The new Maynard Holbrook Jackson Jr. International Terminal at Atlanta’s airport is seen reflected in a window. The new $1.4 billion international terminal at the world’s busiest airport is designed to help Atlanta grab a growing share of the lucrative market for global travelers.ATLANTA — The new $1.4 billion international terminal at the world’s busiest airport will be a sleek launching pad for millions of passengers that’s designed to help Atlanta grab a growing share of the lucrative market for global travelers.
Its wavy lines, expansive windows and eye-catching artwork offer a stark contrast to the boxy design of the rest of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Airport managers are already expecting an increase in international travelers over the next decade, and they hope the terminal set to open May 16 will convince airlines to route even more of their overseas flights through the city.
“This is America’s new global gateway. It gives international passengers their own facility, and it creates a new front door for the airport,” said Al Snedeker, the airport’s spokesman. “And it eases the load on the rest of the facility.”
It was first proposed in 2000 to accommodate the expected surge of international travelers. The airport handled almost 10 million international passengers last year, and the Federal Aviation Administration predicts that number will grow to more than 13 million international passengers by 2015.