Deicing Won’t Freeze Your Travel Plans

 Winter weather preparations start well before the temperature drops at RDU. We work closely with our airline partners to ensure the weather doesn't freeze your travel plans. Freezing temperatures require airlines to take extra steps to make sure snow, slush and ice don’t accumulate on aircraft.

You might have heard the term “deicing” from a pilot or flight attendant. Aircraft operating in winter conditions often require deicing to prepare for flight. To do this, airline staff spray deicing fluid, a mixture of glycol and water, on a plane’s wings and tail to prevent ice or snow from accumulating prior to takeoff.

Airlines are responsible for deicing aircraft and purchasing deicing fluid prior to winter’s arrival. RDU stores the fluid at the airport for safekeeping. On days when deicing aircraft is necessary, RDU identifies locations for your airline to conduct its deicing safely.