RDU Airport, NC – Over 4.5 million passengers traveled through Raleigh-Durham International Airport during the first half of 2005 — an 11.5 percent gain over the same period last year. The numbers were presented at the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority’s July meeting.

In June 855,546 travelers used RDU, making it the busiest month so far this year.

“The increase in passengers illustrates what we have known for many years,” said Teresa Damiano, RDU’s director of marketing. “Our region travels. Airlines serving RDU continue to add flights to popular destinations, and our passengers continue to take advantage of increased access to cities across the country.”

In the first six months of 2005, airlines at RDU increased service to Chicago and Tampa- St. Petersburg. Delta Airlines also introduced nonstop service to New Orleans and Salt Lake City .

From RDU, nine major airlines and 12 regional carriers offer 238 daily departures to 38 nonstop destinations.

RDU also posted gains in air cargo and aircraft operations.

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