RDU's Rapid Growth: Expanding to Meet the Rising Demand and Bringing New Global Connections

Economy & Business 2025: RDU International Airport 

Michael Landguth, A.A.E  

President and CEO, Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority 

As the Research Triangle region grows, Raleigh-Durham International Airport is growing along with it. RDU was recently named the fastest-growing Top 50 airport in the country. The airport grew at a rate of 22% over the previous year based on 2023 U.S. Department of Transportation data on how many passengers boarded flights at large airports. RDU also launched 10 new nonstop destinations and 9 route expansions last year and has grown to serve 19 airline partners.  

More international nonstop destinations are now on the map, as RDU celebrated new service to Frankfurt, Germany on Lufthansa, Panama City, Panama on Copa Airlines and Mexico City on Aeromexico in 2024. Service to Bermuda on BermudAir and Calgary on WestJet are set to begin in 2025.  

To accommodate more flights and more travelers in the years ahead, the Airport Authority plans to invest approximately $2.5 billion in capital infrastructure over the next 10 years. Major projects include the expansion of Terminal 2 from the curb to the security checkpoint, the replacement of RDU’s longest runway and the expansion of the airport’s main roadway, John Brantley Blvd. In addition to allowing for growth, these projects will provide greater economic opportunities for the region and enhance the guest experience.  

In the shorter term, travelers will see some new additions inside the terminals. RDU is reimagining the airport dining experience by introducing a new lineup of restaurants, coffee shops and bars to complement existing airport favorites. The first of more than a dozen new concepts opened in 2024, with more to follow in 2025, featuring local flavors, menus from award-winning chefs, grab-and-go options and more. Keep up with all of the latest developments at RDU at rdu.com. 

“It’s clear that RDU is on a growth streak, as we continue to add new flights and destinations and break passenger traffic records. To meet the growing needs of our community, it is critical that we expand and upgrade our facilities and infrastructure. Over the next 10 years, we will embark on a major capital program to build a bigger, better airport and improve the travel experience at RDU.”  -Michael Landguth, Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority

This content first appeared in Economy & Business 2025. Click here to view the entire publication.