ATLANTA — City and airport leaders are celebrating the opening of new gates at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
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It’s the first expansion at the airport in a decade since the international terminal opened.
Channel 2′s Steve Gehlbach takes us through it.
With the cut of a ribbon, Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson officially opened four brand-new gates and a rebuilt gate around a giant atrium at the end of Concourse T.
“I said, ‘Am I really in Atlanta?’ Because I don’t remember this,” passenger Ken Soltys said. It’s like an exclamation point. it’s really a great gathering place”.
The new and expanded gates for United Airlines allow bigger planes to park, as well as give passengers more space while waiting and boarding.
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Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens says the new extension reflects the stature of the world’s busiest and most efficient airport: “First of all, this is pretty. We got the job right as I walk around here. Functioning very well, giving people breathing room and access and just looks like a modern city of the future.”
The new “T” gates opened back in October, with some of the retail and concession space ready, while a new Starbucks and restaurant are still under construction.
It’s part of a multi-billion-dollar airport improvement project that is currently underway, and the first true expansion of the terminals in 10 years.
One frequent United passenger likes the modern upgrade.
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“It’s pretty dope, pretty dope. Little bar area, all little fancy seating, places to charge your phone and stuff. It’s cool, I like it,” one passenger said.
If you’re flying out on United this holiday to Chicago’s O’Hare, Houston or Newark, check your gate.
If your gate is from T-17 through 21, you can experience the new expansion. Alternatively, you can take a walk down to the end of the concourse to see it, or schedule a viewing the next time you’re in the terminal.
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