UPDATE: The long-awaited $2.5 billion expansion at Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) is set to transform the travel experience, alleviating decades of congestion around a single baggage belt. This major overhaul is officially underway and promises to enhance the efficiency of one of the nation’s fastest-growing airports.
Airport officials announced that the expansion of Terminal 2 aims to address the severe strain on facilities due to the recent surge in international flights. Currently, travelers crowd around an outdated baggage claim system, but this new project will revolutionize how passengers move through the airport, according to Bill Sandifer, Chief Development Officer at RDU.
The expansion will increase capacity significantly, allowing RDU to process roughly 2.5 times more arriving international passengers than it currently does. The project includes an extended ticketing hall that will stretch the lobby by approximately 400 feet, along with 20 new airline positions to accommodate the growing demand.
Demolition begins within weeks as crews prepare to install temporary walls. The first phase of the renovation is expected to open by 2029, with full completion targeted for 2032. Early improvements will also include a new, longer runway, with plans to debut in 2029, paving the way for expanded long-haul international service.
The expansion is just one component of the broader Transform RDU program, which is reshaping nearly every aspect of the airport. New parking facilities and an upgraded Economy 3 lot complete with restrooms and passenger lounges are also in the works, with expected openings in the coming year. Additionally, the widening of John Brantley Boulevard aims to alleviate chronic traffic jams at Terminal 2, with construction projected to start in 2026 and finish by 2030.
Despite ongoing construction, RDU officials assure travelers that ticket counters and security lanes will remain operational. However, visitors in 2026 should prepare for noise and visible work zones as renovations progress.
This multimillion-dollar project is set to deliver a more spacious and efficient gateway for one of the country’s most dynamic regions, addressing the frustrations of travelers and enhancing the overall airport experience.
As RDU embarks on this significant transformation, it joins other major airports like John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, which is undergoing a $9.5 billion revamp. JFK’s New Terminal One is set to open in stages, introducing state-of-the-art technology and improved amenities by 2026.
Officials at RDU are optimistic that the enhancements will not only modernize the airport but also solidify its status as a leading transportation hub. With demand for air travel continuing to rise, these critical upgrades are necessary to meet the needs of passengers now and in the future.
Stay tuned for more updates as RDU’s ambitious expansion unfolds, promising a new era of travel efficiency and comfort.