience of private travel without owning an aircraft charter flights and air taxi services are available at ARB. These are great for business trips, regional travel or urgent flights that don’t align with commercial airline schedules.
4. Corporate and Business Aviation
Many companies in the Ann Arbor area and southeast Michigan use the airport to move executives or employees quickly. Aircraft from single engine planes to small jets operate regularly at ARB.
ARB Facilities and Services
Not a commercial airport, but ARB still has some services:
Terminal and FBO Services
The main terminal is a small building with waiting areas, restrooms and offices. Solo Aviation, Inc. is the FBO and offers:
- Aircraft fuel (Jet-A and Avgas)
- Tie-downs and hangar rentals
- Aircraft maintenance
- Rental cars for arriving passengers
- Pilot lounge and flight planning area
Runway Information
One paved runway:
- 6/24: 3,500 feet long and 75 feet wide
This is suitable for smaller aircraft, single engine, twin engine turboprops and light business jets. There is talk of extending the runway to support larger corporate jets but as of now it’s still 3,500 feet.
How Busy is ARB?
Not a commercial airport but still busy.
According to FAA records, ARB has 75,000 takeoffs and landings per year which is about 200 per day. This is departures and arrivals.
Most of this activity is:
- Local general aviation (training, recreation)
- Transient flights (aircraft coming from or going to other airports)
- Military training flights (occasional use)
You’ll see small aircraft flying around Ann Arbor frequently especially on clear days when training is at its peak.
Can You Fly Commercial from ARB?
The short answer is no. There are no commercial airline flights at Ann Arbor Municipal Airport.
If you want to fly to another city on a commercial airline, the closest major airport is Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), which is about 25 miles east of Ann Arbor. DTW is a hub and has nonstop service to cities across the US and internationally.
But if you’re booking a private flight, need a charter service or are learning to fly, ARB can help.
Getting to and from the Airport
The airport is located off I-94 and US-23, so it’s easy to get to from downtown Ann Arbor and surrounding areas like Saline, Ypsilanti and Pittsfield Township.
Here are your options:
- Driving: Plenty of free parking near the terminal.
- Ride-sharing: Uber and Lyft operate in the area.
- Rental Cars: Available through FBO operators for charter flight passengers.
There is no public transportation to the terminal so personal or hired transport is recommended.
Future Plans for ARB
There has been talk for years among city officials and community members about expanding ARB’s facilities. A proposed runway extension has been in the works for years which would allow more business jets to operate safely, especially in bad weather or with full passenger loads.
Supporters of the extension say it would be safer and more economic activity, while opponents worry about noise and environmental impact. As of 2025, nothing has happened.
Why Ann Arbor Municipal Airport?
Not a commercial airport, ARB is perfect for:
- Private or charter flights
- Flight training or logging flight hours
- Aviation or aircraft maintenance work
- Corporate travel
- Avoiding traffic and delays of larger airports
For aviation enthusiasts, pilots and private travelers, Ann Arbor Municipal Airport flights offer convenience, flexibility and access to the sky without the hassle of major terminals.
Conclusion
Ann Arbor Municipal Airport may not be your destination for a family vacation flight to Florida, but it serves a purpose. Whether you’re booking a charter jet, logging your next training hour or picking up a visiting executive, Ann Arbor Municipal Airport flights are the flexible solution for general aviation.
If you’re flying in or out of ARB, best to contact FBOs or flight schools based at the airport to confirm availability, scheduling and services.