Raleigh, North Carolina: Airport Hub Or Hassle?

Raleigh, North Carolina is served by the Raleigh–Durham International Airport, situated between Raleigh and Durham. The airport first opened in 1943 and has since grown to become the second-largest airport in the state of North Carolina, serving approximately 9 million passengers annually. The airport offers a range of amenities, including dining options, shopping, currency exchange, ATMs, and lounges with free Wi-Fi access. It also provides convenient transportation options, such as public transit, taxis, car rentals, and nearby accommodation.

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)

RDU opened on May 1, 1943, with flights operated by Eastern Airlines. The passenger terminal was constructed from leftover materials after building four barracks for the Army Air Forces Air Technical Service Command airfield. The airport's three original runways from 1951 are still visible on its southeast side: runway 5 (4500 ft), runway 18 (4500 ft), and runway 14 (4490 ft).

RDU has experienced fluctuations in passenger traffic over the years. After a decline in 2008 and 2009, the airport's traffic began to recover in 2010, with 2.7 million passengers in the first four months. The airport has since seen growth in carriers and services, with Delta Air Lines maintaining a focus city operation at RDU. In 2022, Avelo Airlines announced an operating base at Raleigh-Durham, commencing services in February 2023. In 2024, RDU set a new record, serving 15.5 million passengers, surpassing the previous year's record of 14.5 million.

RDU offers two world-class terminals with a range of dining and shopping options, along with modern technology and services. The airport serves central and eastern North Carolina and southern Virginia, with nonstop flights available to over 70 markets.

History of Raleigh's airports

Raleigh, North Carolina, has an airport, the Raleigh–Durham International Airport. The region's first airport, however, was the Raleigh Municipal Airport, which opened in 1929, south of Raleigh. It was quickly outgrown, and the North Carolina General Assembly chartered the Raleigh–Durham Aeronautical Authority in 1939 to build and operate a larger airport between Raleigh and Durham. The new Raleigh–Durham Airport opened on May 1, 1943, with flights by Eastern Airlines. The passenger terminal was built from materials left over after constructing four barracks for the Army Air Forces Air Technical Service Command airfield. The airport was taken over by the federal government in 1942 for use during World War II and was designated the Raleigh-Durham Army Air Field in January 1943. The base became operational with barracks and three runways in May 1943. After World War II, Capital Airlines joined Eastern at Raleigh–Durham International Airport, followed by Piedmont Airlines in 1948, bringing the total daily flights to 22. The airport's first terminal opened in 1955, and Eastern Airlines brought the commercial jet age to the airport with Boeing 727 jet service in 1965. In 1970, Delta Air Lines became the fourth carrier to serve the airport.

Raleigh–Durham International Airport is the second-largest airport in North Carolina, serving central and eastern North Carolina and southern Virginia as its main catchment area. The airport is a base for Avelo Airlines and Endeavor Air and a focus city for Delta Air Lines. In 2024, the airport served a record 15.5 million passengers, breaking its previous record of 14.5 million passengers in 2023.

Airlines operating from RDU

Raleigh, North Carolina, is served by the Raleigh–Durham International Airport. The airport is the second-largest in the state of North Carolina, behind Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The airport is an operating base for Avelo Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Endeavor Air, as well as a focus city for Delta Air Lines.

Avelo Airlines and Endeavor Air are joined by Delta Air Lines as the major airlines operating from Raleigh–Durham International Airport. Delta has maintained a focus-city operation at the airport, even in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the area's strong economy and lack of a dominant network carrier. Avelo Airlines opened its base at the airport in February 2023. The airline offers international flights that arrive and depart from specific terminals.

Historically, the airport has served a variety of airlines. The airport opened in 1943 with flights by Eastern Airlines, which was soon joined by Capital Airlines in 1946 and Piedmont Airlines in 1948. By 1957, the airport was facilitating 36 departures a day, with Eastern accounting for twenty of these flights, and the remaining flights split evenly between Capital and Piedmont. Delta Air Lines arrived in 1970, and United Airlines took over Capital in 1981.

In addition to its role as an airport, the facility has also been the site of several aviation incidents. In 1988, an American Eagle flight operating for AVAir crashed into a reservoir near the airport, resulting in the deaths of both crew members and all ten passengers. In 1994, another American Eagle flight operated by Flagship Airlines crashed into a wooded area near the airport, with no survivors.

Facilities and services at RDU

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) offers a range of facilities and services to enhance the travel experience for its guests. Here is an overview of some of the key amenities available at RDU:

Parking

RDU offers multiple convenient parking options for travellers, including the option to book parking in advance by selecting the date and time of your arrival. The airport also provides universally accessible parking spaces throughout the RDU parking garage and Park & Ride lots.

Transportation

RDU Taxi is the exclusive authorised taxi service operating from the airport. Taxis are readily available on the terminal curbs for arriving flights, and reservations can also be made by phone. Additionally, several other companies are permitted to provide transportation to and from the airport.

Dining and Shopping

RDU boasts elevated dining experiences, with restaurants, cafes, and retail shops located both pre and post-security. The airport also features The Shops of RDU, offering a variety of business services and amenities in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Wi-Fi and Power Outlets

Complimentary Wi-Fi access is provided throughout the terminals, ensuring guests can stay connected during their travels. Additionally, select seats in the terminals and aircraft boarding areas are equipped with power outlets, including 110-volt and USB options, for convenient device charging.

Wheelchair Assistance

RDU prioritises accessibility with several options for obtaining wheelchair assistance. Guests can inform their flight attendant before landing, request assistance from a skycap on the terminal curbside, or contact the RDU Guest Experience team in advance.

TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Identity Verification

RDU offers TSA PreCheck lanes and enrolment offices at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, expediting the security process for eligible guests. Additionally, CLEAR identity verification services are available, allowing guests to verify their identity using biometric data instead of a government-issued photo ID.

Transport to and from RDU

Raleigh–Durham International Airport, also known as RDU Airport, is the second-largest airport in North Carolina. It is an operating base for Avelo Airlines and Endeavor Air, as well as a focus city for Delta Air Lines.

Transport to RDU

RDU Airport is accessible via various transport options, including private cars, taxis, airport shuttles, buses, and rail services.

For those travelling by car, RDU offers parking facilities, although parking fees can add up quickly, especially for long-term parking.

If you prefer a stress-free, affordable, and convenient option, airport shuttle services like MyRDU Airport Shuttle and SuperShuttle are ideal. These shuttles offer upfront pricing, 24/7 availability, and prompt service to and from the airport. They cater to individuals and groups, providing comfortable and cost-effective transportation.

Transport from RDU

Upon arrival at RDU Airport, passengers can find ground transportation options outside baggage claim at Terminal 1 and on the lower level of Terminal 2.

MyRDU Airport Shuttle is a recommended option, offering easy online reservations and flat-rate shuttle services throughout the Raleigh-Durham region. They specialize in early morning and late-night pickups, ensuring reliable transportation regardless of the time of day.

Additionally, taxi services and limousines are available for airport-to-city transfers, catering to destinations such as Durham, Chapel Hill, Southern Pines, and Fayetteville.

For those seeking alternative options, information regarding nearby bus and rail services can also be found on the RDU website.

Frequently asked questions