Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport remains the world’s busiest airport, attracting millions of passengers annually. With 108.1 million passengers in 2024, averaging around 296,000 daily, the airport is steadily recovering from pandemic setbacks. However, traffic was still 2.2% lower compared to 2019. Let’s explore how Delta Air Lines’ key role, new destinations, and airline changes are impacting its recovery.
Delta Air Lines: A Key Player in Atlanta’s Recovery
Delta Air Lines, the leading airline at Atlanta, had a slow recovery in 2024. The carrier handled an average of 1,604 daily flights, a decline from 1,879 in 2019. Despite this, the airport’s recovery saw some support from new and returning airlines like Aeromexico, Avelo, Denver Air Connection, SAS, and Sun Country. Further expansion is expected with Etihad launching flights in 2025.
Unfortunately, Southwest Airlines, the airport’s second-largest airline, is cutting back its presence. Southwest plans only 111 daily movements in Q2 2025, down from 206 a year earlier, which could slow down recovery efforts.
New and Returning Destinations in 2024 and 2025
Atlanta’s flight network is expanding with 22 new or resumed destinations between 2024 and 2025. Of these, 163 are domestic and the rest are international, reflecting stronger global connectivity. Here’s a closer look at some of the notable destinations:
New or Resumed Flights to U.S. Destinations
- Bangor: Delta resumes service in June 2025 (last served in 2021)
- Burbank: Delta resumed in June 2024 (last served in 2020)
- Fresno: Delta added this as a new route in June 2024
- Rapid City: Delta resumes service in June 2025
- Santa Barbara: Delta added this as a new route in June 2024
- Tweed New Haven: Avelo began service in May 2024 (new destination)
New or Resumed International Flights
- Abu Dhabi: Etihad begins service in July 2025 (new destination)
- Brussels: Delta resumes service in June 2025
- Copenhagen: SAS resumed in June 2024
- Edmonton: WestJet began service in April 2024 (new destination)
- Naples, Italy: Delta begins service in May 2025 (new destination)
- Zurich: Delta resumed in May 2024
Growth in California Connections
California is Atlanta’s fifth-largest state by flight volume, with flights to 12 airports, matching the number from 2024. Key cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego play major roles in this connectivity.
Snapshot: California Flights (June 15-21, 2025)
During this week, there will be 376 flights departing to California, representing 5% of the airport’s domestic departures. Delta dominates with 313 of these flights, making it the most significant carrier in this market.
- Atlanta to Los Angeles: 18 daily take-offs (Delta 13, Spirit 3, American 1, Frontier 1)
- Atlanta to San Francisco: 11 daily take-offs (Delta 8, United 2, Frontier 1)
- Atlanta to San Diego: 8 daily take-offs (Delta 7, Alaska Airlines 1)
- Atlanta to Orange County: 26 weekly flights (Delta)
- Other routes to cities like Sacramento, Burbank, Fresno, and Santa Barbara are mostly served by Delta with daily operations.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite its steady recovery, Atlanta faces challenges, such as Southwest’s reduced presence and Delta’s slower growth. However, the addition of new international routes, including Abu Dhabi and Naples, is a positive sign of the airport’s expanding global role. Delta’s 2% increase in European services also highlights its efforts to grow internationally.
A Balancing Act Between Recovery and Growth
As Atlanta continues its recovery, it is clear that a mix of new routes, resumed destinations, and strategic partnerships will be essential for its success. Delta’s expansion into new destinations, coupled with the arrival of Etihad and other airlines, shows potential for further growth. Although domestic traffic recovery is slow, Atlanta’s expanding international reach may help it maintain its title as the world’s busiest airport.