Atlanta Regional Airports: Your Guide to Flying In and Out of Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is one of the busiest air travel hubs in the world, but for travelers and residents, “Atlanta regional airport” can mean more than just the main international gateway. In and around the Atlanta metro area, there are several airports that serve different types of travelers, from major airline passengers to private pilots and business charter flights.

This guide walks you through the key airports that serve the Atlanta region, how they’re used, and what you should know when choosing the best option for your trip.

The Major Airport Serving the Atlanta Region

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Most people searching for “Atlanta regional airport” are actually looking for Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the primary commercial airport serving the city and surrounding region.

Location:
6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
South of downtown Atlanta, just off I‑85.

What it is:

• The main passenger airport for Atlanta and the entire metro area
• A major hub for domestic and international flights
• The airport most visitors and residents will use for regular airline travel

Key things to know:

• Terminals: ATL is organized as Domestic (North and South) and International (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal), with concourses A–F and T connected by the Plane Train.
• Ground transportation:
  • MARTA rail service from the Airport Station (at the Domestic Terminal) to downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead
  • Rideshares, taxis, shuttles, and rental cars are widely available
  • Easy access to I‑75, I‑85, and I‑285
• Parking: Multiple options including hourly decks, daily parking, economy lots, and off-site private lots nearby.

If you’re flying on a commercial airline to or from Atlanta, you will almost always be using ATL.

Regional & General Aviation Airports Around Atlanta

Beyond Hartsfield–Jackson, the Atlanta area is served by several regional and general aviation airports. These are especially important for:

• Private pilots
• Corporate and charter flights
• Flight training and aviation schools
• Air cargo and specialized aviation services

These airports typically do not offer scheduled major airline service but are very relevant if you’re arranging private travel, learning to fly, or trying to avoid ATL’s congestion.

Quick Comparison of Major Atlanta-Area Regional Airports

*Distances are approximate driving distances
**Note: This is the only facility actually named “Atlanta Regional Airport” in the area.

Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field (FFC)

When someone searches for “Atlanta Regional Airport” specifically, they are often referring to:

Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field (FFC)
700 Airport Rd, Peachtree City, GA 30269
Located in Peachtree City, on the south side of the Atlanta metro area.

This is a public general aviation airport, not a commercial airline airport like ATL.

What Atlanta Regional Airport (FFC) Is Used For

Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field is designed mainly for:

• Private aircraft operations
• Corporate/business jets
• Charter flights (on-demand aviation, not airline schedules)
• Flight training and aviation-related businesses
• Aircraft maintenance and hangar space

You typically will not find major commercial airlines (like Delta, American, or United) operating scheduled flights from FFC.

Who Typically Uses FFC

FFC is popular with:

• Local business travelers who fly on corporate or charter aircraft
• Private pilots based in the south metro area
• Aviation enthusiasts attending events or training
• Visitors to Peachtree City, Fayetteville, Newnan, and nearby communities who arrive by private plane

If you live in south metro Atlanta and are arranging private or charter air travel, you may be routed through Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field rather than Hartsfield–Jackson.

What You’ll Find at FFC

Services often available at Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field include:

• Runways and taxiways suitable for many types of small and midsize aircraft
• Fixed-base operators (FBOs) offering:
  • Fuel
  • Pilot lounges and rest areas
  • Flight planning facilities
  • Ground handling and aircraft services
• Aircraft hangars and tie-downs
• Car rentals or local transportation connections (often arranged through FBOs)
• Nearby hotels and restaurants in Peachtree City

If you have a specific business, training program, or charter operator in mind, it’s best to contact them directly for the latest service details.

Other Key Regional Airports Around Atlanta

If your goal is simply to avoid ATL or to understand all your options in the Atlanta area, these other airports may also be relevant.

DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK)

Location:
2000 Airport Rd, Atlanta, GA 30341 (Chamblee, north of the city)

Highlights:

• One of the busiest general aviation airports in Georgia
• Popular with business jets, charters, and private pilots
• Convenient to Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody, and north Atlanta suburbs
• Multiple FBOs, maintenance shops, and flight schools

PDK is often considered the primary “business airport” for the north side of Atlanta.

Fulton County Airport – Brown Field (FTY)

Location:
3952 Aviation Cir NW, Atlanta, GA 30336
West of downtown, near I‑20 and I‑285.

Highlights:

• Serves corporate and general aviation
• Convenient to downtown Atlanta, West Midtown, and Cobb County’s south side
• Used frequently for charter flights for business, sports teams, and entertainment industry travel

For many in central and west Atlanta looking for a non-commercial airport, FTY is a common choice.

Cobb County International Airport – McCollum Field (RYY)

Location:
1723 McCollum Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144

Highlights:

• Serves Cobb County and the northwest Atlanta suburbs
• Supports both general aviation and corporate operations
• Used by businesses in Marietta, Kennesaw, and Acworth

This is often the preferred field for private travel connected to northwest metro Atlanta.

Choosing the Right Atlanta-Area Airport for Your Needs

When you’re in or traveling to Atlanta, your best airport choice depends on your type of travel and where you’re going.

1. For Most Airline Passengers

Use Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) if:

• You’re flying on a major airline
• You need a domestic or international scheduled flight
• You want easy public transit access via MARTA
• You’re visiting downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or the airport area

ATL is the default choice for nearly all commercial air travelers.

2. For Private or Charter Flights

Consider Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field (FFC) or one of the other general aviation airports if:

• You are chartering a private aircraft
• You fly a private plane or are traveling with someone who does
• You want to be closer to a specific suburb or region of metro Atlanta

A simplified guide:

• South metro (Peachtree City, Fayetteville, Newnan):
  → Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field (FFC)
• North metro (Chamblee, Brookhaven, Dunwoody):
  → DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK)
• West/central (near downtown, Westside, west suburbs):
  → Fulton County Airport – Brown Field (FTY)
• Northwest (Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth):
  → Cobb County International Airport – McCollum (RYY)

3. For Learning to Fly or Aviation Careers

If you live in Atlanta and are interested in flight training or aviation careers, regional airports are often better suited than ATL.

You’ll often find:

• Flight schools and instructors
• Aircraft rental for training or recreational flying
• Aviation maintenance and support businesses

Common airports used for training in the region include:

• Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field (FFC)
• DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK)
• Cobb County International (RYY)
• Other smaller general aviation fields further out from downtown

Contacting the airport administration office or searching locally for flight schools at each airport can give you current options.

Practical Tips for Using Atlanta Regional Airports

Here are a few ways to make your experience smoother, whether you’re using FFC or another area airport:

• Confirm which airport your flight uses.
  Private charters and air taxi services in Atlanta may depart from FFC, PDK, FTY, RYY, or ATL. Always double-check the airport code (e.g., FFC vs. ATL) before heading out.

• Plan ground transportation in advance.
  Regional airports often have fewer on-site transportation options than ATL. You may need to:

  • Arrange a rental car in advance
  • Confirm rideshare availability
  • Coordinate with your charter operator or FBO for pickup

• Allow time to navigate unfamiliar areas.
  Even though regional airports are smaller, they can be located in busy commercial or industrial zones. Building in extra time helps avoid stress.

• Check operating hours.
  While runways may be open 24/7, certain FBOs, fuel services, or terminal facilities may have specific hours.

• Ask about security procedures.
  General aviation airports have different security and check-in practices than major airline terminals. Your operator or FBO can explain what to expect.

When “Atlanta Regional Airport” Means Falcon Field vs. the Atlanta Region

The phrase “Atlanta regional airport” can be confusing because it can mean two slightly different things:

1. A specific airport:
   Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field (FFC) in Peachtree City.

   • A general aviation airport serving the south metro Atlanta area.

2. Any airport serving the Atlanta region:
   Informally, people may use “Atlanta regional airports” to describe the network of airports in and around Atlanta, including:

   • Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL) – main commercial hub
   • PDK, FTY, RYY, FFC, and others – general and business aviation

If you are booking a trip or arranging a pickup, clarify whether someone means the specific facility at Falcon Field or just “an airport in the Atlanta region” in general.

How to Decide Your Next Step

If you:

• Live in Atlanta and are flying on a regular airline → Look at flights from ATL.
• Need to charter a private jet or small aircraft → Ask the operator which airport they use; many will recommend FFC, PDK, FTY, or RYY depending on your location.
• Are visiting Peachtree City or southern suburbs by private plane → Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field (FFC) is likely your closest and most convenient option.
• Are exploring aviation training or careers → Contact flight schools or aviation businesses based at FFC, PDK, RYY, or other nearby general aviation airports.

Understanding the difference between Hartsfield–Jackson and the various regional airports, including Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field, will help you pick the right airport for your needs in and around Atlanta, Georgia.