‍ATLANTA – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) teams have completed Phase 1 of the Concourse D Widening Project. This accelerated effort allowed the airport to reopen six gates by September 5, the target date.

In three months, the Department of Aviation constructed 21,000 square feet of additional space in Concourse D, designed to accommodate newer Aircraft Design Group (ADG) III models, including the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A321neo aircraft. All work was conducted behind barriers to minimize disruptions, maintaining smooth operations at the world’s busiest airport.

ATL's Senior Deputy General Manager of Infrastructure, Frank Rucker, commended the collaborative effort of all stakeholders and highlighted the project's significance. Assistant General Manager of Planning and Development, Tom Nissalke, also praised the teamwork that made Phase 1 a success, noting that the focus is now on completing Phase 2 while maintaining airport operations efficiently.

The new gates were turned over to Delta Air Lines (DL) early this morning, with the first flights scheduled for later today.

 Additional facts about Concourse D Widening Phase 1:

• Approximately 200 tradespeople worked daily on-site.
• Each of the six new gates can now handle up to 190 passengers per flight.
• The final finishes and ceiling will be installed in future phases.
• Phase 2 of the project is underway, with the following five modules being constructed at the Modular Yard. The modules are expected to be transported to Concourse D in January 2025. Phase 2 will be completed by the end of 2025.
• Work at Concourse D for Phase 2 will begin Sept. 6, when seven existing ADG II gates will be closed. This will allow teams to begin the necessary foundation and civil work.

In addition to D Widening, construction projects in and around ATL are slated for the coming months.

Featured image: Workers at ATL put the finishing touches on holdrooms on Sept. 4 to complete Phase 1 of the Airport’s Concourse D Widening Project, which added six new gates. The first three gates are in use today, with the remaining three to follow on Sept. 6.