Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has officially closed out its Centennial celebration, marking 100 years since Atlanta began a journey that would transform a patch of land into the world’s busiest airport.
Mayor Andre Dickens joined airport leaders, employees, business and community partners and members of the Hartsfield and Jackson families on September 10 for the Centennial Finale at ATL’s Domestic Terminal.
The event capped an 18-month celebration of ATL’s history — but the bigger focus now is what comes next.
100 Years of Connecting Atlanta to the World
Over the past century, ATL has grown into far more than a place to catch a flight. The airport has helped shape Atlanta’s growth, connect the city to the global economy and create opportunities for residents and businesses.
For Atlanta, that means:
- Jobs and economic opportunity tied to one of the region’s most important economic engines.
- Global connections that link Atlanta residents and businesses to destinations around the world.
- Opportunities for local businesses to be part of the airport’s continued growth.
- Travel and tourism that bring visitors — and their spending — into Atlanta and the region.
- A gateway to Atlanta that helps the city compete for businesses, conventions and major events.
The Centennial Finale also honored the thousands of employees, past and present, who have kept ATL moving and the leaders whose decisions helped build the airport into what it is today.
A Partnership That Grew With Atlanta
The celebration also recognized Delta Air Lines, whose history has been closely connected with both ATL and Atlanta.
Delta has grown alongside the airport and helped establish Atlanta as a global hub for travel, trade and innovation. That partnership has also helped open doors for local businesses and connect residents to opportunities around the world.
“The story of ATL’s first century could not be told without the people who built it, worked here and believed in what this airport could become,” Mayor Dickens said.
What Comes Next
Closing out the Centennial doesn’t mean the work is finished.
As ATL enters its second century, the City’s focus is on continuing to invest in the airport and making sure it remains competitive for generations to come.
That includes a continued focus on:
- Modernizing and improving ATL as the needs of travelers and the aviation industry change.
- Innovation that helps the airport remain a global aviation leader.
- Better connections for passengers, businesses and commerce.
- Economic opportunity for Atlanta residents and local businesses.
- Partnerships that support the airport’s continued growth and success.
“In true Atlanta fashion, as we close one chapter, we’ve already started to write the next one,” Mayor Dickens said.
After 100 years of connecting Atlanta to the world, ATL is already building toward the next 100.
