For a reason, Atlanta airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), is one of the busiest airports in the world. Every year, millions of travelers fly to or from this airport. But why is Atlanta airport so busy? The answer includes factors, including the major airline and the airport’s location.

The reasons for making this airport busy are far more interesting, & it involves a combination of smartness & strategy. Know what makes Atlanta’s airport the busiest in the world!

Reasons Behind ATL Being The World’s Busiest Airport

When it comes to the Atlanta airport being the busiest airport of all, there are some significant reasons behind it. Those reasons influence the number of passengers flying to and from this airport. Find out the reasons below:

Millions Of Passengers Fly From Atlanta

Atlanta had the most passengers in 2019, with nearly 76 million flying from this airport. From 1998 to 2019, ATL held the top rank year after year. But then, in 2020, the pandemic came. It messed with all the airport rankings. Because of this, Atlanta ended up in second place, with an airport in Guangzhou, China, taking the top spot.

• Even though Atlanta has a population of around half a million, it only ranks 38th in size compared to other US cities. 
• The greater Atlanta region, which includes suburbs & nearby towns, is home to over six million people. This large population is a major reason the airport is doing so well.

Serves as The Headquarter of Delta Air Lines

Another reason behind this airport’s success is Delta Air Lines. It chose Atlanta as one of its hubs, meaning many of its flights come & go from there. This airline is headquartered in Atlanta, the biggest city in Georgia.

• Airlines like Delta use such airports as hubs because it’s cheaper. Big cities are expensive and crowded. So, airlines would instead fly people to a cheaper airport & then connect them to their final destination on another flight.
• Having Delta in Atlanta is even better because they invented this hub system in the 1950s. 
• This airline also deals with other airlines worldwide, bringing even more flights to Atlanta. It brings passengers from all over the US and connects them to international destinations. 

Is A Good Location for Connections

More than its role as a Delta hub, ATL benefits from its geographical location in the southeastern United States. The airport lies within a two-hour flight of 80% of the U.S. population. This makes it the best connection point for domestic flights. It allows passengers to reach most major U.S. cities quickly and easily.

• ATL’s location in the eastern part of the country makes it a natural gateway for international flights to & from Europe, Latin America, & the Caribbean. 
• Passengers flying between these regions can often find comfortable connecting flights via Atlanta.

Big Expanded Airport

ATL has gone through many expansions & renovations to fit in its increasing passenger numbers. The airport has a well-designed layout with an underground train system that transports passengers between terminals. It minimizes walking distances & keeps passenger flow moving smoothly.

• Self-service kiosks make the check-in and navigation process more accessible for passengers.
• ATL offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and amenities to keep passengers entertained during layovers.

Additional Factors

While Delta Airlines, great location, & big spread airport are major contributors to Atlanta’s bustling airport, several other factors also play a crucial role. Look at some of the additional reasons why ATL is the busiest airport:

1. Passenger-Friendly Features- The airport offers a variety of shops & restaurants, keeping travelers entertained during layovers. 
2. Strong Cargo Network–  ATL isn’t just a passenger hub. It’s a vital cargo hub, too. Delta Cargo moves a massive amount of freight each year. 
3. Government Support– The city and state governments recognize the importance of ATL to the local economy. They often invest in upgrades & expansions to ensure the airport stays competitive & keeps attracting more airlines & passengers.
4. Innovative-  ATL keeps on looking for new ways to improve. It includes exploring technological advancements to smooth operations & make the travel experience even better for travelers.
5. Geography– Atlanta’s location in the southeastern US makes it a convenient stopping point for many flights.
6. Single Major Airport– Unlike major cities with multiple airports, Atlanta has just one major international airport. It concentrates all the air traffic into one central location.
7. Good Weather– This location generally has good weather with fewer delays & cancellations compared to some other places. This makes it an attractive option for airlines & passengers.

ATL isn’t the busiest in the world. The airport is a hub for Delta Airlines, making it more busy by offering more flight options. With tons of flights to choose from and a convenient location, Atlanta Airport remains the world’s busiest for a reason.

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