Inside Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) lies south of Atlanta’s central business district. For the last 7 years it has had more passenger traffic and more takeoffs and landings than any other airport in the world, making it the world’s busiest. It handles around 90 million passengers each year.
History of ATL Airport
ATL Airport’s history goes back to 1925, when an airfield was developed on an abandoned car racetrack, renamed Candler Field. The first commercial flight to this field took place a year later. In 1929, the airport was renamed Atlanta Municipal Airport and it got its first control tower in March 1939.
World War II saw the airfield double in size as it was used as a government air base. By 1957 it was the country’s busiest airport. In 1961, the country’s largest terminal was opened there, but capacity was soon exceeded. In 1971, the airport was renamed the William B Hartsfield Atlanta Airport and then to William B Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport , with the launch of services to Mexico and Jamaica.
In 1980, a 2.5m square foot passenger terminal, the world’s largest, was opened. Other major infrastructure improvements followed. The airport gained its current name in 2003 to commemorate Atlanta Mayor Maynard H. Jackson.
The airport serves Delta Airlines (which has the world’s largest airline hub there), AirTran Airways, Atlantic Southeast Airlines, ExpressJet and many more.
ATL Airport Terminals and Services
The airport has two terminals and six concourses. It also features the world’s busiest automated people mover, known as The Plane Train. In addition, it has an above-ground train station which is part of Atlanta’s MARTA transit system.
ATL Airport has a full range of passenger and business services, including medical services, Wi-Fi, shopping, eating and pet assistance. Here’s a list of ATL terminal layout maps. In addition, the airport has an art program, which includes several permanent exhibits, as well a range of temporary exhibitions.
ATL Airport Parking
In addition to the onsite airport parking facilities at ATL Airport, there are several off airport lots. Our own Atlanta airport parking lots include Fasttrack, Park N Go and Park N Fly. The airport also offers parking for passengers with disabilities.
Five Things to Do Near ATL Airport
If you’re traveling through Atlanta Airport, then here are some activities to consider:
- Join in with Martin Luther King Day celebrations or visit the MLK historic site.
- Visit the World of Coca Cola (official site)
- Relax at Stone Mountain Park.
- Check out the Margaret Mitchell House (if you’re a Gone with the Wind fan).
- Visit the Centennial Olympic Park.
Traveling to Atlanta? Find out about our airport parking coupon here. (Photo: Shashi Bellamkonda)
Tags: Airport Parking, Airport parking locations, ATL airport, atlanta airport, atlanta attractions
