Atlanta is experiencing rapid growth, recently becoming the sixth largest metro area in the United States. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, known as the world’s busiest airport and a major hub for Delta Air Lines, saw over 108 million passengers last year. Despite its size, Atlanta remains unique among top US metros for lacking a secondary airport.
The debate over whether Atlanta needs a second airport has persisted for decades. In the 1970s, the city acquired land in Paulding and Dawson counties with future development in mind. However, recent reports from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution suggest that these lands may be sold to the state Department of Natural Resources, indicating no current plans for development.
One argument for a second airport is to foster competition and potentially lower airfare costs. Airline ticket prices rose by 25% in 2024 according to CNBC, with Delta controlling three-quarters of ATL’s market share. Another factor is convenience; many residents north of Atlanta face long travel times to reach Hartsfield-Jackson due to traffic and other logistical challenges.
Some cities like New York have seen success with smaller airports serving surrounding areas. Airlines such as Breeze and Avelo have expanded operations at airports like White Plains and Islip to meet demand from residents seeking alternatives to larger hubs.
Opposition exists against establishing a second airport in Atlanta. Local residents previously opposed commercial expansion plans at Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport due to concerns about increased traffic and noise. Additionally, Delta Air Lines has been accused of funding opposition efforts against new developments that might threaten its dominant position at Hartsfield-Jackson.
The City of Atlanta supports maintaining Hartsfield-Jackson’s status quo, citing economic benefits including $35 billion annually and employment opportunities provided by Delta as Georgia’s largest employer.
While there are several potential sites for a secondary airport around Atlanta—such as Cobb County-McCollum Field or Gwinnett County-Briscoe Field—each faces challenges ranging from runway length limitations to community opposition.
Ultimately though unlikely soon given current circumstances: “When Delta recently inked a 20-year lease agreement with Hartsfield-Jackson,” it included terms preventing another commercial airport operation nearby according to their agreement stipulations ensuring alignment between city interests alongside those held by key stakeholders involved therein such arrangements made thus far established hereunder forthwith noted hereinabove aforementioned clauses stated explicitly verbatim directly quoted thereof stated thereby accordingly.”
