Does Atlanta Really Need a Second Airport? A Local’s Guide to the Debate

Atlanta lives and breathes aviation. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is not just the city’s main airport – it’s one of the busiest in the world and a major economic engine for the entire region.

So when people say “Atlanta needs a second airport”, they’re usually responding to real frustrations: long security lines, crowded concourses, runway delays, and a feeling that everything depends on one giant facility.

This guide walks through what a second airport could mean for Atlanta residents, visitors, and businesses, what options are being discussed, and what you can actually do now when planning travel in and around Atlanta.

Why People Say Atlanta Needs a Second Airport

For people who live in or travel through Atlanta, there are some common pain points with Hartsfield–Jackson:

• Crowded terminals during peak travel times
• Traffic congestion on I‑75, I‑85, and around the airport
• Delays and missed connections when weather or technical issues disrupt flights
• Long distances for people who live in the northern or far eastern/western suburbs

Because ATL is such a major hub, it’s designed to move huge numbers of passengers efficiently, not necessarily to provide a small, relaxed airport experience. That leads to a natural question:

The answer is complicated, but it touches on capacity, competition, convenience, and economics.

What “Second Airport” Could Actually Mean in Atlanta

When people imagine a second airport, they aren’t always talking about the same thing. In metro Atlanta, a “second airport” could mean:

1. A True Second Major Commercial Airport

This would be another large airport with scheduled airline service, similar to:

• Dallas–Fort Worth + Dallas Love Field
• Chicago O’Hare + Chicago Midway
• Washington Dulles + Reagan National + Baltimore/Washington

In the Atlanta region, candidates often mentioned in public conversations include:

• DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK) in Chamblee
• Cobb County International Airport–McCollum Field (RYY) in Kennesaw
• Gwinnett County Airport–Briscoe Field (LZU) in Lawrenceville
• Silver Comet Field at Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport (PUJ) in Dallas, GA

Today, these are general aviation airports, serving private planes, corporate jets, flight schools, and charters. Some have been discussed as potential sites for limited commercial passenger service, but none currently function as full secondary commercial airports the way Midway or Love Field do.

2. Expanded Use of Existing Regional Airports

Instead of a big new ATL competitor, some people imagine smaller, niche commercial service from regional airports:

• Short‑haul flights to a few destinations
• Low‑cost carriers testing the market
• Seasonal or charter operations (sports travel, tour packages, etc.)

This model is more likely to appear first, because it requires less infrastructure and fewer policy changes than building a new major airport from scratch.

3. Backup and Relief Capacity for ATL

Another idea is not necessarily more airlines, but more operational flexibility:

• Emergency diversion capacity
• More options for general aviation to stay out of ATL’s airspace
• Better distribution of corporate/private jets away from Hartsfield–Jackson

This wouldn’t change most residents’ commercial flight options immediately but could improve reliability at ATL over time.

Pros: How a Second Airport Could Help Atlanta Flyers

From a consumer’s perspective, a second airport could offer real benefits if implemented thoughtfully.

More Choice and Possible Fare Competition

A second airport can create:

• Alternative airlines or routes that don’t operate at ATL
• More low‑cost carrier opportunities
• Potential fare pressure on certain routes if competitors enter the market

Many Atlanta travelers drive to other cities (like Birmingham, Chattanooga, or Greenville) for cheaper flights. A better‑utilized regional airport in metro Atlanta might reduce the need for those drives.

Convenience for Suburban Residents

Metro Atlanta is huge. If you live in:

• Cobb, Cherokee, Paulding, Bartow (northwest)
• Gwinnett, Hall, Barrow, Jackson (northeast)
• Fayette, Coweta, Henry, Rockdale (south and east suburbs)

…you may be 45 minutes to over an hour from Hartsfield–Jackson, especially in rush hour traffic.

Limited commercial service at a suburban airport could:

• Shorten drive times to the airport
• Make early‑morning or late‑night flights less stressful
• Provide options for short business trips without crossing the entire metro area

Resilience in Disruptions

When a storm hits ATL or a runway issue arises, thousands of passengers can be affected because so much traffic is concentrated in one place.

A second airport with some level of commercial or backup capability could:

• Offer more diversion options during severe weather
• Keep some flights operating if ATL faces a localized issue
• Reduce the chain‑reaction of cancellations and missed connections

Cons: Why a Second Airport Isn’t a Simple Fix

There are also reasons why Atlanta still effectively relies on one major airport.

The Hub Model Works Very Well at ATL

ATL is one of the world’s leading hub-and-spoke airports. Airlines concentrate flights there because:

• They can connect passengers efficiently across hundreds of destinations
• The airport’s design supports high volumes of takeoffs and landings
• A dominant carrier can maintain many nonstop routes

Splitting activity between multiple airports can:

• Reduce the number of convenient connections in one place
• Make some routes less viable financially if traffic is diluted
• Increase complexity for travelers connecting through Atlanta

For people changing planes in Atlanta, spreading flights over two airports could be a major inconvenience.

Cost and Community Impact

Building or upgrading an airport for commercial service can involve:

• Major infrastructure investment (terminals, parking, access roads, rail, security)
• Changes in noise patterns over residential neighborhoods
• New traffic burdens on local roads and interchanges

Communities near PDK, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Paulding airports have actively debated these issues. Some residents value current airport activity but oppose large‑scale commercial expansion due to noise and traffic concerns.

Airline Willingness to Use a Second Airport

Even if an airport is upgraded, commercial airlines must still decide to operate there. They typically consider:

• Demand in the airport’s immediate catchment area
• Whether the second airport competes with or complements ATL
• Gate availability and costs at Hartsfield–Jackson
• Ground transportation links and parking

Without committed airline partners, a second airport can end up underused, which provides little benefit to everyday travelers.

Where Could a Second Airport Realistically Emerge?

While there is no officially designated “second Atlanta airport” for commercial passengers right now, it helps to understand what exists in the region and how each facility is currently used.

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Location: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Type: Primary commercial airport
• Who uses it: Almost all scheduled passenger airline service into and out of Atlanta

For the foreseeable future, ATL remains the main gateway. Any second airport would almost certainly be supplemental, not a replacement.

DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK)

• Location: 2000 Airport Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341
• Current role: Major general aviation airport (corporate jets, flight schools, private planes)
• Pros as a candidate:
  • Close to Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee, and north I‑285
  • Strong existing aviation infrastructure
• Challenges:
  • Surrounded by dense residential and commercial development
  • Community concerns about noise and traffic
  • Runway and space constraints for large‑scale commercial jets

PDK is more likely to continue as a high‑end general aviation and corporate airport rather than a large commercial passenger facility.

Cobb County International Airport–McCollum Field (RYY)

• Location: 1723 McCollum Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144
• Current role: General aviation, corporate aircraft
• Appeal to travelers: Could theoretically serve Cobb, Cherokee, Paulding, and north I‑75 corridor if limited commercial service ever occurred.

As of now, it remains non-commercial, but it’s an important piece of the region’s overall aviation footprint.

Gwinnett County Airport–Briscoe Field (LZU)

• Location: 800 Airport Rd, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
• Current role: General aviation
• History: There has been past discussion about limited commercial service, which raised strong neighborhood debate.

For residents in Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Buford, and surrounding areas, this is often cited as the northeast metro’s logical candidate if commercial service were ever reconsidered.

Silver Comet Field at Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport (PUJ)

• Location: 730 Airport Pkwy, Dallas, GA 30157
• Current role: General aviation, some charter and specialized operations
• Background: Efforts to introduce commercial passenger service have led to legal and political disputes, particularly involving local officials and aviation stakeholders.

This airport shows how complicated the political, legal, and community side of a second airport can be in metro Atlanta.

How a Second Airport Could Change Daily Life for Atlantan Travelers

If one of these airports eventually offered regular commercial flights (even on a small scale), here’s how it might affect you.

For Residents

You might gain:

• Shorter trips to the airport if you live nearby
• More point‑to‑point flights to select cities
• Potential alternatives for weekend trips or short business travel

But you’d also want to factor in:

• Whether your favorite airline or loyalty program serves that airport
• How ground transportation compares (MARTA and ATL SkyTrain vs. driving and parking only)
• Flight frequency – secondary airports usually start with limited daily flights

For Visitors

Out‑of‑town visitors to Atlanta would likely continue to use ATL as the main gateway, especially if:

• They’re connecting from another flight
• They’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near the airport
• They need the broadest choice of flights and times

A second airport might appeal to repeat visitors with specific destinations, like the northwest suburbs, Lake Lanier area, or tech corridors along GA‑400, if nonstop flights become available there.

For Businesses

Metro Atlanta businesses might see:

• More options for corporate charters and private aviation at suburban airports
• Potentially easier access for visiting clients if regional flights expand
• Concerns about noise and traffic near business parks close to candidate airports

Some companies already weigh airport proximity when choosing office locations in Cobb, Gwinnett, and other counties.

What You Can Do Now as an Atlanta Traveler

While the “second airport” question continues to be debated, here are practical steps you can take today.

1. Use ATL Strategically

To make Hartsfield–Jackson work better for you:

• Arrive earlier for peak travel times (holidays, Mondays, Fridays, early morning)
• Consider CLEAR, TSA PreCheck, or Global Entry if you fly frequently
• Use MARTA to skip parking and traffic when it makes sense
• Park in off‑airport lots or use rideshare to reduce terminal congestion

2. Watch for Alternative Airport Options

Some airline and charter services may occasionally:

• Offer seasonal or one‑off flights from regional airports
• Run charter packages for sports events, conferences, or group travel
• Test new routes from nearby cities (e.g., Birmingham, Chattanooga, Macon, Columbus)

If you live in metro Atlanta, it can be worth:

• Checking whether a drivable regional airport offers better timing or price for your trip
• Signing up for airline or local airport newsletters to hear about new routes

3. Consider Ground Alternatives for Regional Trips

For some trips from Atlanta, you may not need a plane at all. For example:

• Savannah, Charleston, Birmingham, Nashville, Charlotte, and Jacksonville are all drivable from Atlanta
• Intercity buses and trains can sometimes offer convenient schedules without airport hassles

If ATL feels overwhelming for a short regional trip, it can be practical to compare total door‑to‑door time, not just flight time.

4. Stay Informed and Involved Locally

If you live near PDK, RYY, LZU, or PUJ and care about the second airport debate:

• Follow updates from your county commission or city council
• Check public notices from:
  • DeKalb–Peachtree Airport Administration
  • Cobb County Department of Transportation (for McCollum)
  • Gwinnett County Department of Transportation
  • Paulding County Airport Authority
• Attend community meetings when airport expansion or noise issues are on the agenda

Public feedback often shapes what kind of airport activity is allowed and how it is managed.

Quick Comparison: Atlanta’s Main and Candidate Airports

So, Does Atlanta “Need” a Second Airport?

From a traveler’s perspective, a well-designed second airport could:

• Provide more convenience for certain suburbs
• Support more competition and choice on select routes
• Make the region’s air system more resilient in disruptions

From a regional planning and economic standpoint, however, the issue is more complex. Any move toward significant commercial service at another airport would have to balance:

• The efficiency and strength of ATL as a hub
• Community concerns about noise, traffic, and land use
• The willingness of airlines to operate and invest in new facilities

For now, the reality in Atlanta is:

• Hartsfield–Jackson remains the primary and overwhelmingly dominant passenger airport.
• Nearby general aviation airports play a key support role but do not currently offer regular commercial airline service.
• Discussions about a second airport are ongoing in various forms, especially at the county and community level around existing airfields.

If you live in or travel through Atlanta, the best strategy today is to optimize how you use ATL, keep an eye on new route announcements, and stay engaged locally if a nearby airport is part of your daily environment.