Hartsfield-Jackson still ‘world’s busiest airport’ in 2012

Airport makes history with record-breaking 95 million passengers, highest total for any aviation hub

ATLANTA – 2013-02-07 — /travelprnews.com/ — The numbers are in! For the 15th consecutive year, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has retained the title of world’s busiest airport. Aviation officials reported passenger traffic increased by more than 3.1 million passengers in 2012, making 2012 the busiest year ever for the Airport.

The 2012 total of 95.49 million passengers is 3.35 percent higher than the previous record of 92.39 million passengers, set in 2011. Aircraft operations (landings and takeoffs) increased by .68 percent – from 923,996 in 2011 to 930,310 in 2012. Domestic operations increased by .81 percent – from 855,215 to 862,101 in 2012.

“Hartsfield-Jackson remains the busiest airport in the world in terms of passengers and operations,” said Louis Miller, aviation general manager. “In addition to the airport amenities and services which appeal to many travelers, the city of Atlanta has established itself as an attractive environment in which to do business.”

Hartsfield-Jackson recently has been named the best U.S. airport for passengers searching for dining, amenities and business traveler services and for passengers with a connecting flight. That recognition is the result of Travel Leaders Group’s annual Travel Trends Survey.

The Airport’s annual air cargo decreased by 2.52 percent – from 663,162 in 2011 to 646,481metric tons in 2012. The cargo operations reflected a global decrease of consumer purchases and reduced manufacturing.

Passenger traffic in December increased by 3.19 percent over December 2011 – from 7.21 million to 7.44 million. Aircraft operations decreased slightly by .82 percent over the same period – from 74,513 to 73,899. Air cargo decreased by 5.05 percent over that period – from 57,095 to 54,212.

To view the full traffic report, go to www.atlanta-airport.com/Airport/ATL/operation_statistics.aspx.

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Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson is the world’s busiest airport, serving more than 95 million passengers annually with nonstop service to 160 U.S. destinations and nearly 70 international destinations in more than 45 countries. The Airport is a frequent recipient of awards of excellence for concessions, operations, architectural engineering and construction – including the 2011 Global and North American Airport Efficiency Excellence Award from the Air Transport Research Society (for more information, go to www.atrsworld.org). It is undergoing $6 billion-plus in capital improvements, which include a new, energy-efficient rental car center; a new, 12-gate international terminal (for more information, go to www.atlanta-airport.com/internationalterminal/; and aesthetic and functional upgrades to its concourses, people movers and parking services. For more information, go to www.atlanta-airport.com. Check out the Airport’s YouTube channel by visiting http://www.youtube.com/AtlantaHartsfield, and become a fan on Facebook.