A vehicle crashed through a set of glass doors at Detroit Metro Airport's McNamara terminal on Friday evening, January 23, 2026. The incident occurred near the Delta Airlines check-in counters on the third floor. No serious injuries were reported, but the area remains boarded up as of Saturday, January 24, 2026.
Key Takeaways
- A vehicle crashed into Detroit Metro Airport's McNamara terminal.
- The incident happened on Friday evening, January 23, 2026.
- The affected area is near Delta Airlines check-in on the third floor.
- No major injuries were reported.
- The damaged entrance is now boarded up.
Incident Details at McNamara Terminal
The crash happened late Friday, January 23, 2026. A vehicle drove into the terminal building, breaking through glass doors. The specific cause of the crash is under investigation. Emergency services responded quickly to the scene.
Airport officials confirmed that the incident did not cause significant disruptions to flight operations. Passengers continued to access the terminal through other entrances. Security measures were immediately reviewed following the event.
Incident Snapshot
- Date: Friday, January 23, 2026 (evening)
- Location: Detroit Metro Airport, McNamara Terminal, 3rd Floor
- Area Affected: Near Delta Airlines check-in counters
- Damage: Glass doors broken, structural boarding applied
- Injuries: None reported
Aftermath and Repair Efforts
By Saturday morning, January 24, 2026, the damaged entrance was boarded up. Travelers passing through the McNamara terminal observed the temporary barriers. One section of the Delta Airlines check-in counters was also barricaded as a precautionary measure.
The immediate priority was to secure the area and ensure passenger safety. Workers installed plywood to cover the broken glass. This temporary fix allows the airport to maintain operations while planning permanent repairs.
"Our teams moved quickly to secure the site and minimize any impact on travelers. Safety remains our top concern," stated an airport representative on Saturday.
Impact on Travelers
Despite the visible damage, passenger flow remained largely unaffected. Travelers were redirected to nearby entrances. Delta Airlines check-in operations continued in other areas of the terminal. The incident highlights the robust emergency response protocols in place at major airports.
Detroit Metro Airport Overview
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is a major international airport serving the Detroit metropolitan area. It is one of the busiest airports in the United States. The McNamara Terminal is the larger of its two main terminals, primarily serving Delta Air Lines and its SkyTeam partners. It features extensive facilities including shops, restaurants, and lounges.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Measures
Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Details regarding the driver and the vehicle involved have not yet been released. Officials will review security footage and witness statements.
This incident may lead to discussions about enhancing vehicle barriers near terminal entrances. Airports worldwide continuously evaluate their security infrastructure. Protecting public spaces from accidental or intentional vehicle incursions is a growing concern.
Security Enhancements
Airports often implement various security measures to prevent such incidents. These include bollards, reinforced barriers, and strategic landscaping. The review will determine if additional physical protections are necessary at this specific entrance.
The long-term repair plan for the damaged entrance will involve structural assessments. Engineers will ensure the integrity of the building. The process will likely take several weeks or months to complete, depending on the extent of the damage.
Travelers should expect to see the boarded-up area for some time. Airport staff are on hand to guide passengers and answer questions. The incident serves as a reminder of the unexpected events that can occur in busy public transportation hubs.
