Atlanta Private Airports: Where to Land, What to Expect, and How It Works

If you’re looking for an Atlanta private airport for business aviation, charter flights, or your own aircraft, you actually have several options in and around the metro area. Atlanta is one of the busiest aviation hubs in the world, and a lot of that activity happens outside Hartsfield-Jackson’s commercial terminals.

This guide focuses on how private flying works in Atlanta, which airports are most commonly used, and what locals and visitors should know before they book or land.

What People Mean by “Atlanta Private Airport”

In everyday use, “Atlanta private airport” usually refers to:

• An airport that handles private, business, or charter flights (not the airlines you see at Hartsfield-Jackson’s main terminals).
• A general aviation field with FBOs (Fixed-Base Operators) offering services like fueling, hangars, lounges, and ground transportation.
• A less crowded, more flexible alternative to major commercial terminals.

In the Atlanta area, this includes:

• General aviation sides of big airports (like the private aviation side of Hartsfield-Jackson).
• Smaller regional airports in nearby suburbs that primarily serve private aircraft.

There are also a few private-use or restricted-use airstrips in Georgia, but most travelers and business flyers use public airports with private aviation services.

Main Private & General Aviation Airports in the Atlanta Area

Here’s a quick comparison of the most commonly used Atlanta-area airports for private and business aviation.

Distances are approximate and depend on traffic, but this table gives a sense of how close each “private airport” option is to central Atlanta.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – Private Aviation Side

Most people know Hartsfield-Jackson as the huge commercial airport, but it also supports general aviation and private jets through specialized facilities separate from the airline terminals.

Location:
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

Why consider ATL for private flights?

• Closest major airport to downtown Atlanta (often 15–25 minutes in light traffic).
• Ideal for international connections or trips that need large, long-range jets.
• Full 24/7 operations, long runways, and extensive air traffic services.

Things to keep in mind

• Airspace is busy, so you’re working within the same controlled environment as the airlines.
• Landing and handling fees can be higher than at smaller airports.
• Ground transportation to downtown is easy, but you’re navigating a large, complex facility.

For many corporate and international travelers, ATL’s private aviation facilities are the default choice when they need maximum connectivity and don’t mind the big-airport atmosphere.

DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK): The Core Business Aviation Hub

For many Atlanta locals, when they say “private airport,” they mean DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK).

Location:
2000 Airport Rd
Atlanta, GA 30341 (near Chamblee/Doraville)

Why PDK is so popular for private aviation

• Very close to Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee, and the Perimeter area (I‑285).
• One of the busiest general aviation airports in the region, built around business aviation.
• Multiple FBOs, hangars, maintenance providers, and charter companies on the field.
• Corporate flight departments and charter jets frequently base here.

Typical uses

• Business trips into Atlanta’s north side.
• Charter flights for sports teams, entertainment, or high-net-worth travelers.
• Flight training and personal aircraft operations.

If your destination is northern Atlanta, Buckhead business district, or Perimeter Center, PDK is often the most time-efficient private aviation choice.

Fulton County Airport – Brown Field (FTY): West Atlanta Access

Fulton County Airport – Brown Field serves as another convenient private and business aviation option, especially if you’re heading to or from west Atlanta.

Location:
3952 Aviation Cir NW
Atlanta, GA 30336

Why travelers choose FTY

• Easy access to Downtown Atlanta, Westside, and West Midtown, often with less congestion on the ground than ATL.
• Frequently used by government, corporate, and charter operators.
• Equipped to handle a range of business jets and turboprops.

When FTY makes sense

• Your destination is in west Atlanta, downtown, or near the I‑20 / I‑285 west interchange.
• You prefer a smaller, dedicated general aviation field over the intensity of Hartsfield-Jackson.

Cobb County International Airport – McCollum Field (RYY)

If your focus is on northwest metro Atlanta, Cobb County International Airport – McCollum Field is a strong general aviation and business option.

Location:
1723 McCollum Pkwy NW
Kennesaw, GA 30144

Who typically uses RYY

• Travelers with business or homes in Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth, West Cobb, or northwestern suburbs.
• Owners of based aircraft who live in Cobb County.
• Business aviation flights that want to avoid Atlanta’s core traffic.

Benefits

• Less airspace congestion compared to ATL.
• Good facilities for hangaring and maintenance of private aircraft.
• Reasonable drive to Cumberland, The Battery Atlanta, and Truist Park via I‑75.

Gwinnett County Airport – Briscoe Field (LZU)

For those centered in northeast metro Atlanta, Gwinnett County Airport – Briscoe Field is a key general aviation option.

Location:
600 Briscoe Blvd
Lawrenceville, GA 30046

Use cases

• Private owners and charter flights serving Lawrenceville, Duluth, Suwanee, Buford, and surrounding areas.
• Travelers who want to stay out of Atlanta’s central traffic and land closer to home or work.

LZU is farther from downtown but can be more convenient for people whose entire trip is focused in Gwinnett County.

Choosing the Right Atlanta Private Airport for Your Trip

When deciding which Atlanta-area airport to use for a private or charter flight, consider:

1. Where you actually need to be

• Downtown / Midtown: ATL (private side) or FTY are common. PDK is also workable if you’re heading to Midtown or Buckhead.
• Buckhead / Brookhaven / Perimeter: PDK usually wins on convenience.
• Westside / Near I‑20 West: FTY is typically closer and easier.
• Northwest suburbs (Marietta, Kennesaw): RYY is often the best choice.
• Northeast suburbs (Gwinnett County): LZU is closest to many residential and business areas.

2. Flight type and aircraft

• Long-range or international business jets: ATL or PDK are typical choices due to runway length and available services.
• Regional charter or turboprop flights: PDK, FTY, RYY, and LZU all see this traffic.
• Owner-flown single engine or light twin: Any of the general aviation airports work, depending on where you’re based or visiting.

3. Cost and fees

Different airports and FBOs may have:

• Different landing, ramp, and handling fees
• Varying fuel prices
• Overnight parking or hangar charges

Many travelers compare time savings vs. cost: a small premium at a more convenient airport can be worth it if it saves an hour in traffic each way.

4. Ground transportation

Consider how you’ll get from the airport to your final destination:

• Car service or rideshare is common at all major Atlanta GA airports.
• Some FBOs can arrange rental cars or car services and have them waiting planeside.
• If you’re new to Atlanta, ask the FBO which routes avoid the worst traffic for your arrival time.

Private Charter Flights in Atlanta: What to Expect

If you don’t own an aircraft, you may be looking at on-demand charter air travel.

In Atlanta, charter flights typically operate out of:

• PDK – the main hub for many charter operators.
• ATL (private side) – often used for high-end or large-jet charter.
• FTY, RYY, and LZU – for trips tailored to where you live or work.

Typical charter process in Atlanta

1. Choose your departure airport based on your location and schedule.
2. Book with a charter provider (they will advise which local airport works best).
3. Arrive at the FBO, not the main airline terminal.
4. Go through any necessary security or ID checks as directed.
5. Board directly from the FBO to the aircraft.

This process is usually much faster and more streamlined than commercial travel, especially in a busy hub city like Atlanta.

Flying Your Own Aircraft Into Atlanta

If you’re a pilot flying into Atlanta in your own plane:

• Study the airspace:
  Atlanta’s Class B airspace is complex and heavily used. Know arrival and departure procedures for ATL and nearby airports.
• Check noise abatement and local procedures:
  PDK, FTY, RYY, LZU, and others may have preferred noise abatement routes or limitations, especially near residential areas.
• Coordinate with FBOs in advance:
  If you need hangar space, maintenance, or fuel, calling ahead can help you secure services and parking.
• Plan ground transportation:
  Arrange a rental car, rideshare pickup, or courtesy transport if offered by the FBO.

For many GA pilots, PDK, FTY, RYY, and LZU are more relaxed and approachable than operating into ATL’s primary airspace.

Key Tips for Using a Private Airport in Atlanta

• Pick your airport based on your final destination, not just the city name “Atlanta.”
• Ask your charter provider or FBO which local field is best for your schedule and aircraft.
• Factor in traffic: A 10-mile drive in Atlanta can take very different amounts of time depending on the time of day and direction.
• Confirm services ahead of time: Hangar space, fuel type (Jet A vs. Avgas), and any special handling you need.
• Have a backup plan in bad weather: Atlanta’s summer thunderstorms and winter low ceilings can affect operations; ask how diversions are handled.

Quick Reference: Which Atlanta Private Airport Fits You?

• Need fast access to Downtown/Midtown and global connectivity?
  ➤ Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) – private aviation side.

• Staying or working in Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee, or Perimeter?
  ➤ DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK).

• Heading to Westside, West Midtown, or downtown from the west?
  ➤ Fulton County Airport – Brown Field (FTY).

• Based in or visiting Marietta, Kennesaw, or NW suburbs?
  ➤ Cobb County International – McCollum Field (RYY).

• Living or doing business in Gwinnett County / NE suburbs?
  ➤ Gwinnett County Airport – Briscoe Field (LZU).

Understanding these options makes it easier to match your private aviation needs with the right Atlanta-area airport, saving both time on the ground and hassle in the air.