Bundle up – a blast of bitter weather is expected to hit the Triangle this week! Preparations for winter weather start well before the temperature drops and are already underway at RDU. We work closely with the airlines to help prevent weather from interfering with your travel plans. Freezing temperatures require airlines to take extra steps to make sure snow, slush and ice don’t accumulate on aircraft.   

You might have heard the term “deicing” from a pilot or flight attendant. Aircraft operating in winter conditions often require deicing to prepare for flight. Airline staff spray deicing fluid on a plane’s wings and tail to prevent ice or snow from accumulating prior to takeoff.  

Airlines are responsible for deicing aircraft and purchasing deicing fluid prior to winter arriving and RDU stores the fluid at the airport for safekeeping. On days when deicing aircraft is necessary, RDU identifies locations where the airlines can deice planes safely. 

RDU is responsible for keeping the sidewalks, roads, runways and taxiways clear of snow and ice. Our winter weather crews operate around the clock to keep the airport campus and the airfield safe for passengers and planes. So, the next time you fly during cold weather, look out the window and wave to the team braving the cold to keep you safe and on schedule.