Passenger Traffic Up 112% in January

RDU Announces Nine New Dining Options:

In a signal of the ongoing rebound in air travel, passenger traffic at RDU increased by 112% in Jan. 2022 compared to Jan. 2021. More than 637,000 passengers flew through the airport last month. 

“The recovery continued in January at RDU, although at a slower pace during the month that typically has the lowest passenger traffic of the year,” said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. “As we look ahead to the busier months, we are pleased to announce that passengers will be greeted by new dining options that bring more North Carolina flavors and culture to the airport.” 

RDU plans to open a virtual food hall in Terminal 2 this year, featuring the brands 800 Degrees, Pei Wei, Zinburger, Rebel Wings, Rolls by Krispy Rice and Xochimex Cantina, along with local concepts American Melt, Beyu and Hubb-Grove. 

The virtual food hall, sometimes referred to as a “ghost kitchen,” is a new concept to RDU that will provide a wide array of food options by combining menu items from multiple brands in one operation. Guests will place orders at a kiosk or on a mobile device and pick them up in temperature-controlled lockers, allowing them to enjoy a digital, contactless food order and payment experience that is aligned with current consumer trends toward touchless service.  

Runway Replacement: The Board approved an agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for preliminary engineering services on RDU’s most significant capital project – the replacement of Runway 5L/23R. The agreement authorizes FAA staff to begin technical consultation regarding navigational aids on the new runway and provide guidance on how to minimize the impact of construction.  The approximately $400 million runway replacement project will begin once the airport completes the Environmental Assessment that is currently underway with the FAA. 

Roadway Improvements: The Authority awarded a $4.1 million contract to Fred Smith Company for the rehabilitation of International Drive. The project will include pavement milling and asphalt replacement, traffic control, temporary erosion control and drainage work, and pavement striping of International Drive, W. International Dr., E. International Dr. and Executive Dr. Construction is expected to begin in late spring 2022.