Georgia's Commercial Airports: How Many Are There?

Georgia is home to several commercial airports, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport being the most notable. More than 100 million passengers pass through its gates annually, making it the busiest airport in the world in terms of passenger count. However, Georgia also has several smaller airports, most of which only serve domestic destinations, and often only Atlanta. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is another notable airport in Georgia, serving as the second busiest airport in the state.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

The airport is the corporate headquarters and primary hub of Delta Air Lines, with just over 1,000 flights a day to 225 domestic and international destinations. It is considered the world's largest airline hub and America's first mega-hub. It is also an operating base for low-cost carriers Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. The airport offers international service within North America and to Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and East Asia.

The airport is easily accessible via various transportation options. It has its own train station on the city's rapid transit system, MARTA, served by the Red and Gold lines. Cabs to Downtown Atlanta cost a flat rate of $30 for one passenger, plus $2 per additional passenger, while the MARTA public transportation system offers a more affordable option at $2.50 one way. The airport also has over 30,000 public parking spaces available.

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport

Georgia is home to several commercial airports, the largest of which is the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which serves over 100 million passengers annually. However, the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is another notable airport in the state.

The airport covers an area of 3,650 acres (1,477 ha) and sits at an elevation of 50 ft. (15 m) above mean sea level. It has two runways with concrete surfaces: 10/28, which is 9,351 ft. long and 150 ft. wide, and 01/19, which is 7,002 ft. long and 150 ft. wide. For the 12-month period ending July 31, 2023, the airport recorded 112,822 aircraft operations, averaging 309 per day. There were 150 aircraft based at the airport during this period, including single-engine, multi-engine, jet, helicopter, and military aircraft.

The history of the airport dates back to 1929 with the opening of the first Savannah Municipal Airport. In 1932, it was named Hunter Field, and a trolley car served as its first terminal. With the increased military presence during World War II, the U.S. Army Air Corps took over the airfield, naming it Chatham Field, and used it as a bomber and crew training base. After the war, in 1948, the airfield was turned over to the Georgia Air National Guard, and the airport was renamed Travis Field. Over the years, the airport underwent various expansions and improvements, including the construction of new terminals, runway extensions, and the introduction of jet aircraft. In 1994, a new 275,000-sq.-ft. terminal was opened, featuring eight gates (expandable to 19) and various supporting infrastructure improvements. The airport was renamed Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in 2003.

Augusta Regional Airport

Georgia is home to several commercial airports, including the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is the busiest airport in the world in terms of passenger count. However, Augusta Regional Airport, located six miles south of Augusta in Richmond County, Georgia, is also a significant airport in the region.

The airport has a rich history, originally established as a basic Contract Pilot School by the United States Army Air Corps in 1941. The airfield was named Bush Field in memory of Don C. Bush, a civilian flight instructor who lost his life in an aircraft crash. Over the years, the airport has undergone renovations and expansions, including the addition of new terminals, runways, and support facilities.

Today, Augusta Regional Airport is served by major airlines such as American Eagle, Delta Air Lines, and Delta Connection. The airport offers flights to various destinations, including Atlanta, New York (seasonally), Charlotte, and Dallas/Fort Worth. During the Masters golf tournament, the airport experiences a surge in traffic, with airlines providing additional flights and larger equipment to accommodate the increased demand.

The airport also has an Elite Rewards Program, recognising frequent flyers and offering them exclusive benefits. With its convenient location, modern facilities, and efficient operations, Augusta Regional Airport plays a crucial role in connecting the region to the rest of the country, contributing significantly to the local economy and providing essential air transport services to the community.

Brunswick Golden Isles Airport

Georgia is home to several commercial airports, the largest of which is the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which serves over 100 million passengers annually. However, Brunswick Golden Isles Airport, located five nautical miles north of Brunswick, Georgia, is a smaller, county-owned, public-use airport. It is mainly used for general aviation, with only one commercial airline, Delta Connection, flying to Atlanta.

Previously known as Glynco Jetport, the airport was originally a naval air base during World War II, accommodating lighter-than-air airships, or blimps. In 1973, Delta Air Lines operated direct flights from Glynco to various destinations, including Atlanta, Orlando, Augusta, Jacksonville, and Macon. However, by 1974, Delta had discontinued jet services from the airport. Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA) began serving the airport in 1981, and in 1984, ASA began code-sharing with Delta, bringing Delta services back to Brunswick. ASA was later replaced by Endeavor Air, which continues to provide service as Delta Connection, utilising CRJ-700/900 regional jet aircraft.

The airport covers 2,003 acres of land and sits at an elevation of 26 feet above sea level. It features a single runway, designated 7/25, with an 8,001-foot length and a 150-foot width, constructed with asphalt and concrete. In the year ending June 1, 2022, the airport recorded 20,914 aircraft operations, averaging 57 operations per day. The majority of these operations were general aviation (87%), followed by air taxi (6%), scheduled commercial (5%), and military (2%).

The Glynn County Airport Commission was established in 1980 to oversee the management and development of both the Brunswick and St. Simons Island airports. The original name, Glynco Jetport, was changed in 2003 to Brunswick Golden Isles Airport, better reflecting the destination for travellers and pilots. The new passenger terminal, completed in 2005, embodies the local tradition of hospitality and welcomes passengers with elegance and comfort.

Columbus Metropolitan Airport

Georgia is home to several commercial airports, including the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is the busiest airport in the world in terms of passenger count. However, the Columbus Metropolitan Airport, located in Georgia's second-largest city, is a more modest aviation hub.

History

Operations and Services

Recent Developments

In 2021, the airport completed a $13.5 million renovation project to increase the terminal building's capacity and enhance the overall passenger experience. This included adding seating throughout the airport and an indoor aircraft viewing area. While this attracted additional airline service from American Eagle for a brief period, they withdrew in 2023, citing pilot shortages and the end of payroll support grants during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, Delta Connection remains the sole commercial carrier at Columbus Metropolitan Airport as of 2024.

In April 2024, the Columbus Airport Commission announced plans to close and entirely replace the airport's longest runway, 6/24, from August 2025 to November 2025. This construction project, estimated to cost $36.5 million, will prohibit the use of the airport for military and commercial operations for 103 days. However, the commission is confident that services will resume on the sole remaining airline route once the reconstruction is complete.

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