Whether you live in the Peach State or elsewhere, you’ve probably heard of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Originally built in September 1926, it’s become one of the world’s most iconic airports. To learn more about this famous airport, keep reading.
#1) Named After Former Mayors
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport was named after two former mayors, William Hartsfield and Maynard Jackson. William Hartsfield served as mayor of Atlanta from 1937 to 1941. Maynard Jackson serves as mayor of Atlanta from 1974 to 1982 and later from 1990 to 1994.
#2) Originated From an Abandoned Racetrack
The origins of Harstfield-Jackson International Airport can be traced back to an abandoned racetrack. The land was initially purchased for the development of a racetrack, The Atlanta Speedway. The racetrack was never developed, however. It wasn’t until the 1920s when Atlanta Mayor Walter Sims signed a lease to develop the abandoned racetrack land into an airport. The land was known as Candler Field, and it later became known as Atlanta Municipal Airport,
#3) The World’s Busiest Title
As of 2024, Harstfield-Jackson International Airport holds the title of being the world’s busiest airport. Over 100 million passengers go through the iconic Southern airport in any given year, according to a recent report by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. To put that number into perspective, the world’s second-most popular airport is Dubai International Airport with 86 million annual passengers, followed by Dallas Fort Worth International Airport with 81 million annual passengers.
#4) Generates Over $34 Billion in Economic Activity
To say that Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has a positive impact on the local community would be an understatement. It’s estimated to bring over $34 billion in economic activity each year. It supports over 63,000 jobs while simultaneously fostering trade and economic growth.
#5) Covers 4,700 Acres
How big is Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport exactly? Consisting of five parallel runways, it covers roughly 4,700 acres of land. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has two terminals: Domestic and International. The Domestic Terminal is located on the west side, whereas the International Terminal is located on the east side.
#6) Orlando, FL Is the Top Destination
Orlando, Florida is the top destination for flights departing from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Nearly 1.5 million passengers fly from
Whether you live in the Peach State or elsewhere, you’ve probably heard of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Originally built in September 1926, it’s become one of the world’s most iconic airports. To learn more about this famous airport, keep reading.
#1) Named After Former Mayors
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport was named after two former mayors, William Hartsfield and Maynard Jackson. William Hartsfield served as mayor of Atlanta from 1937 to 1941. Maynard Jackson serves as mayor of Atlanta from 1974 to 1982 and later from 1990 to 1994.
#2) Originated From an Abandoned Racetrack
The origins of Harstfield-Jackson International Airport can be traced back to an abandoned racetrack. The land was initially purchased for the development of a racetrack, The Atlanta Speedway. The racetrack was never developed, however. It wasn’t until the 1920s when Atlanta Mayor Walter Sims signed a lease to develop the abandoned racetrack land into an airport. The land was known as Candler Field, and it later became known as Atlanta Municipal Airport,
#3) The World’s Busiest Title
As of 2024, Harstfield-Jackson International Airport holds the title of being the world’s busiest airport. Over 100 million passengers go through the iconic Southern airport in any given year, according to a recent report by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. To put that number into perspective, the world’s second-most popular airport is Dubai International Airport with 86 million annual passengers, followed by Dallas Fort Worth International Airport with 81 million annual passengers.
#4) Generates Over $34 Billion in Economic Activity
To say that Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has a positive impact on the local community would be an understatement. It’s estimated to bring over $34 billion in economic activity each year. It supports over 63,000 jobs while simultaneously fostering trade and economic growth.
#5) Covers 4,700 Acres
How big is Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport exactly? Consisting of five parallel runways, it covers roughly 4,700 acres of land. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has two terminals: Domestic and International. The Domestic Terminal is located on the west side, whereas the International Terminal is located on the east side.
#6) Orlando, FL Is the Top Destination
Orlando, Florida is the top destination for flights departing from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Nearly 1.5 million passengers fly from Atlanta to Orlando in any given year.
#7) Delta Is the Airport’s Largest Airline
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has several well-known airlines, including Delta, Spirit, Frontier and Endeavor. Of those airlines, though, Delta has the largest market share at roughly 72%.
