ATLANTA AIRPORT IN THE LATE 1970s
The late 1970s were a time of rapid change and growth at Atlanta's Hartsfield International Airport. The passage of the Airline Deregulation Act in 1978 was followed by an influx of new airlines, the departure of United and TWA, and airlines adding and dropping routes at an unprecedented rate. Transatlantic flights began with Delta's non-stop service to London in April 1978, followed by the arrival of several European carriers.
A fantastic 1978 view of Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport showing Eastern's concourse B in the foreground. This was during Eastern's transition from the "white top" to bare metal color scheme. The addition to the concourse E rotunda at top right was the new international arrivals building, opened when Delta began service to London in April 1978. Photo credit: Atlanta History Center.
A fantastic 1978 view of Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport showing Eastern's concourse B in the foreground. This was during Eastern's transition from the "white top" to bare metal color scheme. The addition to the concourse E rotunda at top right was the new international arrivals building, opened when Delta began service to London in April 1978. Photo credit: Atlanta History Center.
Circa 1977 aerial view showing the terminal at near peak capacity.
This pie chart shows the number of passengers boarded by major and local service airlines in 1977.
Not a parking spot to be found in this 1978 view of the crowded "Jet Age" terminal.
This photo from December 12, 1978 shows the midfield terminal taking shape at the center of the field and interstate I-85 relocated to the west to make room for the main terminal. Both crosswind runways have been partially removed and several east-west taxiways are under construction. The new north cargo building is at the northeast corner of the airport.
A close up of the terminal from December 12, 1978 shows Delta's remote parking ramp at top right. Several buildings between the terminal and Virginia Avenue, including the "Jetsons" Gulf station, had been demolished to create additional parking lots.
This map published by Eastern Air Lines shows the terminal layout in 1979.
A day in the life at ATL. This stunning February 1979 advertisement highlights the enormity of Delta's Atlanta operation by listing every daily departure in chronological order, each with a profile view of the appropriate aircraft type.
Late 1970s view of the Eastern ticket counter. From the Eastern Airlines Digital Collection.
An aerial shot facing north that highlights the crowded and chaotic conditions at the 1961 terminal.
A hazy morning view of a Delta DC-8-61 heading to the gate circa 1978.
Eastern Air Lines DC-9 "Whisperjet" at concourse B in 1978.
A DC-9-32 at one of the two TWA gates that Delta used on concourse D.
Here's a TWA Boeing 727 at concourse D, April 1978. TWA discontinued service to Atlanta on October 28, 1979 although they returned in the 1980s.
United Airlines 727 in the Saul Bass three-tone paint scheme introduced in 1974. United discontinued all service to Atlanta on October 28, 1979 (the same day as TWA) although they also returned in the early 1980s.
Southern Airways was the last major airline to fly the Martin 404 and operated them until April 30, 1978. N145S is pictured on the ramp with two of the new Swearingen Metroliner turboprops that would replace it.
Southern Airways introduced this modernized paint scheme in 1972. DC-9 N94S is shown at concourse C at Atlanta in 1978.
Piedmont 737s crammed into any available spot on the crowded ramp between concourses B and C.
Piedmont 727 at Atlanta in March 1979. Throughout the 1970s, Atlanta was Piedmont's busiest station with dozens of daily flights between Hartsfield, the Carolinas and the Virginias.
Southeastern Commuter Airlines operated this de Havilland Dove between Atlanta, Auburn, LaGrange and Tuskegee during 1977 - 1978. The airline replaced this aircraft with the slightly more streamlined Riley Dove model. This was taken at the commuter gate 35 on concourse D. Northwest Orient's second story addition to the end of the concourse can be seen in the background at right.
Circa 1977 view of Air South / Florida Air Lines DC-3 N4996E at gate 35. The airline flew between Atlanta and St. Simons Island at the time.
Air South Martin 404 N257S in the yellow and hot pink colors of its former owner Shawnee Airlines, pictured on the Atlanta ramp circa 1977.
