Atlanta Airport Increases Parking Fees as Car Thefts Persist

The Brief

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is raising parking fees this summer despite persistent problems with vehicle thefts in their parking areas during the peak travel period.
• The number of car thefts at the airport has declined in 2025 as opposed to earlier years, with only 49 cars reported missing from January through April 23, which is significantly lower than the 113 incidents recorded over the equivalent timeframe last year.
• The Atlanta Police Department is intensively monitoring the airport premises to prevent criminal activities and urges passengers to take valuable items with them and secure their vehicles as part of the Clean Car Safety Initiative.

ATLANTA - On Monday, officials from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport declared that parking fees would rise as they anticipate a bustling summer travel period approaching.

This increase comes as reports show cars are still being stolen right out of airport parking lots and garages.

SEE ALSO: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport announces updated parking fees

What they're saying

A man reports that his vehicle was stolen just after he parked it, and the authorities later located it at a New Jersey impound lot.

"That's my baby. It's a car I always wanted since 2020," Matt Turner said.

Matt Turner is still trying to clean up the mess after he says his car was stolen while parked at the world's busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson International.

Turner mentions that this occurred on April 11 when he parked at the ATL West Parking lot.

"I went to Philadelphia to run a half-marathon. My first half-marathon, and after just to see my car stolen was very frustrating for me and emotional because my car was my baby," Turner said.

The alleged robbers were quick to act.

Turner stated, “They mentioned that my vehicle had been taken sometime during the initial few hours.” He continued, “According to the police, it turned up in New Jersey. Specifically, in Plainfield, New Jersey. The car was located at a towing facility with a shattered window and a deflated tire.”

In the vehicle were his AirPod Pro headphones, professional tennis equipment, and a firearm.

Regarding those who are accountable, Turner commented as follows:

"They clearly excel in their work; they are true professionals. Perhaps channel that talent toward something more beneficial for society. Consider becoming engineers instead,” Turner suggested.

Dig deeper

This comes as airport officials announce the cost to park at the airport is about to go up. Stolen cars, however, were already an issue.

Last year, FOX 5 uncovered the alarming number of cars being taken. In 2024, 322 were reported stolen from airport property. Numbers show a decrease for 2025.

Between January 1 and April 23, a total of 49 vehicle thefts were reported. This figure contrasts with the same period last year when the count stood at 113 cases. As for the timeframe from April 1 to April 23 in 2024, there were 22 instances of stolen cars, as opposed to just nine incidents recorded up to date this month.

The other side

The Airport and Atlanta police sent a joint statement saying:

The Atlanta Police Department continues to prioritize the security of both visitors and staff at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Their main objective involves actively monitoring the premises to prevent criminal activities and minimize car theft occurrences. They urge everybody to support their Clean Car Safety Initiative by keeping personal belongings out of sight and securing vehicle doors, thus contributing to an overall safer atmosphere for everyone.

The Source

Eric Perry from FOX 5 interviewed Matt Turner about having his vehicle taken from the parking area of Atlanta’s airport. The crime data cited came from the Atlanta Police Department, along with an official comment.