Denver International Airport has 34,000 acres. Dallas-Fort Worth International has 18,000 acres.

Hartsfield-Jackson International, the world's busiest airport? Just 4,700 acres.

The Atlanta airport might handle more than 100 million passengers a year, but it is hemmed in by I-85 to the north and west, I-75 to the east and I-285 to the south.

The airfield is also surrounded by communities of people and businesses including College Park, Forest Park and Hapeville.

Now, as the airport expands with a new concourse, hotels next to the terminal, more gates and eventually a sixth runway, almost every big construction element will require relocating facilities.

In order to build, the airport must demolish buildings, move critical operations, close parking lots and divert travelers during construction.

>> To read about the juggling act required to construct more gates, build canopies over the curbside and add another runway, get the full story on MyAJC.com.

>> Interactive map: Atlanta airport expansion

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A Korean Air plane takes off from Incheon International Airport in South Korea on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. The plane is chartered to bring back Korean workers detained in an immigration raid in Georgia. (Yonhap via AP)

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

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