RDU will welcome a new airline and a new international destination when Volaris launches nonstop flights to Guadalajara, Mexico, in October. The service will connect the Research Triangle region to the technology hub known as the “Silicon Valley of Mexico” and offer more options for leisure travel. “The nonstop service to Guadalajara on Volaris will link two dynamic and innovative regions and create new opportunities for business, collaboration and growth,” said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. “It will also strengthen connections between our vibrant communities by making it easier for Triangle-area travelers to visit family and friends.” The Volaris route will launch on Oct. 16 and fly on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays on a 238-seat Airbus 321 Neo. Guadalajara joins Cancun and Mexico City as RDU’s third destination in Mexico. “The new nonstop service reinforces Volaris’ commitment to expanding connectivity between Mexico and the United States while giving our customers more convenient options for traveling between two important markets. Guadalajara is also our largest hub, providing travelers with access to destinations around the world. With this new route, Volaris is bringing people closer, supporting tourism and business, and strengthening Guadalajara’s role as one of our most important gateways,” said Holger Blankenstein, Executive Vice President, Commercial and Operations at Volaris. With the addition of Volaris, RDU’s route map will include a record 91 nonstop destinations on 19 airlines. Visit rdu.com to see where you can fly next.

The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority has reached a milestone in a sustainability program that helps airports identify, measure and manage carbon emissions. The Airport Authority recently reached Level 1 of Airport Carbon Accreditation, an initiative launched by Airports Council International. Level 1 accreditation establishes a foundation for understanding RDUAA’s carbon footprint and identifying opportunities for future progress in reducing emissions. “This accreditation reflects our commitment to understanding our environmental impact and finding practical ways to make a difference,” said Tammie Hall-Roberts, chair of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Board. “Knowing where our emissions come from will help us continue to make thoughtful, informed decisions over time.” The accreditation process included adopting a policy to reduce emissions and support long-term sustainability planning, identifying emissions from sources such as vehicles, emergency generators and electricity, and calculating annual emissions. The Airport Authority plans to build upon this work as we progress towards Level 2 of Airport Carbon Accreditation. Pet Relief Areas: Four-legged travelers have a new place to make a pit stop at RDU. The airport recently opened new indoor pet relief areas in both terminals. Having relief areas beyond the checkpoints means animals can take a break without travelers having to leave the terminal and go through security again. They are among many amenities RDU provides to make the travel experience more comfortable and convenient for everyone, including furry companions. The new pet relief areas are located near Gate A7 in Terminal 1 and near Gate C9 in Terminal 2. Confidence Takes Flight: RDU was proud to partner with Breeze Airways, the Arc of North Carolina and Triangle Disability & Autism Services this month to host Wings for Autism, an event aimed at helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families feel comfortable and confident about the airport experience. Nearly 90 people practiced going through security, navigating the terminal and boarding a plane in a welcoming environment. Making every traveler feel respected and supported is a priority for RDU, and we were pleased to provide an opportunity to help make air travel more accessible for everyone.

RDU has reached another major milestone in the expansion of Terminal 2. Construction crews will soon begin removing the north window wall of the terminal, an important step in expanding the building. The larger Terminal 2 will provide more space for ticketing, security screening, baggage claim and international arrivals. Construction noise may be heard in portions of the terminal during this phase of the work, but there will be no impact on travel. We appreciate passengers’ patience as we transform RDU to accommodate growth and improve the travel experience. Learn more about our capital program at TransformRDU.com.

RDU celebrated the five newest dining concepts in Terminal 2, marking nearly 20 new dining and shopping options that have opened at the airport since 2024. “We are delighted to welcome restaurants that showcase vibrant new flavors and the hospitality of our region,” said Tammie Hall-Roberts, chair of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Board. “Whether travelers are looking for a quick bite before their flight or a place to sit down and enjoy a meal, these new concepts offer experiences to fit every journey.” The latest additions to the Terminal 2 dining scene are: Adios! by Oscar Diaz: Mexican flavors with a southern twist from the Durham Top Chef contestant (Gate C17). Bobby’s Burgers: Celebrity chef Bobby Flay’s signature grill-crafted burgers and milkshakes (Gate C18). Bond Brothers Kitchen & Bar: The Cary-based brewery’s award-winning local brews and southern favorites (Gate D3). Conniption Cocktails & Cuisine: Handcrafted cocktails and locally-inspired small plates from Durham Distillery (Gate D8). Half Moon Empanadas: Fresh, artisanal sweet and savory empanadas (Gate C3). Visit rdu.com for a full list of the airport’s dining and shopping options.

RDU will add two new international destinations to its route map in December when BermudAir launches nonstop flights to Belize and Turks and Caicos. “We are excited to welcome new BermudAir routes that give our region even more opportunities for Caribbean getaways,” said Tammie Hall-Roberts, chair of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Board. “The nonstop options will allow passengers to spend less time traveling and more time enjoying their trip.” The Belize and Turks and Caicos routes will operate seasonally from Dec. 20, 2026 – May 2, 2027. Twice-weekly service will fly to both destinations on Thursdays and Sundays on an Embraer 190. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 5. “We’re thrilled to continue expanding our Caribbean network as the premium leisure carrier from North America,” said Adam Scott, founder and CEO of BermudAir. “Our customers are ranking us with industry-leading satisfaction scores. Together with Bermuda, we now connect U.S. travelers to some of the region’s most exceptional and sought-after island destinations.” With the addition of the BermudAir flights, RDU will offer 89 nonstop domestic and international destinations on 18 airlines.

RDU recorded two of the busiest days in airport history in May as Mother’s Day and college graduations brought a total of over 220,000 passengers to the region. More than 32,000 travelers passed through security checkpoints on both Sunday, May 10 and Monday, May 11 – making them the second and fourth single busiest days on record. “The strong spring travel numbers reflect how many people are choosing RDU for their journeys,” said Tammie Hall‑Roberts, Chair of the Raleigh‑Durham Airport Authority Board. “We are grateful for the travelers who continue to make RDU part of their plans, and we remain focused on ensuring a welcoming experience for all.” New Breeze routes: Breeze Airways continues to offer new options for travelers in the Triangle, with seven new routes launching in May and June. The new destinations are Bangor, Maine; Stewart-Newburgh, New York; Vero Beach, Florida; Madison, Wisconsin; San Antonio, Texas; Orange County, California; and Atlantic City, New Jersey. Breeze now serves 40 destinations at RDU — more than any other airline. Park Economy 3: One of the Airport Authority’s most visible Transform RDU projects — the expansion of the Park Economy 3 lot — is well underway. Almost half of the nearly 11,000 planned spaces are now open and available to customers. More spaces will come online this spring and fall. A brand-new Customer Amenity Building featuring restrooms and vending options is nearing completion and is expected to open in late summer. Park Economy 3 is also getting greener, with solar panels being installed across the lot. You can stay in-the-know about the Park Economy 3 expansion and other capital projects at TransformRDU.com.

RDU now offers an easier way to pay for parking. Airport guests can save time by using a new Parking Mobile Pay option to pay by phone before they leave the parking lot or garage. “Our goal at RDU is to make every step of the airport experience run smoothly,” said Tammie Hall-Roberts, Chair of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Board. “Offering pay-by-phone technology helps provide guests with a seamless journey from arrival to departure.” No app is required – just scan the QR code on the ticket and use Apple Pay, Google Pay or a credit card to pay. Once payment is made, they’ll have 30 minutes to exit. When guests approach the exit, the gate will automatically open. There are also options to pay at the exit lane stations or pay-on-foot kiosks. Terminal 2 Expansion: Travelers may notice something different when they’re flying through Terminal 2. A new Transform RDU construction wall now spans the full north end of the ticketing hall, replacing a temporary barrier that was put in place in January. Behind the wall, crews are working to expand the terminal. This phase of the expansion – one of the major projects in the 10-year, $2.5 billion Transform RDU capital program – will provide space for more ticketing counters, a larger international arrivals area and additional baggage carousels necessary to accommodate growth. The wall will be up for approximately two years during this phase of the project. Learn more about all of the major construction projects that will transform the airport over the next decade at TransformRDU.com. Adios! Restaurant Opens: RDU welcomed another new dining concept when Adios! by Durham chef Oscar Diaz began serving passengers at Gate C17 in Terminal 2. Adios! is a lively restaurant and bar spotlighting Mexican food with a Southern twist. Guests can also choose from signature cocktails crafted with fresh citrus, as well as extensive beer and curated wine selections. Diaz operates a growing collection of restaurants in the Triangle region, and travelers may recognize him as a contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef competition. Aer Lingus Launch: The inaugural Aer Lingus flight from Dublin, Ireland, landed at RDU in April, bringing one of the region’s most sought-after international destinations closer to home. The nonstop Aer Lingus service offers a quick and convenient journey and options to connect to destinations across Europe. The new route also offers UNC-Chapel Hill football fans an easy way to fly to Dublin in August for the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic, where the Tar Heels will take on the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs.

The inaugural Aer Lingus flight between RDU and Dublin, Ireland, launched Monday amid fanfare and enthusiasm from travelers and the region’s Irish-American community. “Dublin is one of the most sought-after international destinations for Research Triangle-area travelers, and the nonstop Aer Lingus service makes for a quick and convenient journey,” said Tammie Hall-Roberts, Chair of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Board. “RDU is proud to welcome an exciting new route that connects our community to new adventures and business opportunities in Ireland and beyond.” Nonstop flights will operate five times a week on a 184-seat Airbus 321XLR. The new route also offers football fans an easy option for traveling to the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin featuring UNC-Chapel Hill this August. Lynne Embleton, Chief Executive Officer, Aer Lingus, said: “Our new route creates a direct connection between Ireland and the Raleigh-Durham region for the first time, making it even easier for customers to travel to Dublin and onwards to destinations across the UK and Europe. The Raleigh-Durham region is a hub for technology, innovation and research, and this additional connectivity to that region will allow the business and educational ties on both sides of the Atlantic to flourish. Launching ahead of the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic makes this service especially timely, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming UNC fans to Ireland this August as the Tar Heels take to the field at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.” Dublin joins London, Paris, Frankfurt and Iceland as RDU’s record fifth transatlantic destination. Aer Lingus offers connections from Dublin to England, Scotland, France, Italy, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands.

The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Board has approved a combined budget of more than $514 million for the fiscal year beginning April 1. The budget dedicates $155 million to operating expenses and $325 million to capital projects. RDU is experiencing record demand and continued growth in passenger traffic, with forecasts approaching over 16 million passengers annually. The budget prioritizes infrastructure investments that expand capacity while maintaining operational excellence. “The budget approved by the Board invests in improving the journey for airport guests,” said Tammie Hall-Roberts, Chair of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Board. “It positions RDU for future growth while allowing us to continue delivering a world-class airport experience today.” The operating and capital budgets and the 2026-27 Business Plan are available at rdu.com/financials/.