Cobb's International Airport Turns 65!

Cobb County International Airport Celebrates 65 Years of Flight

McCollum Field continues to fulfill its namesake's vision.

Cobb County, GA - The Cobb County International Airport - McCollum Field (KRYY) proudly marks its 65th anniversary on September 4, 2025, reflecting on its six and a half decades of flight and service to the community. The airport was named for Herbert C. McCollum, Cobb County's sole commissioner in the late 1950s, who, along with the airport's first manager Joseph Sandmann, championed the project. It has grown from a vision to a cornerstone of Cobb County's economy, the national transportation system, and the aviation community.

Airport Manager Steven Spencer reflected on the facility's evolution: "From its beginning as a brand-new airfield in 1960 to today's role as an international gateway for business and general aviation, this airport has transformed dramatically. In 65 years, we've grown in every way-facilities, services, aircraft size, and global reach-all while maintaining the personal character that makes McCollum Field so special."

Marking this historic milestone, Cobb County honors not only the vision of leaders like Commissioner Herbert McCollum and Joseph Sandmann, but also the generations of aviation professionals and community partners who helped shape the airport into what it is today.

It all started with a $10,000 grant from the Marietta Housing Authority, which provided the initial funding for travel and lobbying in Washington, DC. After a few years of coordination and an act of Congress, the project was finally approved. C. W. Matthews built the airfield within months of the groundbreaking ceremony held that Spring.

"McCollum Airport" was officially opened on September 4^th, 1960, with a ceremony that was attended by nearly 3,500 people. Actress Susan Haywood, US Senator Herman Talmadge, and other officials participated in the ceremony. Jeanette Ardell, who was "Miss Cobb County" and "Miss Georgia," thrilled the crowd with her first solo flight.

At the time, the airport only featured a single 4,000-foot runway, a stub taxiway, 60,000 square feet of apron space, and an administration building. Just three years later, in 1963, a Lockheed JetStar became the first jet aircraft to land at the facility-a signal of the airport's future role in supporting advanced aviation.

Larry Thompson, a local pilot, was here from the start and brags, "except for the time I was in the military, I don't believe I missed a single day coming to this airport for something or the other." He was also the first lineman and flight instructor. Still active flying here today, Mr. Thompson is a legacy. You can read more about Larry Thompson and Karl Von Hagel's (former Airport Manager) stories and the airport's early history on the Kennesaw State University Archives SOAR Collection's website. [Source: Larry Brantley Thompson Collection. Kennesaw State University Archives, Scholarly Online Access Repository (SOAR). https://soar.kennesaw.edu/handle/11360/4092]

Growth Through the Years

Since its humble beginnings, it has grown into a vital airport serving metro Atlanta. Today, the Cobb County International Airport - McCollum Field is recognized as the second-busiest general aviation airport in Georgia and one of the leading facilities of its size nationwide. Karl Von Hagel spent 31 years as the Airport Manager, starting in 1992. He was present for nearly half of the airport's lifespan and continued the legacy that McCollum and Sandmann started, overseeing several milestones.

With a runway measuring 6,295 feet, an instrument landing system, air control tower, international arrival capabilities, and more than 500,000 square feet of hangar space, the airport now supports over 300 based aircraft, 20 businesses, and averages more than 110,000 annual flight operations. It provides a range of services, including aircraft charter, aircraft maintenance, flight training, and a popular on-site restaurant. The FAA designates RYY as a reliever airport for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The airport continues to serve as a critical driver of Cobb County's economy, generating an estimated $129 million in annual economic impact, supporting nearly 1,000 jobs, and hosting a range of international and corporate aviation activity. "The airport is an engine for economic growth, business connectivity, and public safety, making it one of Cobb County's most vital assets," said Drew Raessler, Director of Cobb County Department of Transportation.

Looking Forward

The future of Cobb County International Airport remains bright. Equipment upgrades to the Air Traffic Control Tower and LED runway lighting are being installed this year, and a new 6,000-square-foot passenger terminal will open in early 2026, providing world-class amenities for travelers. Additionally, a 50,000-square-foot hangar development is underway, further expanding the airport's ability to serve the region's growing aviation needs. With these improvements, the airport is preparing to support major upcoming events, including the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and Super Bowl LXII in 2028.

Airport Operations Manager Wes McDonald added, "When people think of general aviation, they don't always realize the scale of operations we can support. Our 6,295-foot runway-the longest general aviation runway in Metro Atlanta-allows us to accommodate the largest corporate aircraft in the world. We're looking forward to spotlighting what RYY has to offer during the FIFA World Cup in 2026!"

As McCollum Field embarks on its next chapter, Cobb County remains committed to investing in infrastructure, safety, and operations to meet the growing needs of the region. The airport will continue enhancing its role as a premier general aviation and reliever airport for Atlanta, while honoring the legacy that began on that historic day in 1960. For 65 years, the Cobb County International Airport has seen Mr. McCollum's vision take flight, and its role as a gateway for business, public safety, and community connectivity will continue well into the future.

For more information, please visit our website: https://www.cobbcountyairport.org and Story Map: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/bde7287823954acabc5ecd32bfd54e82