RDU was the fastest-growing Top 50 airport in the country in 2023. The airport grew at a rate of 22% over the previous year. The ranking is based on U.S. DOT data on how many passengers boarded flights at large airports during the calendar year. RDU also broke its previous record for passenger traffic in 2023 and added four new airlines, 25 new destinations and 49 new routes. The airport will add three new international destinations this year, bringing the total to 10 – the most RDU has ever served. 

San Francisco International Airport, Washington-Dulles International Airport and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico ranked second through fourth on the list with growth rates of approximately 18 percent. Kansas City International Airport rounded out the top five with an increase of more than 17 percent.