For Immediate Release
February 24, 2026
Contact:
Office of Communications
(678) 920-0857
Hartsfield-Jackson to Unveil “Blue Skies: 100 Years of the Atlanta Airport” Exhibit
Centennial Exhibit Celebrates a Century of Aviation History in Atlanta
THIS EVENT IS POST-SECURITY. SEE BELOW FOR RSVP DETAILS.
ATLANTA – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will officially unveil “Blue Skies: 100 Years of the Atlanta Airport,” a new permanent exhibit highlighting the Airport’s century-long evolution from its first commercial flight in 1926 to its position as the world’s busiest airport.
The exhibit explores major milestones including the growth of Delta Air Lines, the Airport’s role during the Civil Rights Movement, the launch of Atlanta’s first nonstop international flight, its rise to the world’s busiest airport in 1998, the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, and the Airport’s ongoing expansion and modernization.
Featured artifacts include historic airline uniforms and signage, a large-scale model of a Pitcairn Mailwing airmail plane, and an original rotating beacon once mounted atop Atlanta’s control tower.
WHO: The Honorable Andre Dickens, 61st Mayor, City of Atlanta
Ricky Smith, Airport General Manager, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Sheffield Hale, CEO, Atlanta History Center
Gary Super, Exhibit Designer
WHAT: Unveiling of “Blue Skies: 100 Years of the Atlanta Airport” Exhibit
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 26
12:30 p.m.
Media arrival: 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal
2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Boulevard
Atlanta, GA 30354
NOTE FOR MEDIA: This event is post-security at the International Terminal, attending media must RSVP with full name and date of birth, as it appears on government their issued ID, to media@atl.com by noon Wednesday, Feb. 25.
DAY OF EVENT: Please arrive by noon on Feb. 26 near the portrait of Maynard H. Jackson in the International Atrium. If media parking is full, please park in the International Parking deck. Parking will be complimentary.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
ATL is the first airport in history to serve more than 100 million passengers in one year and continues to top passenger totals worldwide. The Airport boasts an annual direct economic impact of $66 billion in the state. A frequent recipient of awards of excellence, ATL is recognized for its leadership in concessions, operations, sustainability, architectural engineering and construction. For more information visit www.atl.com.
