Lois Larson
Raleigh–Durham International Airport, locally known by its IATA code RDU, is an international airport that serves Raleigh, Durham, and the surrounding Research Triangle region of North Carolina. The airport is the second-largest in the state, covering 5,000 acres and featuring three runways. While the R and D in the airport code are assumed to stand for Raleigh and Durham, the origin of the U is unknown. Some have speculated that it stands for United, reflecting the partnership between the cities, or that it is connected to Umstead State Park, which is adjacent to the airport. However, these theories have been refuted.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Raleigh–Durham International Airport is the second-largest airport in North Carolina
- The airport's IATA code is RDU, with R and D likely standing for Raleigh and Durham
- The U in RDU is thought to be the second letter in Durham, but there are other theories
- The airport was first opened in 1929 as Raleigh Municipal Airport
- RDU has been used as a code because it falls in line with other airport codes like SFO for San Francisco
Raleigh–Durham International Airport is the second-largest airport in North Carolina
Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) is the second-largest airport in North Carolina. It is located in the heart of the state, in unincorporated Wake County, and is named after the cities of Raleigh and Durham. The airport covers 5,000 acres (20 km2) and has three runways, with plans to build a fourth runway underway.
RDU is a significant gateway for air service within North Carolina and the wider Mid-Atlantic region. The airport offers passenger service to nearly 80 destinations, including 14 international destinations in 10 countries. In 2024, the airport served 15.5 million passengers, breaking its previous record of 14.5 million passengers in 2023. The airport is an operating base for Avelo Airlines and Endeavor Air, and a focus city for Delta Air Lines. Other airlines that serve RDU include American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Air Canada.
The history of Raleigh–Durham International 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 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 airport was promoted by Eastern Air Lines, led by then-chairman Eddie Rickenbacker, who wanted to make RDU a stop on the airline's New York–Miami route. The first terminal at the current Raleigh–Durham International Airport site opened in 1955, and the airport was renamed Raleigh–Durham International Airport following the growth of postwar aviation.
Over the years, Raleigh–Durham International Airport has undergone several expansions and renovations. In 1985, American Airlines built a terminal at RDU, and in 1987, the airline began offering non-stop flights to 36 airports across the United States. In 1999, RDU opened Park and Ride 4 to accommodate the growing number of travellers using the airport. In 2003, the airport installed its first permanent work of art, a tile mural depicting North Carolina's ecosystems. More recently, in 2017, the RDU Airport Authority proposed major additions and renovations to the airport, including the construction of a consolidated rental car facility and an on-site hotel, and the expansion of both terminals and parking lots. The proposal also included plans to rebuild the primary runway, 5L/23R, and lengthen the secondary runway, 5R/23L.
Cabo San Lucas Airport: Is It Safe to Fly In?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport's IATA code is RDU, with R and D likely standing for Raleigh and Durham
Raleigh–Durham International Airport, locally known by its IATA code RDU, is the second-largest airport in North Carolina. The airport serves Raleigh, Durham, and the surrounding Research Triangle region of North Carolina as its main airport. The airport covers 5,000 acres and has three runways.
The three-letter airport codes are typically created using combinations of letters representing the airfield, city, or region's name. For example, SFO for San Francisco International Airport and GSP for Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. In the case of RDU, while the R and D likely stand for Raleigh and Durham, the U does not seem to follow this pattern.
Despite the various theories, the airport has stated that they do not know the specific reason behind the code. Over the years, the airport has received requests to change the code to RDI or RDA, but these codes are already in use by other airports.
The Raleigh–Durham region's first airport opened in 1929 as Raleigh Municipal Airport, south of Raleigh. However, it was quickly outgrown, and in 1939, the North Carolina General Assembly chartered the Raleigh–Durham Aeronautical Authority to build and operate a larger airport between Raleigh and Durham. Today, Raleigh–Durham International Airport is a major airport, ranking 35th in passenger arrivals and departures in the US as of 2025.
Manila Airport: Free, Fast, and Reliable WiFi Available
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The U in RDU is thought to be the second letter in Durham, but there are other theories
Raleigh–Durham International Airport, locally known by its IATA code RDU, is the second-largest airport in North Carolina. The airport serves Raleigh, Durham, and the surrounding Research Triangle region of North Carolina as its main airport.
The three-letter airport codes are created using combinations of letters representing the airfield, city, or region's name. RDU follows the pattern of other airport codes like SFO for San Francisco International Airport and GSP for Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. While the specific reason for the code RDU may not be known, it is clear that it has become a well-recognized identifier for Raleigh–Durham International Airport.
Over the years, the airport has received queries and requests to change the code to RDI or RDA, but these proposals have not been adopted. The code RDU has become integral to the airport's identity, and any change would likely be met with resistance and confusion, especially considering the airport's extensive use of the code in its branding and marketing.
Sydney Airport: Impact of Fires and Smoke Hazards
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$19.9
$19.9
The airport was first opened in 1929 as Raleigh Municipal Airport
Raleigh–Durham International Airport, locally known by its IATA code 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 located in unincorporated Wake County and is surrounded by the city of Raleigh to the north and east, and the towns of Cary and Morrisville to the south. Covering 5,000 acres, it is the second-largest airport in the state of North Carolina.
The passenger terminal was built from materials remaining after the construction of four barracks for the Army Air Forces Air Technical Service Command airfield. The airport's three runways from 1951 are still visible on the southeast side of the airport: 4500-ft runway 5, 4500-ft runway 18, and 4490-ft runway 14. After World War II, Capital Airlines joined Eastern at RDU, and Piedmont Airlines arrived in 1948, bringing the total daily flights to 22. The first terminal opened in 1955, and Eastern Airlines brought the commercial jet age to RDU with Boeing 727 jet service in 1965.
Over the years, RDU has continued to expand and renovate its facilities to accommodate growing passenger numbers. In 1985, American Airlines (AA) built a terminal at RDU, and in 1996, Air Canada became the airport's first international carrier with service to Toronto. RDU has also invested in artwork and infrastructure improvements, including a tile mural installed in 2003 and a new $40 million terminal area parking garage in 2000. In 2017, the RDU Airport Authority proposed major additions and renovations, including the construction of a consolidated rental car facility, an on-site hotel, expansion of parking lots, and improvements to the taxiway layout.
Incheon Airport: Smoking Areas and Policies Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
RDU has been used as a code because it falls in line with other airport codes like SFO for San Francisco
Raleigh–Durham International Airport, locally known by its IATA code RDU, is an international airport that serves Raleigh, Durham, and the surrounding Research Triangle region of North Carolina as its main airport. The airport covers 5,000 acres and has three runways.
The RDU code falls right in line with the pattern for codes like SFO for San Francisco International Airport and GSP for Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. The three-letter airport codes are created by using combinations of letters representing the airfield, city, or region's name.
Small, general aviation airports may have a combination of letters as well as numbers. For example, other airports that serve a single city may take the first three letters of that city, such as DAL for Dallas Love Field or HOU for Hobby Airport in Houston.
While the RDU code is widely accepted, people have occasionally asked to change the code to RDI or RDA. However, RDI is already in use by Rockhampton Downs Airport in Australia. Many theories abound as to the meaning of RDU, with some speculating that the "U" could be the second letter in "Durham" or that it represents Umstead State Park, which is adjacent to the airport.
Jeddah Airport: Free WiFi for Travelers and Visitors
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The abbreviation RDU is derived from the airport's name, with R for Raleigh and D for Durham. The U might be the second letter of Durham, but there are other theories, including that it stands for United, reflecting the partnership between the cities.
Some people think it might have something to do with Umstead State Park, which is adjacent to the airport. Another theory is that it stands for Raleigh-Durham United, but this has been refuted.
Yes, RDU falls into the same pattern as codes like SFO for San Francisco International Airport and GSP for Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport.
Yes, some airport codes are a bit more puzzling. For example, ORD refers to Chicago-O'Hare Airport because the airport was previously known as Orchard Field.
The airport has received requests to change the code to RDI or RDA, but these are not feasible, as RDI is already in use by Rockhampton Downs Airport in Australia.
