DeKalb County considers landing fees for transient aircraft at Peachtree Airport

DeKalb County officials are moving forward with a significant amendment to the airport code that will introduce landing fees for transient aircraft at DeKalb Peachtree Airport (PDK). This decision, discussed during the OPS Committee Meeting on May 6, 2025, aims to generate revenue to address outdated facilities at the airport.

Director Hines explained that the proposed amendment would allow PDK to charge landing fees specifically for transient aircraft—those not based at the airport—over a weight limit of 9,000 pounds. Aircraft below this weight, as well as military, medical, and law enforcement flights, would be exempt from these fees. The initiative is part of a broader trend among airports nationwide to implement such charges as a means of financial support.

The committee emphasized that approximately half of PDK's operations involve transient aircraft, which often come from other airports for various purposes, including business meetings or leisure. Despite concerns about potential impacts on airport traffic, Hines reassured the committee that similar airports have not seen a decline in usage after implementing landing fees.

The proposed fee structure will categorize aircraft based on weight, with charges applied to those exceeding 9,000 pounds. The committee is also considering aligning these fees with those of comparable airports to maintain competitiveness.

This move is seen as a necessary step to enhance airport facilities and services, as PDK currently lacks certain amenities found at larger airports, such as passenger carousels. The anticipated revenue from these fees will help fund improvements and ensure the airport can better serve its users in the future.