May 2025 was one for the record books at RDU International Airport. Between Mother’s Day and college graduations, the airport saw two of its busiest travel days ever, with more than 31,500 passengers departing on Sun., May 11—RDU’s second-highest, single-day total—and another 30,600 on Mon., May 12, making it the sixth busiest day in history. (The current record remains Dec. 1, 2024—the Sunday after Thanksgiving.) As summer travel heats up, here’s what else is happening at RDU:
 

It’s a breeze to access Raleigh, N.C.

Starting Oct. 3, Breeze Airways will launch nonstop flights from Key West, Fla., providing visitors with easy access to the Raleigh area from the Florida Keys. On Nov. 6, Breeze will also begin nonstop service from Manchester, N.H.—another quick and convenient option for traveling from the Northeast to the destination. Breeze remains RDU’s fastest-growing airline by number of routes added, now serving 28 destinations from RDU.

 

New nonstops from Canada take off

Additionally, international travel to RDU continues to expand. This June, RDU welcomed two new nonstop routes from Canada. Air Canada began service from Vancouver on June 5, and WestJet launched flights from Calgary on June 9. Both flights will operate three times weekly during the summer season. (Conveniently, Vancouver and Calgary are U.S. Customs preclearance airports, meaning visitors can complete U.S. Customs and Immigration screening before boarding—streamlining the return trip home.)

 

REAL ID now required

On May 7, TSA’s new REAL ID requirement officially took effect. Travelers now need a REAL ID, passport or other federally approved identification to board commercial flights at RDU and airports nationwide. Passengers without a REAL ID may face additional screening and be directed to separate checkpoints. The transition at RDU has gone smoothly, but visitors are encouraged to double-check their ID status before heading to the airport.

 

Sustainability spotlight: PE3 earns Platinum

RDU recently received the Envision Platinum Award—the highest recognition from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure—for its Park Economy 3 (PE3) Expansion project. The expanded lot near Aviation Parkway will grow from 3,820 to 11,000 spaces, incorporating solar panels, North Carolina’s first submerged gravel wetland for stormwater management and other sustainable features.


Have questions or want to start planning your next meeting in Raleigh, N.C.? Contact our sales team today!