Airport set to celebrate 30th anniversary of passenger terminal complex
By A.B. Snedeker

This month, Hartsfield-Jackson celebrates the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Central Passenger Terminal Complex (CPTC). On September 21, 1980, the ribbon was cut on the world’s first airport built from the ground up as a hub.

To commemorate the milestone, the Airport has invited former General Manager George Berry to provide remarks during a brief media event planned for this month in the Atrium. Berry cut the ceremonial ribbon at the grand opening of the newly configured airport in 1980.

The highlight of the upcoming event is a photographic exhibit displayed in the Airport Atrium in honor of the CPTC’s anniversary. The photos and written passages tell the story of the 1961 airport terminal and the developments in aviation that led to the 1980 facility. They also provide insights into decisions made in the planning and construction of the new airport and feature many of the key figures who played important roles in its creation.

Others invited to the anniversary event include former airport officials Grady Ridgeway and Richard Stogner, City of Atlanta and other local elected officials, and business leaders.

A new exhibit, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Central Passenger Terminal Complex, includes photographs from the history of the Airport as well as images (such as this one) of it when it was completed in 1980. (Image courtesy of Stevens & Wilkinson.)