Jazmin Li
Raleigh-Durham International Airport is the second-largest airport in North Carolina. It is an operating base for Avelo Airlines and Endeavor Air and a focus city for Delta Air Lines. The airport first opened in 1943 as Raleigh-Durham Army Airfield, with Eastern Airlines operating the inaugural commercial flight. The airport's code, RDU, has been the subject of much curiosity, with many theories surrounding what the U stands for. While most assume the R and D stand for Raleigh and Durham respectively, the true meaning of the U remains a mystery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Raleigh-Durham International Airport |
| Location | Between Raleigh and Durham |
| Area | 5,000 acres |
| Customer Base | Central and eastern North Carolina, northern South Carolina, and southern Virginia |
| Governing Body | RDU Airport Authority |
| Airlines | Avelo Airlines, Endeavor Air, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Piedmont Airlines, Capital Airlines, Eastern Airlines, Midway Airlines, Icelandair, Bahamasair |
| Destinations | 57 nonstop destinations, including Paris, London, Bermuda, Cancún, St. Croix, St. Thomas, Reykjavík–Keflavík, and Freeport |
| Passengers | 11.6 million annual passengers (as of 2018); 15.5 million (in 2024) |
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What You'll Learn
RDU stands for Raleigh-Durham International Airport
Raleigh-Durham International Airport, or RDU, is the second-largest airport in North Carolina, serving central and eastern North Carolina, northern South Carolina, and southern Virginia. The airport is an operating base for Avelo Airlines and Endeavor Air, as well as a focus city for Delta Air Lines. In 2024, the airport served a record 15.5 million passengers, surpassing the previous year's record of 14.5 million.
The history of Raleigh-Durham International Airport dates back to 1929 with the opening of Raleigh Municipal Airport, south of Raleigh. However, this airport was quickly outgrown, and in 1939, the North Carolina General Assembly established the Raleigh–Durham Aeronautical Authority to build and operate a larger airport between Raleigh and Durham. The new Raleigh-Durham Airport opened on May 1, 1943, with Eastern Airlines as the first commercial flight operator.
Over the years, RDU has seen several airlines come and go, including Eastern Air Lines, Capital Airlines, Piedmont Airlines, American Airlines, and Midway Airlines. The airport has also expanded its offerings, with American Airlines introducing the first international flight to Paris-Orly in 1988. Today, the airport serves 57 nonstop destinations, including Paris and London.
The RDU Airport Authority, controlled by representatives from Wake County, Durham County, Raleigh, and Durham, oversees the airport's facilities and operations. The airport covers 5,000 acres and has two terminals. The Vision 2040 Master Plan proposes several improvements by 2040, including the construction of a consolidated rental car facility, an on-site hotel, expanded parking lots, and the replacement of both runways.
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The U in RDU is the second letter in Durham
The Raleigh-Durham International Airport, also known as RDU, is the second-largest airport in the state of North Carolina. The airport is an operating base for Avelo Airlines, Endeavor Air, and Delta Air Lines.
The airport code RDU is derived from the names of the cities Raleigh and Durham, with the "U" being the second letter in "Durham". This interpretation is supported by the fact that the airport serves both cities and is managed by representatives from both communities. The airport is located at the midpoint between the two cities, as determined by Raleigh businessman John Swain and Truman Miller, Manager of Raleigh Municipal Airport, through a series of low-altitude flights during the planning stages.
While the U in RDU is generally accepted to stand for the second letter in Durham, there are other theories as well. One theory suggests that the U could stand for "United," reflecting the partnership between Raleigh and Durham. Another theory links the U to Umstead State Park, which is adjacent to the airport. However, these theories have been dismissed by the airport.
The airport's radio call sign was originally "RAL" when it opened in 1943. On September 25, 1947, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), the predecessor to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), changed the call sign to "RDU" to better represent the governmental owning bodies and the larger region served by the airport. The RDU code has become synonymous with the broader Triangle region served by the airport.
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RDU is the airport code
RDU has a long history, with the region's first airport, Raleigh Municipal Airport, opening in 1929. This airport was quickly outgrown, and in 1939, the North Carolina General Assembly approved the construction of a larger airport between Raleigh and Durham. This airport, Raleigh-Durham International Airport, opened on May 1, 1943, with Eastern Airlines operating the first commercial flight to Florida.
The airport code RDU has sparked curiosity, with many wondering what the "U" stands for. While most assume the "R" and "D" stand for Raleigh and Durham, respectively, the "U" has been a topic of speculation. Some theories suggest it represents the partnership between the cities, Umstead State Park, or the second letter of "Durham." However, the true origin of the "U" remains uncertain.
The airport has seen significant growth over the years, with a record-breaking 15.5 million passengers served in 2024. It spans 5,000 acres and serves a vast region, including central and eastern North Carolina, northern South Carolina, and southern Virginia. The airport is managed by the RDU Airport Authority, which plans to implement various improvements and expansions by 2040 to accommodate the increasing demand.
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RDU is not to be confused with RDI or RDA, which are other airport codes
Raleigh–Durham International Airport, commonly known as RDU, is the second-largest airport in the state of North Carolina, United States. The airport code RDU is believed to stand for Raleigh and Durham, the two cities the airport serves, but the origin of the letter "U" is unknown.
While RDU is the common abbreviation for Raleigh–Durham International Airport, people have occasionally suggested changing the airport code to RDI or RDA. However, these codes already belong to other airports. RDI is currently unused, but the code RDA is assigned to Rockhampton Downs Airport in Australia.
RDU served a record 15.5 million passengers in 2024, surpassing the previous year's record of 14.5 million passengers. The airport is an operating base for Avelo Airlines and Endeavor Air, as well as a focus city for Delta Air Lines.
The history of Raleigh–Durham International Airport 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 May 1, 1943, with Eastern Airlines as the first carrier.
Over the years, various airlines have used RDU as a hub, including American Airlines, Midway Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. The airport has also expanded its international destinations, with flights to Paris, the Caribbean, and, most recently, Reykjavík–Keflavík.
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RDU is the airport's radio call sign
The Raleigh-Durham International Airport, also known as RDU, is the second-largest airport in the state of North Carolina. The airport is an operating base for Avelo Airlines, Endeavor Air, and Delta Air Lines.
RDU is more than just shorthand for the airport; it is also the airport's radio call sign. The "U" in RDU is the second letter in "Durham," and the call sign was changed from "RAL" to "RDU" to better represent the larger region served by the airport. The three letters are rooted in aviation terminology and the history of Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
The airport's original plans were developed by Raleigh businessman John Swain and Truman Miller, Manager of Raleigh Municipal Airport. They conducted a series of 12 low-altitude flights between Raleigh's Sir Walter Hotel and Durham's Washington Duke Hotel to pinpoint the ideal midpoint location for the airport. Today, RDU is a sprawling 5,000-acre facility that serves the Triangle region and beyond, with a customer base in central and eastern North Carolina, northern South Carolina, and southern Virginia.
The airport has seen significant growth over the years, increasing from 1,160 to 11.6 million annual passengers during its 75 years of commercial air service. In 2024, RDU served a record 15.5 million passengers, breaking its previous record of 14.5 million passengers in 2023.
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Frequently asked questions
RDU stands for Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
The U in RDU is the second letter in "Durham".
ORD refers to Chicago-O'Hare Airport, and MCO is the code for Orlando International Airport.
In 2024, RDU served a record 15.5 million passengers, breaking its previous record of 14.5 million passengers in 2023.
