Atlanta Airport Construction: What Travelers Need to Know About Hartsfield‑Jackson Upgrades

If you live in Atlanta or fly through Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) regularly, you’ve probably noticed the cones, cranes, and detours. The world’s busiest airport is in the middle of long-term construction and modernization projects that affect parking, roads, and even what you see inside the terminals.

This guide breaks down what’s being built, what’s changing right now, and how to plan your trip so airport construction doesn’t upend your travel day.

Why There Is So Much Construction at Atlanta Airport

Hartsfield‑Jackson is handling tens of millions of passengers a year, and most local travelers feel the strain in:

• Crowded checkpoints
• Tight gate space
• Congested roads and parking decks

To keep up, the City of Atlanta and airport leadership are working through a multi‑year Capital Improvement Program to:

• Expand capacity (more gates, better traffic flow)
• Modernize facilities (interiors, technology, security layout)
• Improve passenger experience (more seating, dining, and clearer wayfinding)

For Atlanta residents, this means frequent changes in traffic patterns, parking availability, and terminal access—especially at the Domestic Terminal.

Big-Picture Projects at ATL Right Now

Construction changes over time, but most work falls into these main areas:

1. Roadway and Curbside Changes

The roads leading into the airport and the curbside pickup/drop-off lanes are being reconfigured.

Common impacts:

• Lane closures or shifts around Domestic North and Domestic South
• Temporarily reduced curb space for passenger pick-up and drop-off
• Periodic changes in ride-share and taxi pickup areas

If you’re driving from Atlanta neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, or East Point, expect extra time between I‑85/I‑75 and the terminal, especially during morning and late-afternoon peaks.

2. Parking Deck Repairs and Replacements

The older Domestic Terminal parking decks have needed structural upgrades and, in some cases, partial demolition and rebuilding.

This can mean:

• Some parking decks or levels closed
• More pressure on Economy, Park-Ride, and ATL West parking
• Longer walks or shuttle rides from certain lots to the terminal

Locals who are used to driving up last minute and parking right next to the terminal may need to adjust expectations and build in more time.

3. Terminal Interior Renovations

Hartsfield‑Jackson continues to update:

• Security checkpoint layouts
• Check-in counters and self-service kiosks
• Gate seating areas, flooring, and lighting

Inside, you might see:

• Temporary walls and narrowed walkways
• Gates moved or renumbered within a concourse
• Some food or retail spots closed or relocated while work is underway

How Atlanta Airport Construction Affects Your Trip

Driving and Drop-Offs

If you’re dropping off or picking up at ATL:

• Allow 15–30 extra minutes during construction-heavy periods and rush hours.
• Watch for electronic message boards on airport roads that redirect traffic.
• Be ready to follow police and traffic-control staff instructions near the curbs.

❗ Local tip: Many Atlanta drivers now use the Cell Phone Lot instead of circling the terminal. This is especially helpful when curbside space is tight due to construction.

Parking at the Airport

Because construction can temporarily close decks or levels, parking that once felt predictable now fills quickly, especially for:

• Monday morning departures
• Friday and Sunday flights
• Holiday periods and game or convention weekends in Atlanta

If you’re based in Metro Atlanta:

• Consider Park-Ride or ATL West if Domestic decks look full.
• Check airport guidance on which decks are open before you leave home.
• If you’re flying International, confirm whether International Park-Ride lots are operating normally.

Inside the Terminals

Construction can affect:

• The location of TSA checkpoints or entrances to them
• Movement between Domestic North and Domestic South ticketing areas
• Gate assignments and walking distances between concourses

ATL’s Plane Train and moving walkways usually remain in operation, but you may see narrowed corridors or temporary detours. Budget a bit more time to walk between security and your gate than you might have in the past.

Key Areas of ATL Construction: At-a-Glance

Below is a simplified overview of where travelers often feel the impact of construction at Hartsfield‑Jackson:

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers During Airport Construction

1. How Early Should You Get to ATL?

Construction adds uncertainty, especially if you’re driving. In general:

• Domestic flights from Atlanta:
  Aim for 2 hours before departure, more if:

  • You’re parking at the airport
  • You’re traveling at peak times (Monday mornings, Friday evenings, major holidays)

• International flights from Atlanta:
  Plan for 3 hours before departure, especially if you need to check bags.

If you live in suburbs like Marietta, Decatur, or Fayetteville, build in extra drive time on top of the above, since interstate traffic plus airport construction can stack delays.

2. Plan Your Route and Parking Before You Leave

Because construction can affect parking availability and routes:

• Decide where you plan to park (Domestic decks, ATL West, International, Park-Ride).
• Have a backup option in mind if your first choice is full.
• Program your GPS for the specific terminal or lot, not just “Atlanta airport,” so it takes you to the correct side (Domestic vs. International).

👍 Pro tip for locals: If you’re comfortable with MARTA, using the Airport Station can completely sidestep terminal roadway congestion.

3. Use Less Crowded Checkpoints When Possible

At ATL Domestic, you may be able to choose between:

• Main security (between North and South ticketing)
• North or South dedicated airline-specific areas (for some carriers)
• TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes where eligible

Construction can temporarily shift which entrances are open. Inside the terminal, airport staff and overhead signs typically point you to the best option.

4. Pack With Construction in Mind

With narrowed hallways, long walks, and possible detours, it helps to:

• Travel with rolling luggage that handles uneven floors and longer distances
• Keep essentials accessible (ID, boarding pass, medications, snacks) in case lines move slowly
• Charge phones and devices before arriving, since some areas under renovation may have fewer outlets or seating

Domestic vs. International Terminal: Construction Differences

Domestic Terminal (Main Impact Zone)

Most roadwork and parking deck projects are concentrated around the Domestic Terminal:

• More likely to encounter lane closures, detours, and full decks
• Construction walls and temporary corridors are more common near ticketing, security, and baggage claim.

If you usually fly out of Domestic North (Delta and partners) or Domestic South (other carriers), consider:

• Getting dropped off a bit upstream of your airline’s usual door if traffic is backed up.
• Walking inside between North and South rather than trying to reposition your car outside.

Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal

The International Terminal (Concourse F) generally sees:

• Less roadway construction than Domestic
• Its own parking and drop-off areas separate from the Domestic side

However, international projects can still lead to:

• Changes in check-in counters or airline positions
• Adjustments to customs and arrivals flow

If you’re coming from within Metro Atlanta, verify whether you should go to the Domestic Terminal or International Terminal to check in, as some international flights still depart from Domestic concourses.

Navigating Construction If You’re Not Familiar With Atlanta

Many travelers connect through Atlanta without leaving the secure area, but some:

• Arrive domestically, then switch to an international flight
• Arrive internationally and connect to a domestic flight
• Need to meet family or friends in the public areas during construction

Helpful habits:

• Always re-check your gate and concourse on arrival; gate changes are common.
• Pay attention to Plane Train announcements; some stops may be more convenient than others while walkways are narrowed.
• If meeting someone at the curb, agree on a specific door number or level (Arrivals vs. Departures) and plan extra time for them to navigate detours.

ADA Access and Mobility Considerations

Construction can be especially challenging if you or someone traveling with you:

• Uses a wheelchair or mobility aid
• Has vision or hearing impairments
• Needs more time or space to move through crowds

ATL generally maintains accessible routes during construction, but they may be longer or less direct than normal.

Things you can do:

• Request wheelchair or mobility assistance through your airline in advance.
• Allow additional time to move between parking, check-in, and gates.
• Ask airport staff for the current accessible path if signs are unclear around construction areas.

Where to Get Current Information About Atlanta Airport Construction

Because construction plans evolve, details change over time. For the most accurate, up-to-date information on:

• Which parking decks or lots are open
• Current road closures or traffic advisories
• Terminal or checkpoint changes

You can contact or check:

Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

Main Information Line (general airport information):
(800) 897-1910 or (404) 530-7300

You can also follow official airport channels (such as their customer service phone lines or posted alerts inside the terminal) for:

• Real-time parking guidance
• Construction-related detours
• Security checkpoint updates

Being aware of ongoing Atlanta airport construction helps you avoid surprises on travel day. If you build in extra time, plan your parking or transit ahead of time, and follow current signs instead of old habits, you can usually move through Hartsfield‑Jackson smoothly—even while the airport is being rebuilt around you.