Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) has long held the title of the world’s busiest airport, processing over 104 million passengers in 2023. With continuous passenger growth, rising congestion, and increasing flight delays, discussions about establishing a second commercial airport have resurfaced. While some argue that a second airport would relieve pressure on ATL, others believe that such a move could fragment the region’s aviation market and undermine the dominance of Hartsfield-Jackson.
This article examines the historical attempts to create a second airport, the challenges faced in developing one, and the ongoing debates regarding its necessity.
Historical Efforts to Establish a Second Airport
Recognizing Atlanta’s growing aviation demand, city officials began preparing for a second airport as early as the 1970s. During this period:
• Atlanta acquired two large tracts of land:
• 10,165 acres in Paulding County
• 10,130 acres near Dawsonville in Dawson County
• These acquisitions were intended for future airport development as part of the city’s long-term infrastructure planning.
However, despite securing land for a second airport, momentum for the project declined over time.
In 2011, the Atlanta Metropolitan Aviation Capacity Study reassessed the need for a second major airport. The study evaluated alternative locations, including:
• Dobbins Air Reserve Base (Marietta)
• Cobb County International Airport (Kennesaw)
• Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport (Dallas, GA)
While some of these locations showed potential, the study identified several barriers to development, including:
• Airspace congestion due to proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson.
• Environmental concerns related to land use and noise pollution.
• High costs of infrastructure development for a completely new commercial airport.
Ultimately, no second airport was approved, and Hartsfield-Jackson continued expanding to accommodate growing traffic.
Current Considerations and Debates (2025 Update)
As of February 2025, discussions have resurfaced about whether the land originally purchased for a second airport should be repurposed for conservation or retained for future development.
Arguments Supporting a Second Airport
Proponents of a second airport believe it would:
1. Reduce Congestion at ATL – Hartsfield-Jackson is already operating at near maximum capacity, leading to delays, gate shortages, and high operational stress.
2. Provide Competition and Lower Airfares – A second airport could introduce low-cost carriers (LCCs) and alternative international routes, increasing competition and reducing ticket prices.
3. Strengthen Economic Growth – A new airport would create thousands of jobs and stimulate local economies in surrounding counties.
Arguments Against a Second Airport
Opponents argue that another airport could:
1. Undermine Hartsfield-Jackson’s Global Status – ATL is a key hub for Delta Air Lines and international carriers. Diverting traffic away could weaken its role as a global aviation leader.
2. Strain City and State Resources – Building a second airport would require billions in investment, competing with other infrastructure and transit projects.
3. Fail to Attract Enough Airlines – Many airlines, especially legacy carriers like Delta, may resist moving operations to a second airport, leading to inefficiencies and underutilization.
Additionally, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is currently evaluating a proposal to conserve the land originally acquired for a second airport, signaling a potential shift away from new airport development.
Conclusion: Will Atlanta Build a Second Airport?
For decades, city planners and aviation officials have debated whether Atlanta needs a second commercial airport. While the growth of Hartsfield-Jackson continues to strain capacity, multiple factors—including airspace constraints, economic considerations, and opposition from major airlines—have prevented any secondary airport from being developed.
The recent proposal to conserve the land initially reserved for a second airport suggests that Atlanta may be shifting away from expanding airport infrastructure. However, as passenger numbers continue to rise, city leaders will eventually need to make critical decisions about how to balance aviation demand, economic growth, and environmental concerns in the coming years.
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This article is based on information available as of 17 February 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the dynamic nature of urban planning and aviation developments means that circumstances may have evolved since this publication.
