It takes a lot of dirt to build a runway. At Raleigh-Durham International Airport, we’re talking almost five million cubic yards of it. That’s how much earth crews are moving to prepare the site for RDU’s new primary Runway 5L-23R. From the ground, the scale is impressive. From the air, it’s even better. The $1.1 billion project broke ground in October 2023 and is one of the biggest pieces of Transform RDU, our capital program to prepare the airport for the Triangle’s continued growth. The new runway will stretch 10,639 feet, giving airlines more runway length to reach long-haul destinations. It is being built 537 feet northwest of the existing primary runway, which will eventually be converted to a taxiway. Our latest drone video gives you a view that’s hard to appreciate from the terminal. Take a look at the progress and watch RDU’s new runway take shape.

RDU will welcome a new airline and a new international destination when Volaris launches nonstop flights to Guadalajara, Mexico, in October. The service will connect the Research Triangle region to the technology hub known as the “Silicon Valley of Mexico” and offer more options for leisure travel. “The nonstop service to Guadalajara on Volaris will link two dynamic and innovative regions and create new opportunities for business, collaboration and growth,” said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. “It will also strengthen connections between our vibrant communities by making it easier for Triangle-area travelers to visit family and friends.” The Volaris route will launch on Oct. 16 and fly on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays on a 238-seat Airbus 321 Neo. Guadalajara joins Cancun and Mexico City as RDU’s third destination in Mexico. “The new nonstop service reinforces Volaris’ commitment to expanding connectivity between Mexico and the United States while giving our customers more convenient options for traveling between two important markets. Guadalajara is also our largest hub, providing travelers with access to destinations around the world. With this new route, Volaris is bringing people closer, supporting tourism and business, and strengthening Guadalajara’s role as one of our most important gateways,” said Holger Blankenstein, Executive Vice President, Commercial and Operations at Volaris. With the addition of Volaris, RDU’s route map will include a record 91 nonstop destinations on 19 airlines. Visit rdu.com to see where you can fly next.

The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority has reached a milestone in a sustainability program that helps airports identify, measure and manage carbon emissions. The Airport Authority recently reached Level 1 of Airport Carbon Accreditation, an initiative launched by Airports Council International. Level 1 accreditation establishes a foundation for understanding RDUAA’s carbon footprint and identifying opportunities for future progress in reducing emissions. “This accreditation reflects our commitment to understanding our environmental impact and finding practical ways to make a difference,” said Tammie Hall-Roberts, chair of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Board. “Knowing where our emissions come from will help us continue to make thoughtful, informed decisions over time.” The accreditation process included adopting a policy to reduce emissions and support long-term sustainability planning, identifying emissions from sources such as vehicles, emergency generators and electricity, and calculating annual emissions. The Airport Authority plans to build upon this work as we progress towards Level 2 of Airport Carbon Accreditation. Pet Relief Areas: Four-legged travelers have a new place to make a pit stop at RDU. The airport recently opened new indoor pet relief areas in both terminals. Having relief areas beyond the checkpoints means animals can take a break without travelers having to leave the terminal and go through security again. They are among many amenities RDU provides to make the travel experience more comfortable and convenient for everyone, including furry companions. The new pet relief areas are located near Gate A7 in Terminal 1 and near Gate C9 in Terminal 2. Confidence Takes Flight: RDU was proud to partner with Breeze Airways, the Arc of North Carolina and Triangle Disability & Autism Services this month to host Wings for Autism, an event aimed at helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families feel comfortable and confident about the airport experience. Nearly 90 people practiced going through security, navigating the terminal and boarding a plane in a welcoming environment. Making every traveler feel respected and supported is a priority for RDU, and we were pleased to provide an opportunity to help make air travel more accessible for everyone.