RDU International Airport (RDU) has experienced an exceptional year of growth and development, with this summer being no exception. Passenger traffic surged over the Independence Day holiday, with nearly 329,000 passengers flying through the airport between July 1-7, marking a 9.5% increase over the same holiday weekend in 2023.

With new flights, enhanced dining options and a commitment to sustainability, RDU continues to elevate the travel experience for its passengers.
 

New flights

RDU celebrated the launch of two new international routes in June 2024. Lufthansa now offers nonstop service from Frankfurt, Germany, providing convenient access from Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa. Copa Airlines has initiated flights from Panama City, allowing travelers easy connections from Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Additionally, Aeromexico is set to start flights from Mexico City on July 1, making it RDU's 10th international destination. (Raleigh was recently featured in Panorama of the Americas, Copa Airline's in-flight magazine. Read the article, here.)

Breeze Airways and Frontier Airlines are also expanding their services at RDU. Breeze Airways launched flights from San Diego on April 30 and additional routes in May, including Burlington, Vt., Portland, Maine, Syracuse, N.Y., and White Plains, N.Y. Frontier now offers nonstop service from Milwaukee, marking its 21st active route offered at RDU.

 

Enhanced dining options

Wake Forest's Black & White Coffee Roasters has opened in Terminal 2, offering exceptional coffee and an all-day menu. This addition is part of RDU’s ongoing effort to reimagine terminal dining with more new concepts planned. Among these, Genuine will open later this summer at Terminal 2, Gate C1, featuring a menu curated by six-time James Beard nominated chef Scott Crawford. The restaurant will offer dishes like wood-grilled beef ribeye, grilled Carolina trout and breakfast bowls, all reflecting strong local flavors and fresh ingredients. Carolina Craft, also opening this summer at Terminal 2, Gate C12, will provide unique local beers and spirits, celebrating Carolina's vibrant craft beverage scene.

 

Sustainability initiatives

RDU published its first annual sustainability report, detailing efforts to integrate sustainable practices in various aspects of the airport's operations. Key initiatives include hiring a dedicated energy manager, reusing construction materials and engaging with local government on sustainability. Learn more about RDU's sustainability efforts and see the full Sustainability Program Annual Report at www.rdu.com/sustainability.

 

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