The Rise Of Atlanta's Airport: A Global Transit Hub

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has been the busiest airport in the world every year since 1998, except in 2020 during the pandemic. In 2023, ATL recorded 104.6 million passengers—17.7 million more than the second-busiest airport, Dubai International Airport. Its status as the busiest airport in the world can be attributed to its strategic location in the heart of the southeastern United States, its extensive route and airline networks, its status as Delta Air Lines' primary hub, and its state-of-the-art facilities.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a global gateway

Hartsfield-Jackson is the primary gateway to the southeastern United States and beyond. It has held the top spot on the list of the world's busiest airports every year since 1998, except for 2020. In 2023, the airport recorded 104.6 million passengers, surpassing the second-busiest airport, Dubai International Airport, by 17.7 million passengers.

The airport's success is due in part to its strategic location and the support of local businesses and government leaders, who have invested in its growth since the 1920s. Hartsfield-Jackson is also a major transportation hub, with access to major highways and rail networks, attracting passengers from a wide geographic area.

The airport is a crucial hub for Delta Air Lines, one of the world's largest airlines, which chose Atlanta as its primary hub and operational base. Delta accounts for a significant portion of the airport's traffic, with around 800 daily departures and more than 275 destinations in its route network.

Hartsfield-Jackson is also known for its state-of-the-art facilities, including modern terminals, efficient baggage handling systems, and convenient transportation services such as the Plane Train, an underground train network that connects the airport's seven concourses. The airport is committed to providing a seamless travel experience for its passengers and has been named the most efficient airport in the world 19 times by the Air Transport Research Society.

With its upcoming capital improvement program, ATLNext, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is poised to solidify its position as a global gateway and a beacon of economic strength and customer service in Georgia and beyond.

It is the primary hub for Delta Air Lines

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the primary hub for Delta Air Lines. Delta has been based in Atlanta since 1941, when it partnered with the city's leaders to bring the airline to South Fulton County as both a corporate headquarters and the region's primary air carrier.

In 2025, Delta celebrated its 70th anniversary as Atlanta's hometown airline. The airline has grown alongside the city, with Atlanta now hosting the airline's largest and most crucial operation, which made up over 70% of the airport's total passenger traffic in 2023.

Delta's presence in Atlanta is about more than just destinations; it's about delivering a premium experience worthy of the city's dynamic spirit. With 41,000 daily premium seats, Delta ensures that the journey matches the destination. The airline offers spacious cabins, top-tier service, and unmatched reliability.

Delta has contributed significantly to the airport's redevelopment program, including expanding Concourse D and plans to open a new Delta Sky Club before summer 2025. The airline has also introduced a touchless experience at bag drop and security using Digital ID, allowing customers to check bags and move through security without showing a paper boarding pass or physical government ID.

Delta's commitment to customer comfort extends to ATL, with renovations coming to all nine Delta Sky Clubs, starting with Concourse A. These Clubs offer best-in-class food and beverage options, thoughtful amenities, and stylish facilities where eligible customers can relax before their journey.

Delta is at the heart of Atlanta's economic infrastructure, anchoring Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as a major driver of growth. The airline employs more than 36,000 people and continually invests in enhancing operations and community initiatives.

In 2023, travel and tourism contributed nearly $80 billion to Georgia's economy, with Delta playing an integral role in fostering regional prosperity. The airline's presence has helped make Hartsfield-Jackson a vital component of the region's economy, boosting travel, tourism, and connectivity.

It has a large catchment area with no local competition

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has a large catchment area, with no other major airports within 150 miles. This means that it is the only option for many travellers in the region. The next closest large airports are Nashville and Charlotte, which are both around 250 miles away. This means that people are willing to travel long distances to use Atlanta, as there is no other viable option in the area.

The airport is located in the heart of the southeastern United States, just a two-hour flight from major American hubs like New York, Dallas, Houston, and Chicago. It is also just a few hours from most of the Caribbean and Central America, making it an ideal connecting point for flights between North America, Europe, and Latin America. This strategic location contributes to its large catchment area and high passenger numbers.

The airport's location also benefits from being close enough to Atlanta's city centre to be convenient, but far enough out to allow for expansion. The surrounding land is also relatively flat, which is uncommon in the region's hilly terrain. This has allowed the airport to grow over time and accommodate more passengers.

The airport's large catchment area is further enhanced by its extensive route and airline networks. ATL connects passengers to over 150 domestic destinations and international destinations across six continents. This vast network is served by 23 airlines, providing travellers with numerous options for reaching their desired destinations.

The combination of a large catchment area with no local competition, a strategic location, room for expansion, and an extensive route and airline network has contributed to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport's status as the busiest airport in the world.

It has efficient transport links to the city centre

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is located 10 miles (16 km) south of downtown Atlanta. This strategic location is close enough to the city centre to be convenient for travellers, yet far out enough to allow for expansion. The area surrounding the airport is also one of the few flatter areas in an otherwise hilly region.

The airport is well-connected to the city centre via the MARTA system, which provides a direct link to key areas of Atlanta. Passengers can easily access the airport by subway, with a line going directly into the airport. This seamless connection between the airport and the city centre has been identified as a significant factor in the airport's success.

In addition to the subway, the airport also offers efficient transportation services such as the Plane Train, an underground train network that connects the airport's seven concourses and carries more than 200,000 passengers daily. The airport also has the ATL SkyTrain, which connects passengers to the Rental Car Centre, Georgia International Convention Centre, hotels, and office buildings.

The airport's location provides easy access to major highways and rail networks, attracting passengers from a wide geographic area. This contributes to its status as the busiest airport on the planet.

It has state-of-the-art facilities

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is a destination in itself, with over 300 commercial venues to meet guests' shopping, dining, and service needs. It has been recognised for its excellence in concessions, operations, sustainability, architectural engineering, and construction.

The airport boasts an extensive array of state-of-the-art facilities to accommodate its high volume of passengers. ATL offers 152 domestic and 40 international gates, ensuring efficient passenger flow. An impressive underground train network, the Plane Train, spans three miles and connects the airport's seven concourses, carrying over 200,000 passengers daily. The airport also provides convenient parking with more than 30,000 public parking spaces.

The ATL SkyTrain further enhances the passenger experience by offering easy connections to the Rental Car Center, Georgia International Convention Center, hotels, and office buildings.

ATL's terminals are modern and well-equipped, featuring dining and retail options. Efficient baggage handling systems streamline the travel process, and the airport has been recognised for its seamless transportation services.

The airport's capital improvement program, ATLNext, demonstrates a commitment to remaining at the forefront of airport innovation. This 20-year growth plan includes modernising the Domestic Terminal, expanding cargo operations and concourses, and replacing parking facilities. The program also paves the way for a hotel and mixed-use development, reinforcing ATL's status as a powerhouse in aviation and customer service.

With its advanced facilities and systems, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ensures efficiency, enhances the passenger experience, and solidifies its reputation as a world-class travel hub.

Frequently asked questions