FlightLogic

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FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.

Verdict

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) scores higher overall at 7.3/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.7/10.

Score comparison

Metric Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport East Midlands Airport
FlightLogic Score 7.3 6.7
On-Time Performance 7.1 6.5
Passenger Experience 7.0 6.6
Facilities & Comfort 7.8 6.9
Lounge Score 7.9 6.4
City Atlanta Derby
Country United States United Kingdom
Terminals Domestic + International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson) 1 terminal
Annual passengers 104M+ 4M+

Operational comparison

Transport links, lounge access, connection times, and UK261 eligibility — verify locally before travel.

Policy ATL — Hartsfield-Jackson EMA — East
Rail / public transport
To city centre
Lounge day pass
Min. connection time
Primary hub carriers

Detailed profiles

Atlanta, United States · ATL · #1 in this comparison

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Domestic + International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson) · 104M+ passengers/year

7.3 / 10

How good is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport?

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) scores 7.3/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.1), passenger experience (7.0), and facilities (7.8). Lounge quality rates 7.9/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Atlanta ATL is rated 7.3/10 on FlightLogic — the world's busiest airport. Delta Sky Club network serves premium passengers; International Terminal F for foreign carriers. Allow 75+ minutes for domestic connections. See /guides/atlanta-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 7.3 Very Good
On-time 7.1 Departure reliability
Experience 7.0 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.8 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 7.9 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.1
Passenger Experience
7.0
Facilities & Comfort
7.8
Lounge score 7.9/10

Highlights

  • Delta operates 75%+ of ATL traffic — Sky Club locations throughout domestic concourses
  • International Terminal (Terminal F) handles all foreign carriers and Delta long-haul
  • Domestic connections typically stay airside within 45–75 minutes on Delta
  • UK travellers connect via Delta partners from LHR and MAN

Overview

World's busiest airport by passenger volume — Delta Air Lines fortress hub with Sky Club network and efficient domestic connections.

Delta hub and International Terminal

Delta's ATL hub uses Concourses A–E for domestic and short-haul international. The separate International Terminal (Concourse F) handles all foreign-flag carriers and Delta long-haul to Europe and Asia.

Sky Club locations span multiple concourses — access is terminal-specific. Amex Centurion is in Concourse E for domestic Delta departures.

Derby, United Kingdom · EMA · #2 in this comparison

East Midlands Airport

1 terminal · 4M+ passengers/year

6.7 / 10

How good is East Midlands Airport?

East Midlands Airport (EMA) scores 6.7/10 (Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (6.5), passenger experience (6.6), and facilities (6.9). Lounge quality rates 6.4/10. See full airport guide →

In short

East Midlands EMA scores 6.7/10 — Nottingham/Derby/Leicester gateway. Ryanair and Jet2 hub. Aspire Lounge for Priority Pass. Bus and rail via East Midlands Parkway. UK261 applies.

FlightLogic Score 6.7 Good
On-time 6.5 Departure reliability
Experience 6.6 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 6.9 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 6.4 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
6.5
Passenger Experience
6.6
Facilities & Comfort
6.9
Lounge score 6.4/10

Highlights

  • Serves Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, and Lincolnshire without Birmingham or East Coast rail positioning
  • Ryanair and Jet2 base — dense Europe and Mediterranean leisure network
  • Aspire Lounge accepts Priority Pass — limited hours; pre-book recommended
  • UK261 on all UK departures; compare /airports/birmingham for Emirates long-haul

Overview

Midlands cargo and leisure airport between Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester — Ryanair, Jet2, and TUI with strong DHL freight operations.

Midlands positioning

EMA sits between the M1 and A50 with bus links to Nottingham and Derby. East Midlands Parkway rail station is a short bus ride — useful for London St Pancras connections via LNER.

For long-haul, Birmingham (7.2/10) offers daily Emirates to Dubai; EMA is short-haul focused.

FAQ

Which is better, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport or East Midlands Airport?

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) scores higher overall at 7.3/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.7/10.

Which has better lounges, ATL or EMA?

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) scores higher for lounges at 7.9/10, versus East Midlands Airport at 6.4/10.

Which airport is more on-time, ATL or EMA?

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has stronger on-time performance at 7.1/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.5/10.