Ruth Haines
Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) is the second-largest airport in North Carolina, offering passenger service to nearly 80 destinations, including 15 international destinations in 11 countries. The airport has a long history, with the region's first airport, Raleigh Municipal Airport, opening in 1929. Since then, RDU has undergone many changes, including the addition of new carriers and destinations, as well as modernization projects. As of 2024, travellers have reported long security lines and wait times, potentially due to a geomagnetic solar storm or changes in airline terminals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Raleigh-Durham International Airport |
| Airport Code | RDU |
| Location | Raleigh, North Carolina |
| Ranking | 35th in passenger arrivals and departures in the US |
| Number of Destinations | Nearly 80 destinations |
| Number of International Destinations | 15 |
| Number of Countries Served | 11 |
| Busiest Domestic Route | Atlanta |
| Busiest Area | New York metropolitan area |
| Number of Aircraft Operations | Nearly 600 daily |
| Managing Authority | RDU Airport Authority |
| Year of Opening | 1943 |
| Number of Runways | 3 |
| Length of Runways | 4500 feet (Runway 5 and Runway 18), 4490 feet (Runway 14) |
| Airlines | American Airlines, Avelo Airlines, American Eagle, Midway Airlines, Delta, Icelandair, Bahamasair, Allegiant Air, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines |
| Check-in and Security Wait Times | Varies, can be long at times |
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What You'll Learn
- Raleigh–Durham International Airport is the second-largest airport in North Carolina
- The airport offers flights to nearly 80 destinations, including 15 international cities
- RDU ranks 35th in passenger arrivals and departures in the US
- Avelo Airlines will launch nonstop flights to Nassau, Bahamas, and two new domestic destinations
- RDU's post-hub years have seen the addition of discount carriers such as Allegiant Air and Southwest Airlines
Raleigh–Durham International Airport is the second-largest airport in North Carolina
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, after Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Covering 5,000 acres, the airport has three runways and is located in unincorporated Wake County, surrounded by the city of Raleigh to the north and east, and the towns of Cary and Morrisville to the south.
RDU offers passenger service to nearly 80 destinations, including 15 international cities in 11 countries, as of 2025. The airport serves 31 US states, plus Puerto Rico, and its busiest domestic route is Atlanta, with the New York metropolitan area seeing the most passengers per day. In 2024, RDU served a record-breaking 15.5 million passengers, surpassing the previous year's record of 14.5 million.
The history of the airport dates back to 1929 when the region's first airport, Raleigh Municipal Airport, opened 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 flights by Eastern Airlines, and Capital Airlines joined them in 1946, followed by Piedmont Airlines in 1948.
Today, RDU is an operating base for Avelo Airlines, which has recently expanded its services to include nonstop flights to Nassau, Bahamas, as well as new domestic destinations like Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Wilmington, Delaware. Delta Air Lines also maintains a focus city operation at RDU, recognising the region's strong economy and the lack of a dominant network carrier.
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The airport offers flights to nearly 80 destinations, including 15 international cities
Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) is the second-largest airport in North Carolina. The airport has a rich 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, which became the Raleigh–Durham Airport, opening in 1943.
RDU has grown and evolved over the years, adding new carriers and destinations. The airport now offers flights to nearly 80 destinations, including 15 international cities in 11 countries. This includes nonstop flights to popular destinations like Paris, London, Reykjavík, Nassau, and many cities across the United States.
In its early years, Eastern Air Lines and Capital Airlines were the first carriers to operate at RDU, with Piedmont Airlines joining them in 1948. American Airlines (AA) became a significant player at RDU when they built a terminal in the 1980s, offering flights to 38 cities initially and later expanding to include international destinations.
However, AA faced competition from other airlines, and by the early 2000s, they had reduced their operations at RDU. Midway Airlines replaced AA as the airport's hub carrier from 1995 to 2003, serving various domestic and international destinations.
Today, RDU continues to thrive, with discount carriers like Allegiant Air, Southwest Airlines, and Frontier Airlines offering competitive options for travellers. The airport has also undergone modernisation, with the rebuilt Terminal 2 opening in 2011, providing an improved travel experience for passengers.
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RDU ranks 35th in passenger arrivals and departures in the US
Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) is a bustling aviation hub, ranking 35th in passenger arrivals and departures in the US as of 2025. RDU has come a long way since its early days in 1943 when it first opened with flights by Eastern Airlines. The airport has grown significantly over the years, expanding its routes and services to cater to the increasing passenger demand.
In 2023, RDU was the fastest-growing Top 50 airport in the country, with a remarkable 22% growth rate in passenger traffic. This growth propelled the airport to break its previous records and expand its offerings. RDU added four new airlines, 25 new destinations, and introduced 49 new routes during this period. The airport also expanded its international reach, adding three new international destinations and bringing the total to 10, the highest RDU has ever served.
As of 2025, RDU offers passenger service to nearly 80 destinations, including 15 international cities in 11 countries. The airport serves 31 US states, with Atlanta being the busiest domestic route, and the New York metropolitan area seeing the most passengers per day. RDU's growth has led to the need for expansion, with the Airport Authority Board approving plans to expand Terminal 1 and the customs and border patrol center to accommodate the increase in flights and passengers.
RDU has a rich history of airlines serving its terminals. Eastern Airlines and Capital Airlines were the first carriers to operate at RDU after World War II, with Piedmont Airlines joining them in 1948. The airport saw further expansion in the 1970s and 1980s, attracting major carriers such as Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Allegheny Airlines. American Airlines, in particular, played a significant role in RDU's development, establishing a hub and offering non-stop flights to numerous destinations, including Paris-Orly as the airport's first international destination in 1988.
Today, RDU continues to thrive, offering a range of domestic and international routes and contributing significantly to the region's economy. With its focus on growth and passenger convenience, RDU is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory and rise in the rankings of the busiest airports in the US.
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Avelo Airlines will launch nonstop flights to Nassau, Bahamas, and two new domestic destinations
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is set to welcome nonstop flights to Nassau in the Bahamas, as well as two new domestic destinations, in a significant expansion of its services. Avelo Airlines, which launched operations in April 2021, has announced 13 brand-new routes and the addition of three exciting destinations, including its fourth international location, Nassau. This development underscores Avelo's commitment to providing affordable, convenient, and reliable air travel to underserved communities.
The new nonstop flights to Nassau, Bahamas, commencing on June 11, 2025, will operate seasonally on Wednesdays and Saturdays. This addition brings the total number of nonstop international cities accessible from RDU to 15. Furthermore, Avelo Airlines will introduce nonstop service to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Wilmington, Delaware, in the Philadelphia region, starting in May.
Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO, Andrew Levy, expressed his enthusiasm for the expansion: "We continue to Inspire Travel by growing our service at RDU with these new routes to Nassau, Grand Rapids, and Philadelphia, offering our Customers even more choices." He emphasized Avelo's unique position as the only airline providing nonstop service to these destinations from RDU, making travel more convenient and affordable for customers in the Triangle area.
The introduction of these new routes reinforces Avelo's mission of connecting underserved communities with nonstop flights at low fares. The airline has built a reputation for its customer-first approach, industry-leading reliability, and unmatched blend of affordability and convenience. Avelo's fleet of Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft ensures a smooth and enjoyable travel experience, avoiding the crowds and congestion typically associated with larger airports.
With the addition of these new destinations, Avelo Airlines strengthens its presence at RDU, now offering 10 nonstop routes from the airport. The expansion reflects the growth of Avelo alongside RDU and the Triangle region, providing travellers with more options for both domestic and international travel.
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RDU's post-hub years have seen the addition of discount carriers such as Allegiant Air and Southwest Airlines
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) has seen several changes in the years following its time as a hub, including the introduction of discount carriers such as Allegiant Air and Southwest Airlines. Allegiant Air, which began operating in 1997 with flights in California and Nevada, joined RDU as its ninth commercial carrier in 2018. The airline offers non-stop flights to three Florida destinations: Orlando-Sanford International Airport, Punta Gorda, and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. Allegiant Air caters to leisure travellers, with a focus on vacation bookings, and its flights depart from Terminal 2 at RDU.
On the other hand, Southwest Airlines provides a range of travel options from RDU, including beachfront getaways, big-city adventures, and excursions to the Southwest. Southwest Airlines operates from Terminal 1 at RDU, offering straightforward booking processes and rewards programs. The airline promotes flights to various destinations, including West Palm Beach and Las Vegas.
The addition of these discount carriers has provided travellers with more options and competitive pricing for their journeys. Allegiant Air's focus on leisure travel and vacation bookings makes it a convenient choice for those seeking easy access to popular destinations. Similarly, Southwest Airlines caters to a diverse range of travel preferences, ensuring that passengers can explore different parts of the country at affordable prices.
RDU's partnership with these discount carriers aligns with its goal of connecting people to their desired destinations seamlessly. By offering a mix of full-service and low-cost carriers, the airport enhances its accessibility and appeals to a broader range of travellers, including those seeking cost-effective options. This strategy contributes to the airport's overall competitiveness and passenger satisfaction.
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Frequently asked questions
The region's first airport, Raleigh Municipal Airport, opened in 1929, but was quickly outgrown. In 1939, the North Carolina General Assembly chartered the Raleigh–Durham Aeronautical Authority 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.
As of 2025, RDU ranks 35th in passenger arrivals and departures in the US, offering passenger service to nearly 80 destinations, including 15 international destinations in 11 countries. There are nearly 600 daily aircraft operations.
Airlines that operate at RDU Airport include American Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta, Icelandair, Bahamasair, Allegiant Air, and Frontier Airlines.
Passengers are advised to arrive 2 hours before their flight to allow for parking, check-in, and security screening. Check-in and security procedures can vary, with some passengers reporting long lines and delays.
RDU Airport has a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as parking available for those who need it.
