Owais Crawford
Raleigh–Durham International Airport, also known as RDU, is an important airport in North Carolina. It is the second-largest airport in the state, serving central and eastern North Carolina, as well as southern Virginia. The airport has a long history, dating back to 1929 when the region's first airport, Raleigh Municipal Airport, was opened south of Raleigh. Since then, RDU has expanded significantly and now offers a range of services, including multiple parking options and various transportation services for arriving and departing passengers. The airport serves as a hub for several airlines, including American Airlines, which serves nearly 30% of customers travelling through.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Raleigh–Durham International Airport |
| Acronym | RDU |
| Location | Between Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina |
| Opening Date | May 1, 1943 |
| Airlines | American Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Alaska, Breeze, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country, Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air France, Allegiant, Bahamasair, Copa, Delta, Frontier, Icelandair, JetBlue, United, Eastern Airlines, Capital Airlines, Piedmont Airlines, Northwest, USAir, Air Canada, and more |
| Number of Terminals | 2 |
| Number of Gates | 41 |
| Number of Nonstop Destinations | 69 |
| Number of International Destinations | 7 |
| Annual Passenger Traffic | 15.5 million (2024) |
| Parking Options | 5, including 2 economy parking lots |
| Transportation Services | Taxis, hotel shuttles, rental cars, GoTriangle buses, and rideshare services |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Raleigh-Durham Airport is a hub for American Airlines and Avelo Airlines
Raleigh-Durham International Airport, or RDU, is a hub for American Airlines and Avelo Airlines. It is the second-largest airport in North Carolina, serving central and eastern North Carolina, as well as southern Virginia. The airport has come a long way since its early days, with a record-breaking 15.5 million passengers travelling through it in 2024.
RDU has two terminals. Terminal 1, which opened in 1955 and was modernised in 2014, has five gates in operation. Airlines operating from Terminal 1 include Alaska, Breeze, Southwest, Spirit and Sun Country, as well as Avelo. Terminal 2 opened more recently, in 2008, and has 36 gates. Airlines serving this terminal include Air France, Delta, United, and American Airlines, among others.
American Airlines serves nearly 30% of customers travelling through RDU, making it the largest airline at the airport. In December 1992, American Airlines offered 211 daily departures to 64 destinations, almost all in the eastern United States. However, the hub faced intense competition from other airlines, and by late 1993, the airline was considering closing it. The hub was eventually closed in June 1995.
Avelo Airlines, the other major airline at RDU, has had a base at the airport since February 2023. The airport is also an operating base for Endeavor Air and a focus city for Delta Air Lines, which has maintained its presence at the airport due to the area's strong economy.
Delhi Airport Liquor Shopping: Affordable Indulgence?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is the second-largest airport in North Carolina
Raleigh–Durham International Airport is the second-largest airport in North Carolina. It is located in the heart of North Carolina, 11 miles (17.7 km) northwest of Raleigh and 10.5 miles (16.9 km) southeast of Durham, the two cities from which it takes its name. The airport is situated in Wake County, North Carolina, and its main catchment area is central and eastern North Carolina, and southern Virginia.
The airport is served by three runways of varying lengths, with the three original runways from 1951 still visible on the southeast side of the airport. These are the 4500-ft runway 5, 4500-ft runway 18, and 4490-ft runway 14. Raleigh–Durham International Airport covers an area of some 5,000 acres (20.2 square kilometers). The airport incorporates two cargo areas, North Cargo and South Cargo, which reportedly process over 136 tons of cargo daily from FedEx and UPS.
Raleigh–Durham International Airport has two terminals. Terminal 1, the airport's original terminal, opened in 1955 and was modernized in 2014. It has five gates in operation and is served by airlines including Alaska, Avelo, Breeze, Southwest, Spirit, and Sun Country. Terminal 2 opened in 2008 and has 36 gates in operation, including two gates for international arrivals. Terminal 2 is served by airlines including Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air France, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and United.
The airport is a hub for American Airlines and Avelo Airlines, with American serving nearly 30% of customers traveling through the airport. It is also an operating base for Avelo Airlines and Endeavor Air and a focus city for Delta Air Lines. Raleigh–Durham International Airport has seen significant growth in recent years, serving a record 15.5 million passengers in 2024, breaking the previous year's record of 14.5 million passengers.
Shanghai Airport Showers: Availability and Accessibility
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport served a record 15.5 million passengers in 2024
Raleigh–Durham International Airport, locally known as RDU, is an international airport that serves Raleigh, Durham, and the surrounding Research Triangle region of North Carolina as its main airport. The airport is the second-largest in the state, behind Charlotte Douglas International Airport. RDU is a hub for American and Avelo airlines, with American Airlines serving nearly 30% of customers travelling through the airport.
In 2024, the airport served a record 15.5 million passengers, breaking the previous year's record of 14.5 million. This increase in passenger numbers can be attributed to several factors, including the addition of new services by airlines serving RDU and the expansion of the airport's operations. Indeed, in 2022, Avelo Airlines announced the opening of an operating base at Raleigh-Durham, which commenced operations in February 2023. This was followed by the relocation of three airlines to Terminal 2 in 2024 to maximise check-in, gate, and terminal space. As of July 2024, airlines at RDU served 69 nonstop destinations, including seven international destinations.
The airport's growth in passenger numbers is also reflected in its monthly records. For example, in January 2024, the airport experienced record-breaking passenger traffic, with over 967,600 travellers passing through. This trend indicates that RDU was on track to surpass its previous annual record, set in 2023, and achieve a new milestone in passenger traffic.
To accommodate the increasing passenger volume, RDU has continued to expand and enhance its facilities. The airport covers 5,000 acres and features two terminals with a total of 45 gates. Terminal 2, which handles international arrivals, offers 36 gates, while Terminal 1 operates with nine gates. Additionally, the airport has proposed the Vision2040 plan, which includes the potential addition of 4, 7, 12, or 15 gates to meet future demand.
As of 2025, Raleigh–Durham International Airport ranks 35rd in passenger arrivals and departures in the US, offering service to nearly 80 destinations, including 15 international destinations in 11 countries. The airport's busiest domestic route is Atlanta, while the New York metropolitan area sees the most passengers per day. With its expanding operations, strong regional presence, and focus on sustainability—as evidenced by its investment in zero-emission electric buses for passenger shuttle services—Raleigh–Durham International Airport is well-positioned to continue breaking passenger records in the coming years.
Sarasota Airport: Dining Options While You Wait
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Terminal 1 opened in 1955 and was modernised in 2014
Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) is an international airport that serves Raleigh, Durham, and the surrounding Research Triangle region of North Carolina. It is the second-largest airport in the state of North Carolina, covering 5,000 acres of land. The airport first opened on May 1, 1943, with flights by Eastern Airlines. The original Terminal 1 opened in 1955, with the first terminal building constructed from leftover materials from the construction of barracks for the Army Air Forces Air Technical Service Command airfield.
In the following years, several airlines joined Eastern at RDU, including Capital Airlines (later renamed United) in 1947 and Piedmont Airlines (later US Airways) in 1948. By the April 1957 Official Airline Guide, the airline listed 36 departures a day: 20 Eastern, eight Capital, and eight Piedmont. However, nonstop flights did not go beyond Washington, Atlanta, or the Appalachians.
Terminal 1 at RDU underwent modernisation in 2014, and currently has five gates in operation. Airlines serving Terminal 1 today include Alaska, Avelo, Breeze, Southwest, Spirit, and Sun Country. Meanwhile, Terminal 2, which opened in 2008, serves a greater number of airlines and has 36 gates in operation.
RDU has continued to expand and develop over the years, serving a record 15.5 million passengers in 2024. The airport is currently an operating base for Avelo Airlines and Endeavor Air and a focus city for Delta Air Lines.
Lockers at Dublin Airport: Available or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport's first international carrier was Air Canada, in 1996
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is a hub for American and Avelo airlines. In fact, American Airlines serves nearly 30% of customers travelling through the airport, making it the largest airline at RDU. Avelo Airlines also has an operating base at Raleigh-Durham, which it opened in February 2023.
RDU is the second-largest airport in North Carolina, serving central and eastern North Carolina, as well as southern Virginia. In 2024, the airport served 15.5 million passengers, breaking the previous year's record of 14.5 million.
The airport's history dates back to 1929 with the opening of Raleigh Municipal Airport, south of Raleigh. However, this airport was quickly outgrown, and the Raleigh–Durham Aeronautical Authority was established in 1939 to build and operate a larger airport between Raleigh and Durham. The new Raleigh–Durham Airport opened on 1 May 1943, with flights by Eastern Airlines.
Over the years, various airlines have joined RDU, including Capital Airlines and Piedmont Airlines in the 1940s and 1950s, and Delta Air Lines in 1970. In 1996, Air Canada became the airport's first international carrier, offering service to Toronto. As of July 2024, airlines at RDU serve 69 nonstop destinations, including seven international destinations, and this number continues to grow.
A Smooth Guide to Checking In at Charlotte Airport
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is a hub for American and Avelo airlines. It is also an operating base for Avelo Airlines and Endeavor Air, as well as a focus city for Delta Air Lines.
The airport was opened on May 1, 1943, with flights by Eastern Airlines. After World War II, Capital Airlines joined them, and Piedmont Airlines arrived in 1948. By the 1990s, American Airlines (AA) had a hub at the airport, with 211 daily departures at its peak. However, they began to consider closing the hub in late 1993 and did so in June 1995.
Airlines serving Terminal 1 include Alaska, Avelo, Breeze, Southwest, Spirit, and Sun Country. Terminal 2 is served by Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air France, Allegiant, American, Bahamasair, Copa, Delta, Frontier, Icelandair, JetBlue, and United.
