Spring Break Brings More Than 1.2 Million Travelers to RDU

“Reimagine” Campaign Highlights New Airport Dining, Technology and More:

Passenger traffic at RDU got a significant boost in March, with spring break getaways bringing more than 1.2 million travelers through the airport – an increase of 24.7 percent above February of this year and a 6.9 percent increase above March 2023. 

“The boost in passenger traffic during spring break indicates it will be a busy summer travel season,” said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. “Just in time for summer, RDU guests will soon be able to enjoy new dining options, innovative technology to improve their travel experience and three new international destinations.”

Air Service: Two new international flights will launch in June when Lufthansa begins service from RDU to Frankfurt, Germany and Copa Airlines begins flying nonstop to Panama City. Those new international routes will be followed by the launch of nonstop flights to Mexico City on Aeromexico in July. Frontier Airlines expanded service to five popular destinations this month, just in time for spring and summer travel. The airline started nonstop flights to Boston, Miami, Tampa and New York-LaGuardia on April 10. Service to Chicago-O’Hare started April 11.

Reimagine RDU: Next time you visit the terminals, you might see construction barricades with a new message on them: “Reimagine RDU.” Reimagine is RDU’s newest campaign, helping to build anticipation for new airport amenities coming soon. Travelers will soon enjoy elevated experiences — from new dining options by renowned chefs, to new technology that eases your travel day from parking to the gate. RDU is a growing airport for a growing region. With Reimagine, we’re sharing information about what’s on tap, so you can know what to expect on future journeys through the airport. You can learn more by visiting www.rdu.com/reimagine.

Sun Country Relocation: Sun Country Airlines began operating out of Terminal 1 at RDU when the airline resumed seasonal service on April 17. The move was made to maximize gate space in both terminals, accommodate airline needs and prepare for continued growth. Sun Country passengers who go to Terminal 2 can cross back through the parking deck to reach Terminal 1, a less than five-minute walk. Breeze Airways relocated to Terminal 1 on April 2. RDU recommends travelers contact Breeze or Sun Country directly with questions about terminal assignments.

Public Comment: The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Board voted today to add a public comment period to regularly scheduled board meetings, among other administrative changes. Comments will be heard at every other board meeting beginning in May 2024 in accordance with the Public Comments Rules. All changes adopted today to Chapter 6 of the Authority’s local laws can be viewed here.