RALEIGH, N.C. — Raleigh-Durham International Airport staff are working on multiple projects to improve services and handle rapid growth as part of a 25-year master plan, an airport official says.

What You Need To Know

  • Raleigh-Durham International Airport set a record for passenger traffic in 2023 with 14.5 million travelers

  • The airport has multiple expansion projects in the works to keep up with rapid growth

  • Plans include 7,000 additional economy parking spaces, more security checkpoints and a dozen new restaurants

The plan, which was approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, focuses on four areas: the airfield, terminals, ground transportation and general aviation.  

“We have so many projects in the works right now,” said RDU Media Relations Director Stephanie Hawco.

RDU expects to add 7,000 parking spaces to its Park Economy 3 lot.

It will improve its roads and expand Terminal 2 by adding more checkpoints to cater to the increasing number of passengers flying through the airport — “to get people through security a little quicker,” Hawco said.

The airport is growing rapidly, Hawco said, making it critical for construction and expansion projects to move forward. 

She said RDU set a record for passenger traffic in 2023 with 14.5 million travelers.

But the main focus now is building a new runway, Hawco said.

“Attract economic activity, make sure people can go to further destinations around the world,” she said.

To decide which projects were a part of the 25-year master plan, airport officials used studies from airlines, as well as information gathered through the airport. But a big part of these improvements are the people.

Airport personnel try their best to listen to travelers and accommodate their needs, Hawco said. 

“We added four new airlines last year, 25 new destinations, 45 new routes,” she said.

RDU is providing more options for flights and destinations. This summer three new international destinations will be available.

“To Frankfurt, Panama City and Mexico City for the first time,” Hawco said.

Over the next couple of months, the airport will open a dozen new restaurants owned by local and celebrity chefs. 

“We really hope that our guests enjoy that when they start to come online this summer and even into early next year,” she said.

To complete these projects, RDU generates its own revenue through concessions and parking fees.

The FAA also plays a big role in supporting the vision.

All projects are going on simultaneously and will not affect traffic or flights times for travelers coming in or out of RDU.