Who Really Owns Atlanta’s Airport? A Local’s Guide to Hartsfield-Jackson

If you live in Atlanta or fly through often, you’ve probably wondered: Who actually owns Atlanta’s airport? With its huge size, constant construction, and global importance, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport can feel like a city of its own.

Here’s how ownership and control really work at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)—and what that means for you as a traveler or Atlanta resident.

Who Owns Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport?

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is owned by the City of Atlanta.

More specifically:

• The City of Atlanta is the legal owner of the airport.
• The airport is operated by the Department of Aviation, which is a department of the City of Atlanta’s government.
• The airport’s full official name is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, often shortened to ATL.

That means ATL is a publicly owned, city-run airport, not a privately owned facility or a state-run authority.

How the City of Atlanta Manages the Airport

Although the City of Atlanta owns ATL, the day-to-day work is handled through its Department of Aviation.

City of Atlanta Department of Aviation

The Department of Aviation is responsible for:

• Running and maintaining the airport terminals, runways, and support facilities
• Overseeing safety, security coordination, and operations
• Managing leases and agreements with airlines, concessionaires, rental car companies, and other airport tenants
• Planning and executing expansion and improvement projects
• Coordinating with federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Key point: While many different companies and agencies operate at ATL, the overall facility and land are controlled by the City of Atlanta through this department.

Who Else Has a Role at ATL?

ATL feels complex because many organizations work there at the same time. Ownership stays with the City of Atlanta, but control and responsibilities are shared with several partners.

Federal Government’s Role

The federal government does not own Atlanta’s airport, but it has an important presence:

• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates air traffic, airspace, and aviation safety standards.
• The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) runs most passenger and baggage security screening.
• Customs and Border Protection (CBP) handles immigration and customs for international arrivals.

These agencies operate at ATL, but they are not owners—they provide federal services at a city-owned airport.

Airlines, Concessions, and Other Tenants

Airlines and businesses you see at ATL are tenants, not owners. They pay to use space or services.

These include:

• Airlines (like Delta Air Lines and others) leasing gates, ticket counters, and office space
• Restaurants, shops, and concessions renting space in the terminals
• Rental car companies in the Rental Car Center (RCC)
• Cargo operators, logistics companies, and maintenance providers based on airport property

They operate under leases, contracts, and permits issued and managed by the City of Atlanta’s Department of Aviation.

Quick Ownership Snapshot

Here’s a simple overview of who owns what and who runs what at Atlanta’s airport:

Is the Airport Owned by the State of Georgia?

No. The State of Georgia does not own Hartsfield-Jackson.

ATL is:

• Owned by the City of Atlanta
• Located partly in the City of Atlanta and partly in Clayton County
• Operated by the city, even though it serves the entire metro region and beyond

The state and surrounding counties may be involved in transportation planning and regional coordination, but ownership remains with the City of Atlanta.

Is Atlanta’s Airport Privately Owned or Privatized?

No. ATL is not a private or privatized airport.

Key details:

• It is a publicly owned, municipal airport.
• Revenue comes from things like airline fees, parking, concessions, rental car agreements, and other airport-related charges.
• Those funds typically go back into airport operations, maintenance, and capital projects, under city oversight and applicable regulations.

For travelers, this means ATL operates as a public facility, even though you interact with many private businesses there.

Why Ownership Matters for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

Understanding who owns ATL can help you know where to turn with questions, complaints, or business interests, and why certain decisions are made.

For General Questions or Feedback

If you have questions about:

• Airport services and amenities
• Construction projects or changes in traffic flow
• Noise concerns from nearby neighborhoods
• General feedback about the facility (not airline-specific issues)

You’d typically contact the City of Atlanta’s Department of Aviation or airport customer service channels, since the city is ultimately responsible for airport operations and policy.

For Airline or Flight Issues

Ownership also explains why some problems are not the city’s responsibility. For example:

• Flight delays or cancellations
• Lost or damaged luggage
• Seat assignments, boarding groups, or ticketing issues

These are handled by your airline, not by the airport owner. The airport provides the space and infrastructure; the airline controls the flight and your ticket.

Where Is the Airport Owner Based?

Since the City of Atlanta owns the airport, the public side of ownership is based within city government.

Common points of contact include:

• City of Atlanta – Department of Aviation
  – Main public offices are located on or near airport grounds
  – Handles airport policies, planning, and tenant relations

• City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office & City Council
  – Provide high-level oversight and policy direction
  – Approve certain contracts and major projects related to the airport

If you’re a resident with a policy-level concern (such as noise, expansion impact, or governance), you’d usually reach out to your Atlanta City Council member or relevant city offices, rather than any private corporation.

Who Controls the Name “Hartsfield-Jackson”?

The airport’s name reflects its local and political roots, which is another clue to ownership.

• “Hartsfield” honors former Atlanta Mayor William B. Hartsfield, who championed aviation in the city.
• “Jackson” honors former Atlanta Mayor Maynard H. Jackson Jr., who was instrumental in expanding and modernizing the airport.

Because the airport is owned by the City of Atlanta, name changes and branding decisions are city-controlled, usually through ordinances or formal city actions.

How Ownership Affects Expansion and Construction

Major projects at ATL—like new concourses, runway extensions, or terminal upgrades—are generally:

• Planned and overseen by the City of Atlanta’s Department of Aviation
• Funded through a combination of:
  • Airport-generated revenue
  • Bonds and financing mechanisms
  • Federal aviation grants or support, where applicable

Land use decisions, long-term master planning, and how the airport grows over time are primarily city decisions, often guided by public input and coordination with regional and federal partners.

If You Need to Take Action: Who to Contact for What

Here’s a quick guide to where ownership and responsibility point you:

• ✈️ Questions about airport facilities, parking, and general services
  – Contact Hartsfield-Jackson / City of Atlanta Department of Aviation customer service or information desks at the airport.

• 🧳 Issues with a specific flight, luggage, or reservation
  – Contact your airline directly. These are airline decisions, not city-owned airport issues.

• 🧭 Concerns about airport noise, expansion, or neighborhood impact
  – Reach out to the City of Atlanta, often through the Department of Aviation or your City Council representative.

• 🛃 Questions about customs, immigration, or security screening
  – These are handled by federal agencies (CBP for customs/immigration, TSA for security), operating at the city-owned airport.

In summary, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is owned by the City of Atlanta and operated by its Department of Aviation. Airlines, shops, and federal agencies all play important roles on-site, but the land, facilities, and overall control of the airport rest with Atlanta’s city government.