Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is making major strides in its multi-year effort to expand Concourse D. The $1.4 billion project aims to ease congestion, improve passenger experience, and accommodate growing travel demands at the world’s busiest airport.
Crews have crossed the halfway point on the Concourse D expansion in Atlanta. They’re working to add approximately 17.5 feet of width and raise the ceilings to just over 18 feet. The original 80-foot-wide space often felt cramped, especially during peak travel times. The extra room should make the concourse feel much more open and easier to move through.
A significant feature of this project is the use of modular construction, a method rarely seen at this scale in aviation. Rather than shutting down the entire concourse, crews are working in 60-foot sections using massive prefabricated steel-framed modules. These modules are built offsite in a six-acre fabrication yard near the airport and then transported overnight using self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) to avoid interfering with daily operations. Once onsite, they are carefully installed using heavy-duty climbing jacks.
Photo of modular units to be used in Concourse D under construction. Sourced from https://csengineermag.com/
“This is a unique project for aviation, especially given the use of modular techniques in such a busy, high-pressure environment,” said Tim Haahs, deputy general manager of the Atlanta Airlines Terminal Company (AATC). “We’re building a better experience without shutting everything down.”
According to Yasmine Antoine, COO of joint venture partner H. J. Russell & Company, “The modular strategy reduced gate closures by the equivalent of 46 months and prevented up to $400 million in potential lost airline revenue.” That’s a major impact on an airport that handles more than 100 million passengers annually.
The phased approach is paying off. To date, crews have logged over 150,000 labor hours and completed four of the ten modular construction zones. Each zone involves demolition, module installation, and final interior finishes. The new design introduces more natural light, modern finishes, better accessibility, and expanded amenities like additional seating, charging stations, and wider boarding areas.
There’s also a lot happening behind the walls. Crews are upgrading critical infrastructure like heating and cooling systems, electrical and plumbing lines, and structural supports. These improvements will help the terminal handle more passengers in the years ahead while also making the space more reliable.
Several main players are driving the project. Construction is being managed by AATC, with a joint venture led by Holder Construction, FCI Constructors, and H. J. Russell & Company. Architecture and design are being handled by Corgan, and engineering support includes firms like Arora Engineers. The project has also benefited from a $40 million FAA grant under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, with the remainder funded through passenger facility charges and airline fees.
The project broke ground in 2022 and is expected to be fully complete by 2028. However, passengers will begin experiencing the benefits much sooner, as finished sections of Concourse D expansion in Atlanta will start opening in phases well before the final handoff.
For now, travelers can expect some closures and construction barriers, but the long-term payoff is coming into view, and it promises a more comfortable journey through one of the busiest terminals in the world.
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