Airport General Manager
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Balram Bheodari leads Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as the most efficient airport in North America, thanks to his extensive knowledge and astute focus on aviation efficiency, allowing the airport to thrive in the toughest markets. Bheodari combines operational expertise, integrity and selflessness to provide a quality of leadership at Atlanta Airport. He oversees all facets of airport governance, including operations and a multibillion-dollar capital improvement program, ATLNext, designed to pave the way for Atlanta’s growth over the next 20 years. During COVID-19, Bheodari developed a comprehensive return to operations manual to support ATL’s recovery efforts. With guidance from the Federal Aviation Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) amid evolving health and safety guidelines, Bheodari steadfastly encouraged collaboration among stakeholders, team building among airline employees and adaptability during uncertain times. During the pandemic, he has participated in daily calls with Airports Council International and other major airports to share best practices and information from federal offices in Washington, DC and the CDC.

He wanted to restore customer confidence and ensure the airport was a healthy facility using COVID-19 safe protocols. Since then, the airport has won the Airport of the Year award from the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC).

During the height of the pandemic, Bheodari was the most ardent supporter of our mission-critical employees. He has risen through the ranks and fully appreciates the often thankless tasks these employees perform to keep the airport safe and running optimally at all times. Morale never wavered as Bheodari made those employees feel valued through hazardous pay, special meals, social media posts, intranet spotlights and other incentives.

His actions and direction reflect his commitment to the three key focus areas of our organization’s strategic plan: people, purpose and performance.