RDU welcomed a new airline and international destination when Volaris launched nonstop service between RDU and Guadalajara, Mexico. The service links the Research Triangle to the technology hub known as the "Silicon Valley of Mexico" and provides more options for leisure travel. "Two vibrant regions are now connected by a nonstop route that opens the door to new business opportunities and investment," said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. “Our new partnership with Volaris also allows families to spend less time traveling and more time visiting friends and loved ones." The Volaris route will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays on a 238-seat Airbus A321neo. RDU now offers nonstop flights to three destinations in Mexico, including Cancun and Mexico City. "At Volaris, we are excited to connect the Research Triangle with Guadalajara, bringing together two dynamic regions anchored in innovation, research and technology. This new route gives Triangle-area travelers direct access to Guadalajara, which is not only Mexico's leading technology hub, but also a city rich in tradition, home to mariachi music, the birthplace of tequila and a world-class culinary scene. This new nonstop service reinforces our commitment to expanding connectivity between Mexico and the United States while making it easier for families in North Carolina to visit loved ones in Mexico. With this new route, we continue to strengthen our position as the international airline with the most destinations and seats on routes to the United States, always with the low-fare model that defines Volaris," said Holger Blankenstein, executive vice president, Commercial and Operations at Volaris. Guadalajara is the largest hub for Volaris and gives the Triangle region access to their network of 70 destinations and over 115 daily flights.

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.