But in October 2008, when Terminal 2 opened, Terminal 1's day as the airport's main terminal ended as Delta, and later Northwest Airlines, moved to the opposite side of the airport. Continental Airlines and US Airways will also make that move when phase II of the building opens in 2011.
“Terminal 1 has greeted numerous visitors and residents alike over its lifespan,” said Dave Powell. “While it's no longer the dominant terminal building at RDU, it still plays an important role in the infrastructure of the airport.”
A New Role
At the September 2009 Airport Authority Board meeting, a new role began to emerge for the aging structure. Members received a preliminary draft scope of work for renovations to Terminal 1.
“This is a preliminary list of things that are needed or desired in the building,” said Powell. “This list will be revised over the next eight months as the program and cost for the project are developed. The budget for this project will be fiscally constrained, and the level of constraint will dictate the final project scope. The project scope first will focus on operational requirements, then on providing aesthetic improvements and additional amenities.”
Proposed Elements
As a number of airlines move to new gates in Terminal 2, Terminal 1 will become home to Southwest, jetBlue and AirTran.
The Airport Authority plans to close the north end of the terminal, from Gates A20-A28, which includes the ticketing and bag claim space currently occupied by Southwest. The South Concourse, which was built in 2001 and housed Gates A5-A9, closed in early 2009 and would remain closed.
In the main part of the terminal, the three remaining airlines will use Gates A10-19, as well as Bag claims 1, 2 and 3 and the main ticketing lobby area. In addition, current renovation plans call for:
- Renovating the pre-security area of the main part of Terminal 1 to allow for behind-the-scenes explosive detection systems
- Reconfiguring the main security checkpoint to be more user friendly
- Building a new USO Center with added space between the ticketing and bag claim areas
- Developing space for a pre-security concession
- Improving technology throughout the building, including flat panel display screens and a modern paging system
- Making numerous cosmetic changes to the building including new paint, carpet, millwork and restroom renovations
- Improving the exterior of the building
- Building an Airport Authority-operated airport club space on the concourse
Renovations on Terminal 1 are planned to begin as soon as possible following the move of Continental Airlines and US Airways to Terminal 2 in 2011. The completion date will be determined by the final scope of work.
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