Here’s the latest at RDU airport, from runway expansion to new flights
Raleigh-Durham International Airport continues to grow, both in new flights and plans for building expansion. The latest developments at RDU airport include a range of updates, from runway expansion to new flights offering travelers more options.
Local celebrity chefs have been involved in bringing a sense of local flavor to the airport's Terminal 2, enhancing the travel experience by featuring local talent alongside national brands. The ambition to give a sense of place at the airport is evident by offering coffee from Beyu Caffe and Black and White Coffee Roasters and local eateries like La Farm Bakery Cafe. This change is aimed at elevating the food offerings while allowing travelers to experience the best of the region.
Construction and expansion plans are also highlighted in RDU's development strategy, addressing parking demands with a $164 million project to overhaul and expand Park Economy 3 by adding 7,000 spaces. The desire to integrate EV chargers in this lot, though not initially planned, reflects the board's awareness of sustainability trends.
Parallel to these expansions are enhancements to current facilities, improving convenience and customer experience without driving up costs significantly.
Various global airlines, including Aeromexico, have also added nonstop flights to international destinations to cater to growing demand, benefiting from some federal grants towards runway and infrastructure improvements.
Efforts to connect RDU efficiently through mass transit systems like bus rapid transit emphasize a broader vision of integrating transportation solutions in the growing region.
NO. 1: A LOCAL CELEBRITY CHEF HELPS BRING A SENSE OF PLACE TO RDU AIRPORT’S TERMINAL 2
Crawford’s Genuine, the first airport restaurant from Scott Crawford, opened last week. | Published September 18, 2024 | Read Full Story by Richard Stradling
NO. 2: HOW MANY EV CHARGERS SHOULD RDU’S LARGEST PARKING LOT HAVE? NONE ARE PLANNED NOW
The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority board asks that the 11,000-space lot include at least some chargers for electric vehicles. | Published November 22, 2024 | Read Full Story by Richard Stradling
NO. 3: RDU, AVELO AIRLINES ANNOUNCE 2 MORE INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS FROM THE TRIANGLE
With these new routes, RDU travelers have a record 14 nonstop international destinations to choose from. | Published December 4, 2024 | Read Full Story by Richard Stradling
NO. 4: BREEZE AIRWAYS ANNOUNCES NEW NONSTOPS FROM RDU, INCLUDING TWO MORE EXCLUSIVE ROUTES
The low-cost carrier serves more nonstop destinations from the Triangle than any other airline. | Published February 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Richard Stradling
NO. 5: AVELO ANNOUNCES NEW NONSTOPS FROM RDU, INCLUDING ANOTHER OVERSEAS DESTINATION
The low-cost carrier now offers three international flights from the Triangle. | Published March 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Richard Stradling
NO. 6: WALK TO YOUR RENTAL CAR AT RDU? HIGH COST FORCES AIRPORT TO RETHINK THAT PLAN
Raleigh-Durham International Airport would love to eliminate shuttle buses between terminals and rental car lots. | Published March 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Richard Stradling
NO. 7: SPIRIT AIRLINES REDISCOVERS THE TRIANGLE, WITH NEW RDU FLIGHTS TO 5 CITIES IN MAY
The low-cost carrier debuted in the Triangle in 2019, but cut back drastically during the COVID-19 pandemic. | Published March 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Richard Stradling
NO. 8: WITH THIS NEW FLIGHT FROM RDU, BERMUDA GOT A LOT CLOSER TO THE TRIANGLE
BermudAir made its debut at Raleigh-Durham International Airport on Friday. | Published April 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Richard Stradling
NO. 9: BUDGET AIRLINE DROPS NEW CARIBBEAN FLIGHT FROM RDU BEFORE IT EVEN STARTS
Avelo Airlines won’t begin flying between RDU and Nassau after all. Here’s why not. | Published May 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Richard Stradling
NO. 10: LOW-COST AIRLINE ANNOUNCES TWO MORE FLIGHTS FROM RDU, BRINGING TOTAL TO 28
The 4-year-old start-up airline now serves more destinations from Raleigh-Durham International Airport than any other. | Published May 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Richard Stradling
NO. 11: AEROMEXICO PLANS ANOTHER NONSTOP FLIGHT TO MEXICO FROM THE TRIANGLE
The flag carrier of Mexico will begin flying between Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Cancun next winter. | Published June 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Richard Stradling
NO. 12: MASS TRANSIT TO RDU AIRPORT? HERE’S ONE IDEA FOR HOW TO MAKE IT HAPPEN
In a region where people depend on cars to get around, there’s one place many would consider taking mass transit: | Published August 19, 2025 | Read Full Story by Richard Stradling
NO. 13: RDU WINS ANOTHER FEDERAL GRANT TO HELP BUILD A NEW MAIN RUNWAY
Raleigh-Durham International Airport has received another federal grant to help pay for a new runway. | Published August 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Richard Stradling
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NO. 14: TO BUILD A NEW RUNWAY, RDU MUST FIRST MAKE A LONG, FLAT SURFACE
To build an airport runway, you need a long strip of earth that is basically flat. | Published August 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Richard Stradling
NO. 15: A COCKTAIL BEFORE DAWN? A BEER AT THE GATE? RDU TRIES RELAXING ITS ALCOHOL RULES
Travelers at Raleigh-Durham International Airport will soon be able to enjoy an early morning cocktail or carry a draft beer back to their seat near the gate. | Published August 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Richard Stradling
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.