ATLANTA, GA – The Georgia Department of Transportation has released a Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study that quantifies the economic impact of the state’s 103 publicly-owned, public-use airports. The study determined that airports contribute $73.7 billion in annual economic benefit to the state, and support 450,500 jobs with a total annual payroll estimated at $20 billion. The study reflects a year-long effort to investigate, study and document the economic impact of commercial and general aviation airports in Georgia. Information in the study is intended to help the public understand the importance of each local airport and the role it plays in supporting the economy of the state.

“With Georgia ranked as the number one state in which to do business, our extensive system of commercial and general aviation airports ensure that the needs of commerce and business are met,” said Carol Comer, division director of Intermodal. “These airports significantly contribute to the state’s economy so investing in them produces a high rate of return. We maximize every dollar we receive to constantly improve our aviation facilities. This study shows the true economic impact our airports provide for citizens.”

Since statewide economic impacts from Georgia’s public airports were last measured in 2011, the total annual economic impact has increased by $11.4 billion or 18 percent – from $62.6 billion to almost $74 billion. It is important to note that economic impacts documented in the new study reflect pre-COVID-19 conditions.

Virtual webinars will be held on Oct. 29 and Nov. 4 to present the findings from the economic impacts study. For webinar information and study documents, including an executive summary and individual airport reports, visit http://www.dot.ga.gov/IS/AirportAid/EconomicImpactStudy. 

For additional information about the study, contact GDOT Aviation Programs at aviationprograms@dot.ga.gov.

Georgia Department of Transportation plans, constructs and maintains Georgia’s state and federal highways. We’re involved in bridge, waterway, public transit, rail, general aviation, bike and pedestrian programs. And we help local governments maintain their roads. Georgia DOT and its nearly 4,000 employees are committed to delivering a transportation system focused on innovation, safety, sustainability and mobility. The Department’s vision is to boost Georgia’s competitiveness through leadership in transportation.