September Passenger Volume Spikes by 24% Year Over Year
Passenger volume at RDU spiked nearly 24 percent in September 2019 compared to the same month last year. The increase is due to travel disruptions caused by Hurricane Florence in September 2018. More than 570,000 passengers boarded flights at RDU last month, contrasted with 459,000 last September.
“While September’s numbers can be attributed to hurricane-related flight cancellations last year, RDU continues to experience record-setting growth,” said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. “Passenger volume will only increase as we enter the busy holiday travel season next month, so we ask that travelers arrive early to avoid any last-minute rush.”
Passengers should arrive at the airport at least two hours early for a domestic flight and three hours early for international travel so they have enough time to park, get through security, and arrive at their gate on time.
New Concessions for 2020: the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority’s Board of Directors approved an agreement at Thursday’s board meeting that would bring ethnic flavors, local breweries and other fresh concepts to Terminal 2. The lineup of proposed concepts includes Raleigh Taproom, Bond Brothers Brewery, Cantina Grill, Wow Bao, Deli & Co. and Rush Bowls. California Pizza Kitchen and Bruegger’s Bagels will remain in the terminal. The new concepts will be introduced in January 2020.
Campus Improvements: RDU has kicked off a year-plus campaign to improve elevators, escalators and passenger walkways in the parking decks. Construction crews started taking individual elevator cars and shafts offline for necessary mechanical and electrical work last week. During each phase of work, travelers will find signage informing them about the construction that is underway. Working elevators will be just steps away to ensure all our customers have the access they need.
REAL ID: beginning October 1st of next year, passengers at RDU and all U.S. airports will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or other federally-approved form of ID to board a flight. Passengers who do not have a N.C. REAL ID or other accepted form of identification such as a valid passport or U.S. military ID will not be allowed to pass through the security checkpoint. It is important for travelers to get the new ID well in advance to avoid any last-minute rush or risk being turned away at the airport. The REAL ID will not be required for driving. Read more about the N.C. REAL ID.
More Holiday Travel Options: RDU customers are finding more options when they book holiday travel this year. The influx of ultra-low cost carriers at RDU is creating competition that gives passengers more options for travel times and ticket prices. RDU has 61 nonstop flights and ranked #6 in growth among 50 busiest U.S. airports from March 2018 – March 2019. The airport is tailoring its recruiting efforts to pair airline partners with the destinations RDU travelers want most, along with the appropriate schedule and frequency to ensure the success of new flights.