Atlanta Airport Runways: How Hartsfield‑Jackson Keeps Planes Moving

Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is known for being one of the world’s busiest airports—and its runway system is a big reason why. If you live in Atlanta, fly often for work, or are visiting the city, understanding how Atlanta’s airport runways are laid out can help you make sense of flight paths, noise, delays, and even which side of the plane to sit on for the best views.

This guide breaks down how the Atlanta airport runways work, what their numbers mean, where they’re located, and what that means for travelers and nearby neighborhoods.

The Big Picture: How Many Runways Does Atlanta Airport Have?

Hartsfield‑Jackson has 5 parallel runways running east–west across the south side of Atlanta. They are designed to move an enormous amount of air traffic efficiently.

The runways are typically identified as:

• 8L/26R
• 8R/26L
• 9L/27R
• 9R/27L
• 10/28

You’ll see these numbers on departure boards, in pilot announcements, and in flight-tracking apps.

Why the Runway Numbers Look Like That

Runway numbers are based on compass direction:

• The number is the direction (in degrees) divided by 10.
• For example, Runway 9 points roughly 90° (east).
• Each runway has two ends, so Runway 9 on one side is Runway 27 (270°, west) on the other side.
• Letters L, C, and R mean Left, Center, and Right when there are multiple parallel runways facing the same direction.

At ATL:

• 8, 9, and 10 are used for eastbound directions.
• 26, 27, and 28 are used for westbound directions.
• L and R help separate parallel paths for different aircraft at the same time.

Quick Reference: Atlanta Airport Runways at a Glance

Here’s a simple overview of the main runways at Hartsfield‑Jackson:

Exact usage can vary by wind, weather, time of day, and air traffic control decisions, but this reflects common patterns passengers and locals often notice.

Where the Runways Sit in Relation to Atlanta

If you look at a map of Atlanta:

• ATL is located south of downtown, roughly along I‑85, straddling the City of Atlanta and surrounding areas like Hapeville, College Park, and Forest Park.
• All 5 runways stretch east–west, parallel to one another.

From key local points:

• Downtown/Midtown Atlanta:
  Planes landing or taking off may pass overhead or just to the south, especially if your flight path comes from the north or northwest.
• East Point and College Park:
  These communities sit just north and west of the runways and are directly under some approach and departure paths.
• Riverdale, Forest Park, and Clayton County:
  South of the airport, closer to Runway 10/28, residents often experience more aircraft noise when that runway is heavily used.
• Hapeville:
  Tucked into the northeast of the airport, near major maintenance bases and just off I‑75, with frequent low overflights.

If you live in these areas, which runway is in use—and in which direction—can have a noticeable effect on noise levels and frequency of flights overhead.

How Weather and Wind Affect Runway Use

Runways are typically used into the wind for safety and performance. Around Atlanta:

• When winds favor eastbound operations, flights tend to use the 8 and 9 ends (8L, 8R, 9L, 9R, 10).
• When winds favor westbound operations, aircraft use the 26, 27, and 28 ends (26R, 26L, 27R, 27L, 28).

For travelers, this can affect:

• Which direction you take off:
  You might climb out over downtown, southside suburbs, or more rural areas, depending on wind and runway assignment.
• Where you might see the skyline:
  On certain departures and arrivals, one side of the plane may give better views of downtown Atlanta, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, and Midtown.

What Each Side of the Airport Is Used For

While air traffic use is flexible, there are some practical patterns:

Northern Runways (8L/26R, 8R/26L, 9L/27R, 9R/27L)

These are closer to:

• Domestic terminals (North and South)
• Concourse T through E
• The MARTA Airport Station and main ground transportation center

Common patterns passengers may notice:

• Many domestic flights depart and arrive from runways near the central terminal complex.
• If you’re sitting on a plane at a concourse closer to the north (like Concourse T or A), you may taxi to one of the northern runways before takeoff.

Southernmost Runway (10/28)

This runway sits closest to:

• Riverdale Road
• Areas in Clayton County, south of the main terminal area

It’s often used to:

• Increase capacity during busy periods
• Support peak-time arrivals and departures
• Handle traffic patterns when the northern runways are congested or impacted by weather

From the ground in nearby neighborhoods, this runway is a major factor in noise and overflight patterns.

How Runway Use Affects Flight Delays in Atlanta

Because ATL has five parallel runways, it can move aircraft very efficiently even in heavy demand. However, delays can still arise due to:

• Thunderstorms and summer weather:
  Strong storms around Atlanta can temporarily shut down one or more runways or force changes in arrival and departure flows.
• Low visibility or fog:
  Extra spacing may be needed between aircraft, which slows the overall rate of arrivals and departures.
• Runway maintenance:
  At times, a specific runway may be closed for repairs, resurfacing, or lighting work, pushing more traffic to the remaining runways.

For travelers:

• You may experience longer taxi times as planes queue for departure.
• ATC may change your departure runway even after pushback.
• On arrival, aircraft may enter holding patterns or sequence changes before landing if traffic backs up.

When flying in or out of Atlanta, it’s common for pilots to mention the runway in use as part of their briefings.

Understanding Flight Paths Over Atlanta Neighborhoods

If you live in the Atlanta metro area, you may notice predictable patterns of airplane traffic.

Areas Commonly Under Arrivals

Depending on wind and runway use, arrivals may commonly pass over or near:

• Downtown Atlanta and Midtown
• East Point and College Park
• Parts of Decatur and south DeKalb County
• South Fulton, Clayton County, and areas near I‑285 on the south side

Arrival patterns can shift during the day, and the exact streets affected can change based on how air traffic control sequences aircraft to each runway.

Areas Commonly Under Departures

Departures tend to fan out in multiple directions as aircraft climb and turn:

• Some flights head south and southeast, over areas of Clayton and Henry County.
• Others turn north or northeast, sometimes passing near or over I‑285, I‑20, and parts of DeKalb and Gwinnett on their climb-out.
• Flights heading toward Texas, the Midwest, or the West Coast may climb out to the west and northwest.

Because ATL has multiple parallel runways, locals may see nearly continuous streams of arriving and departing traffic during busy periods.

Noise Concerns and Who Manages Them

Many Atlanta and southside residents are affected by aircraft noise. If you are concerned about how the airport’s runways and flight paths affect your home, there are formal channels to get information or file a complaint.

Who Oversees Noise Issues?

Key parties involved in runway usage and flight paths include:

• Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  Operated by the City of Atlanta’s Department of Aviation
  Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  Main phone (airport information): often available on airport directories and signage.

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – Atlanta Area
  The FAA manages air traffic control and airspace procedures that determine flight paths and runway approaches.

The airport typically maintains a noise office or community affairs group that:

• Shares information about noise abatement procedures
• Provides details on runway use and night operations
• Accepts noise inquiries and complaints from residents

Residents can usually:

• Call the airport’s general information line and ask to be directed to the Noise or Community Relations office.
• Check posted phone numbers at ATL or on official city/airport directories for noise hotline or comment lines.

What Travelers Should Know About Runways at ATL

If you’re flying into or out of Atlanta, here are a few practical runway-related tips:

• Expect a longer taxi 🛫
  With five runways and many concourses, it’s normal for your plane to taxi for 10–20 minutes, especially at peak times.

• Window seat? Choose your side thoughtfully.

  • Coming from or departing to the north or northwest, the left side may offer better views of downtown Atlanta.
  • From the southeast, the right side may provide skyline views, depending on the runway in use and routing.

• Turbulence on landing or takeoff can relate to wind and runway orientation.
  Since runways run east–west, crosswinds from the north or south can occasionally make approaches feel bumpy, even when skies look clear.

• Runway changes can happen at the last minute.
  Air traffic control may switch your assigned runway shortly before departure or arrival based on changing winds or traffic, so what’s on your app early in the day might not match what you actually use.

How Atlanta’s Runways Support Its Role as a Major Hub

For Atlanta residents, the runway layout is a key part of why ATL:

• Serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights
• Connects Atlanta to hundreds of destinations
• Handles a large volume of connecting passengers who never leave the airport

The five-runway design allows:

• Simultaneous arrivals and departures on multiple parallel runways
• Flexibility to shift traffic if one runway needs maintenance
• More consistent operations, helping reduce cancellations and severe delays compared with airports that have fewer or intersecting runways

This all contributes to making ATL a central part of Atlanta’s economy, job market, and accessibility for residents and visitors.

If You Want to Learn More or Have Specific Concerns

If you’re in Atlanta and want more detail about how runway operations affect you:

• Contact Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30320
  You can ask for:

  • The Department of Aviation
  • Community Relations or Noise Office for questions about overflights and runway use patterns

• Reach out to your local city or county government if you live in:

  • Atlanta, College Park, Hapeville, East Point, or other nearby municipalities, which often coordinate with the airport on land use and community impacts.

Understanding ATL’s runways—how they’re numbered, how they’re used, and where they sit—helps make sense of everything from the flight map on your screen to the aircraft you hear over your neighborhood.