Gateway to North Carolina's Research Triangle region.
Opened
1943
Location
Morrisville, United States
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is the primary commercial airport serving the Research Triangle region of North Carolina, encompassing Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and surrounding communities. It is operated by the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority and serves as a key transportation hub for one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States.
The airport offers nonstop service to dozens of domestic destinations as well as select international routes, connecting the Research Triangle to major hubs across North America and beyond. Its growth has closely tracked the region's expanding tech, pharmaceutical, and academic sectors.
RDU has undergone significant modernization efforts in recent years, including terminal improvements and infrastructure upgrades to accommodate rising passenger demand. The airport consistently handles over 12 million passengers annually.
Terminals
RDU has two active terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, connected by a shared roadway and serving different airlines across multiple concourses.
Getting to & from
Ground transportation options include the GoTriangle regional bus service, taxis, rideshare services, and rental cars, with no direct rail connection to downtown Raleigh or Durham.
Airlines here
Major airlines operating at RDU include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Frontier Airlines.
Notable facts
- ›RDU is located in Morrisville, roughly equidistant between Raleigh and Durham.
- ›The airport is owned and operated by the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, established in 1937.
- ›RDU served over 14 million passengers in fiscal year 2022, reflecting post-pandemic recovery.
- ›The airport sits on approximately 5,000 acres of land.
- ›RDU has been ranked among the top mid-sized airports in North America for customer satisfaction.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
