Hartsfield Jackson Airport at a Glance
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport isn’t just a major air hub. It isn’t even just the busiest airport in the US. Verily, Atlanta Airport is the busiest aviation hub in the world. Ever since 1998 -except for the year 2020, when due to the COVID-19 pandemic, its passenger traffic fell abruptly- ATL Airport has remained the most occupied airport in the world. As a matter of fact, in 2023, it welcomed more than 104.7 million passengers!
Its history dates back to 1925 when a facility for airmail services first opened its doors. This facility was meant to become the bustling airport in Atlanta. Βy the 50s, the airport was already one of the busiest aviation hubs in the country, receiving the name William B. Hartsfield after the city’s mayor, who reinforced the airport’s presence in the area and boosted its development and, consequently, its economic impact. In 1971, the airport merged with the adjacent Atlanta Municipal Airport. Hence, the dynamic Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport became a reality. Eventually, the airport was expanded, and new terminals and concourses were added. In 2003, it was renamed to its current name, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, as a tribute to Atlanta’s mayor, Maynard H. Jackson Jr.
The first mega-hub in America, Atlanta Georgia Airport, lies 10 miles/16km south of the city center of Atlanta, in the State of Georgia. It is located in Clayton County, extending to Atlanta’s suburbs, and College Park and Hapeville in Fulton County. The ATL’s surrounding areas are widely known as ATL Airport District thanks to the airport’s importance and financial impact. Overall, Atlanta Airport always remains a high-tech air hub, guaranteeing thrilling travel experiences. Perpetual development projects aim at that goal, utterly achieving it.
Interesting Facts
- 80% of the USA population lives within a 2-hour flight from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.
- ATL Airport features the fourth tallest traffic control tower in the world (and the tallest in North America)
Airport Name: Atlanta Airport
IATA Code: ATL
ICAO: KATL
Location: Clayton and Fulton Counties, Georgia, U.S.A.
Time Zone: EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) UTC/GMT -4 hours
Airport Map: Atlanta Airport at Google Maps
Atlanta Airport’s Layout
Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport features two terminals, seven concourses, and a total of 192 gates. The west terminal is the domestic one, split over a north and a south area, divided by an atrium. The international terminal (known as Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal) lies on the east side of the airport. Right between the two terminals are located the seven concourses. Concourses T, A, B, C, and D serve domestic flights, while Concourses E and the newest F are dedicated to international flights. Concourse F is used by all non-Delta airlines and is the only one featuring a gate that can accommodate Airbus A380. The two terminals are linked via a pedestrian tunnel equipped with moving walkways (Transportation Mall), as well as via courtesy train and shuttle rides. Finally, the airport has five parallel runways. The longest of them (12,390 feet/2,776m) can handle flights with Airbus A380.
ATL Airlines
The busy Atlanta Airport houses a wide number of airlines. Handling about 2700 flights daily, ATL Airport serves more than 150 cities in the USA and 60 international destinations. Thus, it welcomes flights from North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia, as well as from Africa. It is the hub for Delta Airlines and serves as a focus city for low-cost airlines such as Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.
Parking Facilities
Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport boasts several parking facilities. Thus, passengers departing from ATL Airport can park their vehicles at the short-term or long-stay car parks depending on their preferences and the parking’s duration. On the other hand, economy parking options are also available for those on a tight budget. Finally, travelers who value luxury during their travels typically opt for ATL valet parking services.
Transit Options
ATL Airport is well-connected to the city of Atlanta as well as to surrounding areas and intercity destinations. Explicitly, journeys from Atlanta Airport to downtown are available via:
- airport taxis
- airport car rentals
- private airport transfers
- shuttles / public buses
- trains
Services and Amenities
Hartsfield Jackson Airport is the busiest airport around the globe. Expectantly, it boasts a wide array of services and amenities, being one of the most technologically advanced aviation hubs. Explicitly, some of the provided services are:
- Duty-free areas
- More than 300 dining and drinking facilities
- Baggage carts / Luggage wrapping / Luggage Storage
- Medical center
- Banks / ATMs / Currency exchange areas
- Family facilities / Play area
- Nursing stations
- Artistic exhibitions
- Interfaith chapels
- Minute Suites (Concourses B, E, and F)
- Lost & Found offices
- Lounges
- EV charging stations
- Pet relief areas
- Wi-Fi
- Charging stations
- Information kiosks
- Special services and amenities for passengers with disabilities
Contact Info
Official Name: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320, USA
Phone Number: +1 404-209-1700
The City of Atlanta
Atlanta is the capital of the State of Georgia and the city that boasts the busiest airport in the world (Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport). Being widely known as “The City in a Forest” or “Tree Haven”, Atlanta combines the urban environment of a modern city with ample green spaces. Full of sites and attractions (Atlanta Botanical Garden, Georgia Aquarium, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, etc.), Atlanta is home to various museums, art galleries, and cultural establishments, featuring a thriving arts scene. On the other hand, although many travelers fall for its modern metropolitan ambiance with the towering skyscrapers and the bustling streets, the city also has a more “nostalgic” side. Thus, visitors who want to delve into the city’s history and ferret out its most scenic corners usually choose to wander around its historic neighborhoods. Similarly diverse, Atlanta’s culinary scene effortlessly meets all the preferences. Overall, there are countless things to do in Atlanta. As a result, a journey in Georgia’s capital can be nothing less than memorable.
FAQs
Is Atlanta a big airport?
Atlanta Airport is the busiest airport in the world. As a result, it is a big aviation hub consisting of two terminal buildings, seven concourses, five runways, and a total of 192 gates (152 domestic and 40 international).
Why is Atlanta airport called Hartsfield-Jackson?
Atlanta International Airport is officially named Hartsfield Jackson Airport as a tribute to two of Atlanta’s mayors -William B. Hartsfield and Maynard H. Jackson Jr- who played a crucial role in the airport’s development and expansion.
Why is Atlanta Airport so busy?
Hartsfield Jackson Airport isn’t just the main airport in Atlanta, but it is the most occupied aviation hub in the world. It serves more than 150 domestic destinations and numerous international and intercontinental cities. Overall, 80% of the USA population lives within a 2-hour flight from Atlanta, and that’s one of the main reasons behind its high passenger traffic, along with its high-tech character and continuous development and commitment to growth.
How many runways does Atlanta Airport have?
The airport in Atlanta features five runways. In fact, ATL runways are parallel to each other. The longest runway measures 12,390 feet/3,776m and can accommodate big aircraft, such as Airbus A380.
How many terminals does Atlanta Airport have?
Atlanta International Airport has two terminal buildings. The domestic terminal -on the airport’s west side- is divided into a north and south section. On the other hand, the international terminal lies on the east side. The seven concourses are to be found between the two terminals.
How early to get to Atlanta Airport?
Atlanta Airport is a vast aviation hub. Thus, you are advised to arrive at the airport for your check-in two hours before your flight if your destination is domestic. Conversely, it is recommended to be at ATL Airport three hours before an international flight.
How do you get from Atlanta Airport to downtown?
There are several ways to travel from Atlanta Airport to downtown. Thus, Atlanta airport taxis and private airport transfers are widely favored options, while airport car rentals are recommended for travelers who plan to explore Atlanta’s surrounding areas and attractions. On the other hand, bus and train rides are the most sought-after alternatives for passengers on a tight budget.