RDU is preparing for an uptick in passenger traffic after serving more than 950,000 passengers in February during a typically slow travel period.
“With spring break just around the corner, RDU is proud to offer more nonstop flights than ever before to destinations outside the U.S. and closer to home,” said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. “We are increasing the number of flights to in-demand cities and adding new destinations to our route map at a record pace. We look forward to welcoming travelers who will make RDU part of their travel plans in the months ahead.”
International Travel: New nonstop routes to international destinations continue to grow at RDU, including a new Caribbean locale. Avelo Airlines will begin nonstop service to Nassau, Bahamas, in June. That follows the airline’s launch of flights to Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, in February. RDU will add another opportunity for an island getaway in April, when BermudAir begins nonstop flights to Bermuda. Travelers who want to head north also have new options. Air Canada will begin flying nonstop to Vancouver in June and WestJet – a new airline for RDU – will start flights to Calgary the same month.
Domestic Travel: Passengers who prefer to stay closer to home will have more opportunities for travel within the U.S. this spring and summer. Avelo will launch flights to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Wilmington, Delaware, in the Philadelphia region in May. Spirit will also expand service at RDU in May with new flights to Baltimore, Detroit, Newark, New Orleans and Dallas. Frontier is increasing the number of flights to other popular destinations with additional nonstop service to Denver, Houston, Orlando, Chicago and Tampa.
Airport Authority Budget: The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Board has approved its Operating and Capital Budgets for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The $523 million spending plan and the accompanying 2025-2026 Business Plan will allow RDU to invest in its infrastructure, workforce and the community while elevating the guest experience for travelers. The Business Plan and budgets for the fiscal year beginning April 1 can be found at www.rdu.com/financials.
Sustainability Honor: RDU has been honored for integrating sustainability into the Park Economy 3 Expansion project. The project received Platinum Envision verification from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure —the highest level of recognition. Park Economy 3 is the third project in North Carolina to earn Envision verification, the first in the state to achieve Platinum status and the first airport project in North Carolina to receive this prestigious certification. RDU is also seeking Envision verification for its runway replacement project, further reinforcing its commitment to sustainable infrastructure and highlighting RDU’s continued growth, innovation and commitment to sustainability as we build an airport for the future.
REAL ID: The deadline for travelers to get a REAL ID is approaching. Beginning May 7, passengers will need a REAL ID, U.S. passport or another federally approved identification to board commercial flights. Passengers who don’t have a REAL ID or U.S. passport may still be able to board flights, but they may be required to provide additional documentation with their traditional license or ID. You can learn more about the REAL ID requirement for air travel at ncdot.gov.