Arguments supporting privatization include the belief that
privatization leads to increased competition and therefore lower
prices and better service. It is uncertain how much local
competition would exist for a privatized Metro airport.
Currently, Detroit City Airport (reopened to commercial air
service on July 6, 1988) and Windsor Airport are the only other
area airports offering commercial air service and both offer a
small fraction of service available at Metro. Both lack
sufficient terminal and runway space to accommodate a large
increase in traffic. Their locations also preclude significant
expansion.  Other airports could be built to offer competition.
Selfridge Air National Guard Base could be converted to
commercial operation. Additionally, Oakland-Pontiac Airport has
an excellent location for commercial service to compete with
Metro, although its general aviation traffic of 380,000 annual
movements makes it one of the busiest airports in the U.S. and
unlikely to accommodate significant commercial pa