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Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) remains the world’s busiest airport, handling more than 100 million passengers in 2024, surpassing Dubai International Airport’s passenger numbers. Despite its status and heavy traffic, ATL operates with only two terminals—a configuration that sets it apart from other major international airports.
Atlanta itself is the 36th most populous city in the United States, but its metropolitan area houses over six million people, contributing to the high demand for air travel through ATL. The airport’s origins trace back to the mid-1920s when it was established on land previously used as an auto racetrack and was known as Candler Field. Its commercial aviation history began in 1926, with significant airline activity developing by the late 1920s and early 1930s as carriers like Pitcairn Aviation (later Eastern Air Lines) and Delta Air Service started operations there.
During World War II, Candler Field served as a military airfield. By 1948, annual passenger numbers exceeded one million. This growth led to expanded airline services and increased traffic at the airport.
