Raleigh-Durham International Airport
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| Raleigh-Durham International Airport | |
|---|---|
| Name | Raleigh-Durham International Airport |
| IATA | RDU |
| ICAO | KRDU |
| FAA | RDU |
| Owner | Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority |
| City-served | Research Triangle |
| Location | Wake County, North Carolina |
| Elevation-f | 435 |
| Elevation-m | 133 |
| Coordinates | 35, 52, 40, N... |
| Website | https://www.rdu.com/ |
| R1-number | 5L/23R |
| R1-length-m | 3,048 |
| R1-length-f | 10,000 |
| R1-surface | Asphalt |
| R2-number | 5R/23L |
| R2-length-m | 2,286 |
| R2-length-f | 7,500 |
| R2-surface | Asphalt |
| R3-number | 14/32 |
| R3-length-m | 1,524 |
| R3-length-f | 5,000 |
| R3-surface | Asphalt |
| Stat-year | 2023 |
| Stat1-header | Total passengers |
| Stat1-data | 14,556,585 |
| Stat2-header | Aircraft operations |
| Stat2-data | 180,201 |
| Stat3-header | Cargo (metric tons) |
| Stat3-data | 90,000 |
Raleigh-Durham International Airport is a major public airport serving the Research Triangle region of North Carolina. Owned and operated by the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, it is located in unincorporated Wake County, North Carolina, roughly midway between the cities of Raleigh and Durham. As a primary gateway for the area's prominent Research Triangle Park and several major universities, including Duke University and North Carolina State University, it functions as a significant economic engine for the Southeastern United States.
History
The airport's origins trace to 1929 when the first municipal airfield, Raleigh Municipal Airport, opened on the site. With the onset of World War II, the United States Army Air Forces took control, establishing Morris Field as a training base, which significantly expanded its infrastructure. After the war, jurisdiction reverted to local authorities, and the facility was renamed Raleigh-Durham Airport in 1949 to reflect its regional service role. A major milestone was reached in 1981 with the opening of the iconic Terminal 1, designed by the architectural firm Fentress Architects, which featured a distinctive parabolic roof. The airport gained its "International" designation in 1986 following the commencement of service by American Airlines to London Gatwick Airport. Continued growth, driven by the expansion of carriers like Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines, led to the opening of the modern Terminal 2 in 2008.
Facilities
The airport sits on approximately 5,000 acres and features three asphalt runways, with the primary runway, 5L/23R, measuring 10,000 feet to accommodate transatlantic flights. Its two passenger terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, are connected by a frequent shuttle bus service. Terminal 2, a LEED Silver-certified facility, is the main hub for American Airlines and houses most international arrivals. Cargo operations are supported by facilities used by carriers such as FedEx Express and UPS Airlines. Other notable infrastructure includes the RDU Observation Park, a popular public viewing area, and the General aviation facilities at the RDU General Aviation Terminal.
Airlines and destinations
The airport is a focus city for American Airlines, which operates a large maintenance base here and offers numerous flights to its hubs like Charlotte and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Other major carriers include Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and JetBlue. Domestic non-stop service spans major markets such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Boston. International service includes seasonal and year-round flights to destinations like London Heathrow Airport, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, and Cancún International Airport, operated by airlines including British Airways and Air France.
Statistics
In 2023, it served over 14.5 million passengers, making it one of the busiest airports in the Southeastern United States. American Airlines holds the largest market share, followed by Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines. The top domestic destinations by passenger volume are typically Atlanta, Charlotte, and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Cargo operations handled approximately 90,000 metric tons of freight, with FedEx Express being the dominant cargo operator. The airport consistently ranks highly in customer satisfaction surveys conducted by the Airports Council International.
Ground transportation
The airport is accessible via Interstate 40 and Interstate 540. Public bus service is provided by GoTriangle, with Route 100 connecting to the Raleigh Union Station downtown. Taxi services and app-based rideshares like Uber and Lyft operate from designated areas outside both terminals. Several rental car companies, including Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Hertz, maintain facilities in a consolidated rental car center, reachable by a dedicated shuttle. Parking options include hourly, daily, and economy lots, as well as valet services.
Accidents and incidents
The airport has experienced few major accidents. A significant incident occurred in 1983 when Air North Flight 100, a Douglas DC-3, crashed during a training flight, resulting in fatalities. In 1988, a Delta Air Lines McDonnell Douglas MD-88 overran the runway during a rejected takeoff in heavy rain; there were no serious injuries. Another notable event was the 1994 crash of a private Cessna 421 shortly after takeoff, which was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board. These events have contributed to ongoing enhancements in safety protocols and runway conditions overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Category:Airports in North Carolina Category:Transportation in Wake County, North Carolina Category:Research Triangle