Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Situational Awareness
Conflict Ground Conflict; Critical; Ground Incursion Taxiway
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
After landing on Runway 22L in DTW; we exited the runway at Y4 and joined taxiway Y per Tower instructions. Switched to Ground and instructed to taxi via Y; J; J11 to the ramp. A few moments later; Ground revised the instructions to taxi via J and Q to the ramp. After making the turn onto taxiway J; I noticed an Aircraft Y approaching from the right on taxiway Q. It was apparent the Aircraft Y was not going to stop clear of the intersection so I immediately and forcefully braked to stop just short of the intersection of taxiways J and Q. The Aircraft Y also stopped but was already in the intersection. We ended up within maybe 50 feet of their wingtip. I queried Ground as to their intentions. Ground told Aircraft Y that they were supposed to give way to us and asked us if we were able to proceed. We replied that were unable. Aircraft Y then said they would proceed first. We then proceeded to taxi to the ramp. A misunderstanding or disregard for ATC instructions on the part of the [other] aircraft as well as the reduced visibility and night time operations were factors in this taxiway incursion. Also as I stated below under suggestions; it may be common practice in DTW to allow Ramp Control to clear aircraft across active taxiways to enter the ramp; which has the potential for traffic conflict. My First Officer; although contacting Ramp Control at the time; was looking outside but says Aircraft Y was in his blind spot between the windshield and the side window and he did not see it until after I slammed on the brakes. We did not hear the instructions given to Aircraft Y initially; but I assume they had landed on 22R and were told to hold short of J and contact the ramp. They had most likely contacted ramp before us and were cleared in. If that was the case; Ramp Control effectively instructed Aircraft Y to cross taxiway J to enter the ramp after giving us both clearance to our respective gates. Ground Control needs to have complete control of movement on taxiways and not allow ramp controllers to clear aircraft across active taxiways.
Regional jet Captain reported bringing the aircraft to an abrupt stop to avoid a collision on a taxiway at DTW airport.