Spring is taking off at RDU International Airport (RDU), with exciting new international service, expanded nonstop routes, fresh dining and shopping options and continued progress on major terminal improvements. Here’s what travelers can look forward to this season:
 

New Aer Lingus flight from Dublin, Ireland

International visitors have a brand‑new gateway into RDU this spring. Aer Lingus launched nonstop service to RDU from Dublin on April 13, marking RDU's 14th international flight.

Flights operate five days a week aboard the Airbus A321XLR, providing visitors convenient access to Raleigh, N.C., while connections through Dublin make it easy for travelers from across Europe to reach the area for leisure or business.

Other international service at RDU includes flights from destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada and the Dominican Republic, providing visitors with multiple international entry points to the Raleigh area. A full list of nonstop destinations served can be found, here.
 

Terminal 1 welcomes new restaurants and shops

RDU recently celebrated the grand opening of several new dining and retail concepts, giving travelers even more reasons to arrive early and explore. The new lineup includes:

• Five Points News and Gift (Gate A7): Inspired by Raleigh’s Five Points neighborhood
• Natalie’s Candy Jar (Gate A6): A mix of nostalgic favorites and new sweet treats
• The District by Root & Branch (Gate A7): A spot for visitors to pick up locally-crafted goods
• Puro Gusto (Gate A6): A Italian-inspired dining experience
• Raleigh Beer Garden (Gate A4): A popular spot with pub food, a full bar with more than 30 taps and their laid-back beer garden vibe
   

New dining in Terminal 2

Terminal 2 also saw a addition earlier this year with the opening of Bond Brothers Kitchen & Bar at Gate D3. The Cary, N.C., restaurant brings locally inspired food and drinks to the airside dining scene. Visitors can view the full list of RDU concessionaires anytime, here.
 

Terminal 2 expansion update

Visitors traveling through Terminal 2 will now notice a full‑height construction wall spanning the north end of the ticketing hall. The permanent wall replaces the temporary plastic barrier installed earlier this year and marks visible progress on RDU’s multi‑year Terminal 2 expansion, part of the airport’s $2.5 billion Transform RDU capital improvement program.

Work behind the wall is focused on expanding the terminal to accommodate future growth. This phase of construction will add additional ticketing space, a larger international arrivals area and new baggage claim carousels to support increasing passenger demand and expanded international service. The wall is expected to remain in place for approximately two years while this portion of the project is completed. 

While construction continues, all ticket counters and security checkpoints remain open, and RDU staff are available to assist travelers as needed.