RDU’s rise as a major airport in the Southeast

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) serves as a vital gateway for travelers in North Carolina’s Research Triangle region. As one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States, RDU’s passenger numbers have surged in recent years, fueled by the area’s booming economy, educational hubs, and burgeoning tech scene. But how do these numbers break down by airline? Let’s explore the data, trends, and factors influencing the flows of travelers through this dynamic airport.

RDU’s Rise in Passenger Numbers

In 2024, RDU recorded an impressive 15.5 million travelers, surpassing its previous record of 14.5 million in 2023. This growth reflects both the region’s expanding population and its increasing appeal as a business and leisure destination. Key to understanding this growth is examining which airlines contribute most significantly to these passenger flows.

Dominant Players: Delta and American Airlines

Delta Air Lines and American Airlines are the two heavyweights at RDU. Delta operates a focus city at the airport, meaning it offers a robust schedule of flights, facilitating convenient connections to its main hubs in Atlanta, New York, and Detroit. In recent years, Delta has increased its daily departures from RDU, catering to both business travelers heading to major financial and tech centers and vacationers jetting off to sunny destinations.

American Airlines, with its extensive domestic and international network, also plays a pivotal role at RDU. It provides direct flights to its hubs in Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Miami, among others. Notably, American has been capitalizing on RDU’s international potential, operating nonstop flights to London and seasonal service to Cancun, appealing to both business executives and tourists.

Southwest and Frontier: Budget-Friendly Options

Southwest Airlines is another key player, popular for its low-cost fares and customer-friendly policies. Southwest operates numerous daily flights from RDU to its strongholds like Baltimore, Chicago-Midway, and Nashville. As travel demand has rebounded post-pandemic, Southwest has strategically increased its frequencies at RDU, catering to a mix of budget-conscious travelers and families.

Frontier Airlines, meanwhile, provides an ultra-low-cost option, focusing on leisure travelers looking for affordable getaways. Frontier’s model of a la carte pricing resonates with those who prioritize price over perks, and its direct flights from RDU to popular vacation spots like Orlando, Las Vegas, and Denver have seen healthy passenger numbers.

International Growth and New Entrants

A significant milestone for RDU has been its expansion of international routes. In 2024, the airport introduced new nonstop services to Frankfurt, Germany; Panama City, Panama; and Mexico City, Mexico. These routes not only cater to the Triangle’s diverse population but also enhance the region’s global business connectivity.

Airlines like Lufthansa and Copa Airlines are now part of the RDU family, tapping into the region’s demand for international travel. Lufthansa’s Frankfurt service opens up one-stop connections to dozens of European cities, while Copa’s Panama City route serves as a gateway to Latin America.

The Future of RDU: What’s Next?

Looking ahead, RDU’s future appears bright. The airport has ambitious plans to expand Terminal 2, modernize its facilities, and attract new airlines and routes. Given the Triangle’s status as a tech hub and its universities’ global draw, international carriers may increasingly see RDU as a viable market.

Moreover, as hybrid work models persist, the trend of ‘bleisure’ travel—combining business and leisure—could further boost demand for flexible flight options. Airlines that adapt their schedules to these emerging patterns are likely to thrive at RDU.

Conclusion: A Regional Gateway on the Rise

RDU’s rise as a major airport in the Southeast is a testament to the economic vitality of the Research Triangle region. From business travelers jetting off to major U.S. cities to families heading on vacation, the diversity of passenger traffic reflects the area’s dynamic growth. As airlines continue to expand their offerings and RDU pursues its ambitious development plans, the airport’s role as a critical connector for the Triangle—and beyond—will only deepen.

^{_{Data Analysis by Sylvain Dufour - Data engineering and visualization by Vanessa Peeters}}