Dekalb–Peachtree Airport in Atlanta: What Locals and Visitors Need to Know

When people in metro Atlanta search for “Dekalb Airport Atlanta,” they’re almost always talking about Dekalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK) in Chamblee. It’s Atlanta’s major general aviation airport and a busy hub for private flights, charters, flight training, and aviation businesses just outside the city.

If you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or are comparing it with Hartsfield–Jackson, this guide walks through how Dekalb–Peachtree Airport works, what it’s used for, and how it may (or may not) fit your travel plans.

What Is Dekalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK)?

Dekalb–Peachtree Airport is a public general aviation airport located in Chamblee, in north DeKalb County, just northeast of Buckhead.

• Full name: Dekalb–Peachtree Airport
• Common name: “PDK”
• Code: PDK
• Owner/Operator: DeKalb County
• Primary use: General aviation (private planes, corporate jets, charters, flight schools)

Unlike Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), which handles almost all of the region’s commercial airline flights, Dekalb–Peachtree focuses on non-airline aviation: business jets, private aircraft, air taxi/charter, medical flights, and training.

For many people in Atlanta, PDK is the airport you:

• See when you’re driving along Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
• Hear when low-flying corporate jets pass over Chamblee, Brookhaven, or Doraville
• Visit for flight training, sightseeing flights, or aviation-related business

Where Is Dekalb–Peachtree Airport Located?

Dekalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK) sits in north DeKalb County, just inside the I‑285 Perimeter.

Basic location details:

• Area: Chamblee / Brookhaven area
• Nearby roads:
  • Peachtree Industrial Boulevard (GA‑141)
  • Clairmont Road
  • I‑85 and I‑285 are both reasonably close
• Approximate distance from Midtown Atlanta: About 10–12 miles northeast, depending on your route

PDK’s location makes it especially convenient if you’re coming from or going to:

• Buckhead
• Brookhaven
• Chamblee
• Dunwoody
• Doraville
• Peachtree Corners / Norcross

For many corporate and private travelers based in north Atlanta, this location is a major reason to use PDK instead of fighting traffic all the way to Hartsfield–Jackson on the south side.

PDK vs. Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL): Which Airport Do You Need?

If you’re searching “Dekalb Airport Atlanta” because you’re planning a trip, it’s important to understand the difference between PDK and ATL.

If you’re flying on Delta, Southwest, Spirit, United, or any other airline, you’ll be using Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL), not Dekalb–Peachtree Airport.

PDK is the right place if you are:

• Boarding a private or corporate aircraft
• Using an air charter or air taxi service that operates from PDK
• Learning to fly or renting a plane from a flight school based there
• Visiting an aviation business, maintenance facility, or hangar at the airport
• Attending an aviation event hosted at PDK

What Happens at Dekalb–Peachtree Airport?

Even though it’s not a big commercial airline hub, PDK stays very active. Locals sometimes are surprised by how much happens there.

Common types of flights at PDK

• Corporate and business jets
  Many companies headquartered in or visiting Atlanta use PDK for faster access to north Atlanta offices and neighborhoods.

• Private aircraft
  Individual owners base their planes at PDK in hangars or on tiedown spots.

• Air charter and air taxi services
  On-demand flights for business, leisure, or sports teams often depart from PDK.

• Medical and emergency flights
  Air ambulance and some public safety flights may operate out of PDK.

• Flight training and instruction
  Several flight schools at PDK offer private pilot training, instrument ratings, and more advanced courses.

• Scenic and introductory flights
  Sightseeing flights over Atlanta and “discovery flights” for aspiring pilots are often offered from PDK.

Airport facilities and businesses

While it doesn’t have a typical passenger terminal like ATL, PDK does have:

• Fixed-base operators (FBOs) that handle:

  • Fuel
  • Ground handling
  • Pilot and passenger lounges
  • Car arrangements and other services

• Maintenance and repair shops for propeller and jet aircraft

• Hangars and aircraft storage for based customers

• Flight schools and training centers

If you’re visiting for the first time, you usually enter the airport area through roads off Clairmont Road or Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, then follow signage to the specific FBO, flight school, or hangar you need.

Can Regular Passengers Use PDK Instead of ATL?

Most Atlanta residents wondering if they can “fly out of Dekalb Airport instead of Hartsfield” need to keep a few key points in mind:

• No regular airline service: You cannot buy standard airline tickets in or out of PDK.
• Charter and private only: To depart from PDK, you must be booked on a charter flight, air taxi, corporate plane, or private aircraft.
• Different cost structure: Travel from PDK usually costs more per passenger than commercial airlines, since it’s tailored, on-demand service.

However, for people who:

• Value time savings
• Need flexible schedules
• Prefer smaller crowds and direct flights to smaller airports

Dekalb–Peachtree Airport can be a practical alternative, especially if they live or work in north Atlanta.

Getting To and From Dekalb–Peachtree Airport

Driving and parking

PDK is car-friendly. Most visitors:

• Drive via Clairmont Road, Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, or nearby surface streets
• Park in designated lots connected to their specific FBO, flight school, or business

Because PDK is split into multiple operational areas, it’s best to:

• Ask your flight provider, FBO, or school for the exact entrance and parking details
• Allow a little extra time on your first visit to find the correct gate or building

Rideshare and taxis

Rideshare services and taxi companies in Atlanta generally serve the PDK area. If you’re being picked up or dropped off:

• Confirm the exact building or FBO name
• Use that specific address in the rideshare app so drivers can find you more easily

Public transit

Dekalb–Peachtree is near MARTA rail and bus routes, but usually still requires a short rideshare, taxi, or walk:

• Chamblee MARTA Station (Gold Line): The nearest rail station
• From there, people often use rideshare or a short taxi ride to reach the airport’s entrance area

If you plan to use MARTA, check current bus connections around Clairmont Road and Peachtree Industrial to see if any routes align with your timing and destination on the airport grounds.

Noise and Neighborhood Considerations Around PDK

If you live in Chamblee, Brookhaven, Doraville, or nearby neighborhoods, you may be curious about how PDK handles aircraft noise and neighborhood concerns.

Common points residents pay attention to:

• Arrival and departure paths: Certain neighborhoods lie under primary approach or departure routes, leading to more frequent overhead aircraft.
• Time-of-day activity: Business jet operations often peak during weekday mornings and afternoons; training flights may be more noticeable during daylight hours.

Dekalb–Peachtree Airport typically has:

• A noise management program or community outreach process
• Established flight procedures that attempt to balance safety, efficiency, and neighborhood impact

Residents sometimes:

• Reach out to DeKalb County or the airport’s administration office for information about noise abatement procedures
• Attend public meetings when major airport planning or runway changes are under discussion

If you’re considering moving into a neighborhood near PDK, it can be helpful to:

• Spend some time in the area at different times of day
• Talk with local residents about their experience with aircraft noise

Using Dekalb–Peachtree Airport for Flight Training

Many people in Atlanta choose PDK for learning to fly because of its:

• Proximity to central and north Atlanta
• Multiple flight schools and instructors
• Real-world, busy air traffic environment that builds strong communication skills

If you’re exploring flight training at PDK, you’ll typically:

1. Contact a flight school based at the airport to ask about discovery flights and training programs.
2. Schedule an introductory flight, where you get a brief lesson and time at the controls under an instructor’s supervision.
3. Discuss costs, training schedules, and aircraft types if you decide to continue.

Training at PDK exposes student pilots to:

• Tower-controlled operations
• Working with air traffic control and other aircraft in a busy area
• Practical cross-country flight options to nearby airports in Georgia and the Southeast

This environment can be demanding but also very valuable for building skills that apply well beyond Atlanta.

Aviation Spotting and Visiting PDK for Fun

Some Atlanta-area residents visit Dekalb–Peachtree Airport just to:

• Watch planes take off and land
• Observe corporate jets and training aircraft
• Introduce kids or friends to aviation in a more relaxed setting than a large airline terminal

If you go as a casual visitor:

• Use publicly accessible areas and parking lots
• Respect posted signs, gates, and security perimeters
• Stay off the runways, taxiways, and restricted zones

Because there is active aircraft movement, it’s important to follow any posted rules and keep a safe distance from operational areas unless you are escorted by airport or business staff.

When Dekalb–Peachtree Airport Might Matter to You

Even if you normally just fly out of Hartsfield–Jackson, PDK can still be relevant if you:

• Work for a company that uses corporate aviation
• Need to arrange on-demand air travel for a small group
• Are interested in learning to fly or becoming a professional pilot
• Live near Chamblee, Brookhaven, Doraville, or north DeKalb and want to understand the aircraft activity you see and hear
• Are coordinating medical or time-sensitive travel that may involve air ambulance services

Understanding that Dekalb–Peachtree Airport is Atlanta’s primary general aviation airport—not a second airline hub—helps you pick the right airport for your needs and navigate aviation in the Atlanta area more confidently.