Travelers will begin to see impacts of construction at Terminal 2 in early December. Crews will install a temporary wall in the north end of the terminal as part of a project to expand the ticketing hall and international arrivals areas, add more security checkpoint lanes and upgrade the bag claim system. The Terminal 2 expansion is estimated to be completed in 2032.
“Expanding Terminal 2 will help accommodate continued growth at RDU and improve the travel experience,” said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. “We ask guests to pack their patience as we work to minimize construction impacts and provide them with a smooth journey during the holidays.”
All ticket counters and security checkpoint lanes in Terminal 2 will remain open during construction.
RDU will spend $2.5 billion on capital projects over the next 10 years, including expanding Terminal 2, adding more parking, improving the roadway system and building a new runway. Learn more about how the projects will shape the future of RDU at TransformRDU.com.
U.S. Customs Office: As part of the terminal expansion, the public entrance to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office will relocate from the lower-level curb to the upstairs ticketing area of Terminal 2 beginning in December. Terminal directories can be found at RDU.com.
Economy Parking Changes: The Park Economy 4 lot located off I-540 and U.S. 70 will permanently close to the public beginning Jan. 2. The lot will be designated for employees only. Guest parking will continue to be available in the newly expanded Park Economy 3 lot, ParkRDU Express or the garage between the terminals. Park Economy 4 will not accept online bookings beyond Jan. 1.
Travelers coming from locations north of the airport who plan to use the Park Economy 3 lot can save time and avoid road congestion by following I-540 to southbound Aviation Parkway. They will turn left at Sheetz to find the entrance to the economy lot near the intersection of southbound Aviation Parkway and National Guard Drive.
San Diego Service: Alaska Airlines will connect two dynamic technology and research hubs when it begins nonstop service from RDU to San Diego. The airline will launch daily flights to the southern California city in April, providing even greater connectivity between RDU and the West Coast. San Diego’s high-tech, biotech and life sciences industries make it a high-demand destination for the Triangle’s business community, while its cultural attractions and coastline offer vacation opportunities for leisure travelers. Alaska Airlines will be the second carrier to serve San Diego from RDU, with Breeze Airways also offering nonstop service.
Conniption Cocktails Opening: RDU welcomed another local dining concept to Terminal 2 recently when Conniption Cocktails and Cuisine opened at Gate D8. Conniption offers imaginative hand-crafted cocktails and spirits from Durham Distillery, along with non-alcoholic selections. Travelers can also enjoy local wines, draft beer, flatbreads and more. RDU is reimagining the airport dining scene by phasing in more than a dozen new dining options in Terminals 1 and 2 through 2026.