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RDU Ends 2007 with Ten Million Passengers

Jan 17, 2008

RDU Airport, NC – In 2007, just over 10 million passengers traveled through Raleigh-Durham International Airport. This is only the second time in the airport’s history that it has passed the 10 million mark. In 2000, 10.4 million travelers flew through RDU. The arrival of two new airlines, the return of United Airlines and the addition of 30 new flights to popular business and leisure destinations contributed to the growth.

A total of 10.034 million passengers traveled through RDU, up 6.4 percent compared to 2006. The numbers were released today at the monthly meeting of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority.

“Many factors play a role in annual growth,” said Teresa Damiano, RDU's director of marketing. “Since 2001, we have experienced years of strong growth and years that were marked by declines in air service as the aviation industry adjusted to a changing climate. Beginning in late 2006, the regional economic outlook, local demand for air travel and individual airline strategies all contributed to tremendous growth and opportunities for the airport and our customers.”

In 2007, the airport also welcomed two new airlines. ExpressJet launched service in May, while Midwest Connect arrived in June. Midwest Airlines, as Midwest Express, offered service between RDU and Milwaukee from 1998 – 2001.

The year also saw the return of United Airlines, which ceased management of its operations at RDU in 2001 after forming a partnership with a regional carrier to operate United Express service.

The airline returned in September to resume the management of its aircraft operations after beginning nonstop service between the Research Triangle region and Denver. The airline also replaced some of its regional jet service to Chicago O’Hare and Washington’s Dulles airport with Boeing 737s.

Airlines serving RDU also introduced 30 new flights to popular business and leisure destinations. In addition to Denver, other new cities were introduced, including Kansas City, Louisville, Jacksonville FL and New Orleans.

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