Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (IATA: ATL, ICAO: KATL) serves as the primary commercial airport for Atlanta, Georgia, and the surrounding region. It is a critical hub for travel throughout the United States and functions as a major international gateway. Due to its strategic importance as a connection point, it consistently ranks among the world's busiest airports in terms of passenger traffic.

The airport's history began in 1925 on the site of a former auto racetrack called Candler Field. Commercial air service started in 1928, and the facility expanded significantly over the following decades. It was renamed in 1971 to honor former Atlanta mayor William B. Hartsfield, a major proponent of aviation. The modern central terminal complex that defines the airport today opened in 1980. In 2003, the name was amended to include Maynard H. Jackson, Atlanta's first African-American mayor, who was instrumental in the airport's modern development.

Located approximately 10 miles south of Downtown Atlanta, the airport is accessible via Interstates 75, 85, and 285. The most direct public transit option is the MARTA rail system, whose Red and Gold lines terminate directly inside the Domestic Terminal, offering a convenient alternative to road traffic. Taxis, rideshare services, and various shuttle buses also provide ground transportation.

ATL is the principal hub for Delta Air Lines, which operates the majority of flights. Other major carriers include Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Frontier Airlines, along with numerous international airlines connecting Atlanta to cities worldwide. The airport supports a high volume of both domestic and international operations, typically serving over 100 million passengers annually.

The airport features two main terminal buildings: the Domestic Terminal and the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal. Passengers access gates via seven parallel concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, and F), which are connected by an underground automated people mover known as the Plane Train. A parallel pedestrian walkway is also available. Amenities are extensive, with a wide selection of shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as multiple airline lounges.

For travelers, it is advisable to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights to navigate check-in and security. The Plane Train is the most efficient way to travel between concourses for flight connections. All concourses are connected post-security, meaning passengers on domestic connecting flights do not need to exit and re-enter the secure area.