Cobb County International Airport – McCollum Field (KRYY) is celebrating its 65th anniversary on September 4, 2025. The airport was named after Herbert C. McCollum, Cobb County’s sole commissioner in the late 1950s, and was developed with support from the airport’s first manager Joseph Sandmann. Over the years, it has become an important part of Cobb County’s economy and aviation community.
Reflecting on the airport’s development, Airport Manager Steven Spencer said, “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.”
The project began with a $10,000 grant from the Marietta Housing Authority. After securing federal approval through lobbying efforts and congressional action, construction began under contractor C.W. Matthews. The airport officially opened on September 4th, 1960. The opening ceremony drew nearly 3,500 attendees including actress Susan Haywood and US Senator Herman Talmadge. Jeanette Ardell performed her first solo flight during the event.
At its inception, the facility included a single 4,000-foot runway and basic amenities. By 1963, a Lockheed JetStar became the first jet aircraft to land at McCollum Field.
Larry Thompson, a local pilot who has been active at the airport since its early days and served as its first lineman and flight instructor, recalled his long association with McCollum Field: “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.” Further stories about Thompson and former Airport Manager Karl Von Hagel are available through Kennesaw State University Archives’ SOAR Collection (https://soar.kennesaw.edu/handle/11360/4092).
Since opening, Cobb County International Airport has expanded significantly. It is now recognized as Georgia’s second-busiest general aviation airport and is considered one of the top facilities of its kind nationally. Karl Von Hagel managed the airport for over three decades starting in 1992.
Today’s facility includes a 6,295-foot runway—the longest among metro Atlanta general aviation airports—an instrument landing system, air control tower, international arrival capabilities and more than half a million square feet of hangar space. Over 300 aircraft are based at KRYY; it supports around 110,000 annual flight operations by about 20 businesses providing services such as charter flights and maintenance.
The Federal Aviation Administration classifies RYY as a reliever for Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The airport generates an estimated $129 million yearly economic impact for Cobb County and supports nearly 1,000 jobs through various aviation activities.
Drew Raessler, Director of Cobb County Department of Transportation stated: “The airport is an engine for economic growth, business connectivity, and public safety, making it one of Cobb County’s most vital assets.”
Improvements continue at KRYY with upgrades to air traffic control equipment and LED lighting underway this year. A new passenger terminal is expected to open in early 2026 alongside ongoing hangar expansions totaling another 50,000 square feet.
Airport Operations Manager Wes McDonald commented on future plans: “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!”
Cobb County officials say investments will continue as demand grows for both business travel and community needs through events such as FIFA World Cup matches in 2026 and Super Bowl LXII in 2028.
For more information about Cobb County International Airport or its history visit www.cobbcountyairport.org or see their Story Map (https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/bde7287823954acabc5ecd32bfd54e82).
Enrollment at Cobb County schools increased by less than one-tenth of one percent between school years ending in spring of 2023 compared to prior year (https://www.gadoe.org/). During that same period total enrollment reached just over 115 thousand students (https://www.gadoe.org/), with white students representing approximately one-third of all enrollees (https://www.gadoe.org/).
