Inside the Delta Flight Museum at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport

Atlanta’s bustling Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is one of the busiest in the country, with over 100 million people passing through its terminals in 2025.

While one could view the Atlanta airport as a means to an end—a place to get from Point A to Point B—there’s more to Hartsfield-Jackson that meets the eye. Located in the airport district, just a hop, skip, away from its two terminals, is a vibrant museum that’s a must-do the next time you’re traveling in or out of Atlanta. 

Exploring the Delta Flight Museum

The Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is home to America's beloved Delta Air Lines, and it’s celebrated with a whole museum dedicated to Delta. Travelers can visit the Delta Flight Museum to revel in the 100-year history of the airline with immersive exhibitions and a behind-the-scenes look at everything that makes the company one of the country’s favorite ways to fly. The museum, which recently underwent a huge renovation and reopening in 2025 in honor of its centennial year, features interactive displays and rare artifacts, cutting-edge technology, and unique event spaces. 

Opened to the public in 2014, the Delta Flight Museum invites travelers to explore the fascinating world of aviation history. Staying true to its theme, the museum is housed in spacious airplane hangars that were originally constructed in the 1940s. 

(Hungry travelers should also make a point of visiting Chicken + Beer, a popular Southern restaurant owned by Ludacris, while at the Atlanta airport.)

Delta Flight Museum: Hands-On Fun for Aviation Enthusiasts

Visitors can tour the first Delta 747-400 aircraft, with a unique opportunity to sit in the seats, stroll the upper deck, and even walk out onto its wings. Budding pilots will delight in the popular flight simulator experience in the Boeing 737-200, which is the country’s only true fight similator that is open to the public. The full motion flight simulator is the same one used to train pilots, so it’s the real deal—meaning it does come with a few restrictions. Those under 5 feet 2 inches in height and children under 13 years of age will have to sit this one out. The flight simulator comes at an additional cost and can be booked as a 30-minute or 60-minute experience. 

Elsewhere in the museum, Delta’s iconic uniforms are on display, showcasing the various fashion styles throughout the years. Film buffs can enjoy a short movie by Academy Award-nominated film director Josh Seftel, which details the airline’s vibrant century-long history through real stories from real Delta employees at every level. 

Through community events and guided tours hosted by Delta alumni, the museum aims to inspire the next generation of aviation enthusiasts. School field trips often visit the museum, shining a light on the various aviation professions, from flight attendants to aircraft maintenance technicians to pilots. 

A Hidden Gem Museum Inside the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport

So next time you’re headed to the Atlanta airport or have a long layover through Hartsfield-Jackson on a Delta flight, immerse yourself in the rich culture and wonders of aviation. Once you’ve visited, you’ll be sure to fly your next flight with brand new eyes.

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