ATLANTA (AP/WAOK) - Officials at the world’s busiest airport in Atlanta say free Wi-Fi will be available to travelers next year.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport announced Wednesday that it will first reduce the price of airport wireless Internet access to $4.95 a day effective Thursday. Then, officials say they will eliminate the fees entirely in the fall of 2013.

Officials say free Wi-Fi has long been one of the most requested amenities at Atlanta’s airport.

Airport spokeswoman Myrna White says the number of travelers using Wi-Fi at the airport is expected to double or even triple once the service is free. It plans a $1.6 million upgrade of its Wi-Fi system to accommodate the higher demand.

The airport has offered Wi-Fi for a fee since 2005.