Raleigh-Durham International Airport
A leading Southeastern U.S. airport, RDU is a major hub for business and leisure travel with record nonstop destinations.
Overview of the Airport
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is located about 10 miles northwest of downtown Raleigh and serves the Research Triangle region. It is a key gateway for domestic and growing international routes, supporting both business and tourism travel.
35.8776, -78.7875
Growth Trend
Passenger traffic increased by 6.6% year-over-year from 2023 to 2024, reaching a new record high.
Employment
5,000
Workers include airline staff, ground services, concessions, security, and airport authority personnel.
Global Ranking
Market Share of Major Airlines
Capacity Expansion
Expansion projects, including new parking facilities and terminal enhancements, are increasing passenger and operational capacity.
Technological Advancements
Deployment of biometric boarding, expanded self-service kiosks, and advanced security screening streamline passenger flow.
Sustainability Initiatives
Solar panel installations, EV charging, and green building practices support RDU’s environmental commitments.
General Stats
Comprehensive passenger capacity profiles and geographical insights.
View General Stats→Latest News & Updates
Recent developments and updates for Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
Airline pulls out of RDU, citing decline in Canadian visitors to the US
Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. WestJet, Canada's second largest airline, made its debut at Raleigh-Durham International Airport last June. (WestJet) Canada's second-busiest airline will not be returning to Raleigh ...
3 new flights take off from Memphis airport in September: Here is where they'll...
A new month will bring new flights to MemphisInternational Airport. New routes to Knoxville, New...
Frontier adding 10 new routes to Florida airports. Deals start at $39
Ultra-low-cost Frontier Airlines is adding 23 new routes in2026, including 10 flights coming to...
Operations Logistics & Timelines
Step-by-step process transit times for passengers and cargo.
For Clients
Passenger process times from arrival to gate.
- Arrival & Baggage Claim10-20 mins
- Check-in/Bag Drop15-45 mins
- TSA Security Screening15-30 mins
- Boarding5-15 mins
- Walking to Gate5-10 mins
For Employees
Cargo handling deadlines and operational procedures.
- General Cargo Cut-off60 mins pre-departure
- Cargo Drop-offVaries by carrier
- ManifestingVaries by carrier
- Weight and Measurement VerificationDuring Manifesting
- Security ScreeningUpon Arrival
- Baggage HandlingFollowing Security Screening
- Loading onto AircraftPrior to Departure
- Customs Clearance (if applicable)Upon Arrival
Passengers' Tips & Tricks
- 1
Arrive Early
Allow extra time for security lines, potential delays, and navigating the airport. Domestic flights recommend arriving 2 hours prior, while international flights require 3 hours.
- 2
Check-In Procedures
Most airlines cut off check-in and bag drop 30-45 minutes before departure. Confirm your airline's specific policy.
- 3
Parking Options
RDU offers multiple parking options, including long-term and short-term. Note that cash is no longer accepted; all major credit cards are accepted.
- 4
Wi-Fi and Charging Stations
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and there are charging stations available for your devices.
- 5
Route to the Airport
From downtown Raleigh, head west on W Edenton St, turn right onto S Dawson St, and merge onto I-40 W via the ramp to RDU International Airport.
Cargo Tips & Tricks
- 1
Book in Advance
Air freight capacity at RDU can fluctuate, so booking shipments well in advance ensures availability and potentially better rates, especially during peak seasons.
- 2
Utilize Cargo Statistics
Leverage the available cargo statistics from RDU (over 136 tons daily) to understand typical volumes and plan logistics accordingly. This data highlights the airport’s significant cargo operations.
- 3
Explore FBO Partnerships
Collaborating with Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs) at RDU provides access to specialized cargo handling services and streamlines the import/export process. Contact RDU’s FBO team at (919) 840-2123.
- 4
Utilize Digital Payment Systems
Employ digital payment systems like CargoSprint or PayCargo for efficient and timely cargo payments, aligning with modern logistics practices.
- 5
Network Connectivity
RDU’s cargo operations are supported by a robust road network, facilitating seamless transportation of goods to and from the airport. Leverage this connectivity for efficient delivery.
Tools & Resources
Essential tools, portals, and resources for clients and partners.
Data & Reports
Official statistics, research reports, and data tracking for Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
RDU Air Service Statistics
Reports including statistics on passenger and cargo traffic, flights and aircraft operations.
RDU Cargo Statistics
More than 101,000 tons of cargo passed through RDU Airport in 2024, averaging about 278 tons daily. Find statistics about cargo operations at RDU below.
Raleigh Durham Airport Facts & Figures
Most recent facts and figures about Raleigh Durham Airport (RDU) including flights, airlines and passenger movements with changes.
Passenger All-Cargo Data for U.S. Airports
More about the collection and use of passenger and all-cargodata. Passenger boarding and all-cargodata is collected for a full calendar year and is used in calculating airport categories and entitlements for the next full fiscal year (i.e., Calendar Year 2025 determines Fiscal Year 2027 category and funds).
Airport Statistics for Raleigh Airport (RDU)
Passenger and flight data by month for Raleigh Airport (RDU). See and compare passenger volumes and flight data over time at Raleigh Airport.
Location & Maps
Find Raleigh-Durham International Airport on popular mapping services.
Interactive Map
Map Legend
Loading Google Maps...
Recommendations
Policy Alignment
Engage with federal and state partners to secure funding for infrastructure and sustainability initiatives.
Infrastructure Investment
Prioritize terminal modernization and parking expansion to meet rising demand and improve resilience.
Sustainability Focus
Accelerate adoption of renewable energy and sustainable operations to achieve environmental targets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common inquiries about operations and logistics at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
Is curbside check-in available at RDU?
Yes, curbside check-in is available at RDU.
Where can I find information about lost baggage?
You can find information about locating your lost bags on the RDU website, specifically in the Baggage and Cargo FAQ section.
What are the rules for carry-on and checked baggage allowances?
Baggage and Cargo regulations, including carry-on and checked bag allowances, can be found in the Baggage and Cargo FAQ.
What transportation options are available from RDU?
Many companies provide transportation services from RDU to destinations throughout the state. Refer to the Ground Transportation section for details.
For More Info
Third-party resources, government portals, ratings, and more.
