When was Hartsfield Jackson International Airport built?

Hartsfield Jackson International Airport

Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving millions of passengers annually. It is the primary hub for Delta Air Lines and a major gateway to destinations across the globe. The airport has a rich history, starting from its humble beginnings as Candler Field in the 1920s to its present-day status as a world-class transportation hub.

Early history of Atlanta’s airports

Atlanta’s first airport, Candler Field, was located on the site of what is now Virginia-Highland. It was named after Asa Candler, the founder of Coca-Cola, who donated the land for the airport. However, the airport was small and limited in capacity, and by the 1940s, it was clear that Atlanta needed a larger airport to accommodate the growing demand for air travel. In the meantime, the city opened a second airport, Atlanta Municipal Airport, which was later renamed Fulton County Airport. However, it too proved inadequate to meet the needs of a rapidly growing city.

Need for a new airport

By the late 1940s, it became apparent that Atlanta needed a new airport that could handle the growing number of passengers and aircraft. The city began to search for a suitable location for a new airport, and in 1946, it purchased a 2,200-acre site south of Atlanta. The site was chosen for its proximity to major highways and rail lines, as well as its relatively flat terrain, which made it easier to build runways and other facilities. Construction of the new airport, which was initially called Atlanta International Airport, began in 1953 and took four years to complete.

Planning and construction phase

The planning and construction of the new airport was a massive undertaking that involved many different agencies and stakeholders. The project was led by the City of Atlanta, which worked closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the airlines, and various engineering and construction firms. The airport’s design included four runways, a terminal building, and a control tower, as well as numerous support facilities such as maintenance hangars and cargo warehouses. The project was completed on time and within budget, and the airport opened for business on September 21, 1961.

Features of Hartsfield Jackson International Airport

Hartsfield Jackson International Airport is a state-of-the-art facility that boasts numerous features designed to enhance the passenger experience. The airport has two terminals, each with its own parking deck and ground transportation options. The terminals are connected by a SkyTrain, which runs 24 hours a day and provides quick and easy access to all parts of the airport. Other features of the airport include a variety of dining and shopping options, free Wi-Fi, and numerous art installations and exhibits.

Inauguration and first flights

The opening of Hartsfield Jackson International Airport was a major event for the City of Atlanta and the aviation industry as a whole. The airport was inaugurated by President John F. Kennedy, who praised it as a "great symbol of the spirit of our time." The first flights from the new airport were operated by Delta Air Lines, which had chosen Atlanta as its hub in the early 1950s. The airport quickly became a major hub for other airlines as well, and by the 1970s, it was one of the busiest airports in the country.

Expansion and development over the years

Over the years, Hartsfield Jackson International Airport has undergone numerous expansions and upgrades to keep pace with the demands of the industry. The airport’s original terminal was replaced by a new, modern facility in 1980, which was subsequently expanded in 1996 to accommodate the influx of passengers for the Atlanta Olympics. In recent years, the airport has added new concourses, parking decks, and other facilities to keep up with the growth in air travel.

Renaming in honor of Mayor Hartsfield and Maynard Jackson

In 2003, the airport was renamed Hartsfield Jackson International Airport in honor of former Atlanta mayors William B. Hartsfield and Maynard H. Jackson. Hartsfield was a key figure in the development of Atlanta’s aviation industry, while Jackson was the city’s first African American mayor and played a significant role in expanding the airport’s facilities and services.

Current status and statistics

Today, Hartsfield Jackson International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving more than 100 million passengers annually. It is the primary hub for Delta Air Lines and a major gateway to destinations across the globe. The airport has won numerous awards for its customer service and operational efficiency, and is regarded as a model for other airports around the world.

Impact on Atlanta’s economy and travel industry

Hartsfield Jackson International Airport has had a significant impact on Atlanta’s economy and travel industry. The airport is a major employer in the region, with more than 63,000 people working at the airport and related businesses. It is also a major driver of tourism and business travel, generating billions of dollars in economic activity each year. The airport’s convenient location, excellent facilities, and world-class customer service have made it a key asset for the city and the region.

Conclusion: Importance of Hartsfield Jackson International Airport

Hartsfield Jackson International Airport is a testament to the vision, hard work, and determination of the City of Atlanta and its partners in the aviation industry. It has played a vital role in the growth and development of the city and the region, and has become a model for other airports around the world. As air travel continues to evolve and expand, Hartsfield Jackson International Airport will remain a key asset for Atlanta and a major gateway to the world.