RDU Expects Modest Increase in Holiday Travelers

Passenger Traffic Expected to Lag Well Behind 2019 Numbers

RDU expects a modest increase in passenger volume during the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s, but traffic will still be well below 2019 numbers due to the global health crisis. 

“Travelers who choose to fly over the holidays can fly with confidence knowing that airports and airlines follow stringent health and safety measures,” said Michael Landguth, president & CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. “Studies show the risk of viral spread is extremely low when our protocols are followed. We are asking the flying public to travel smart. From the moment you leave your house until you return home – wear your mask, wait six feet apart and wash your hands frequently.” 

RDU expects 104,261 passengers to fly through RDU Christmas week, from Dec. 21 through Dec. 27. That would be a decrease of 64% compared to Christmas week in 2019, when the airport saw 289,000 total passengers. 

The forecast for New Year’s week, from Dec. 28 through Jan. 3, predicts 102,000 total passengers traveling through RDU – a 59% drop from New Year’s week in 2019. 

The busiest travel days are projected to be Sunday, Dec. 27, with 18,450 total passengers; and Sunday, Jan. 3, with 18,860 total passengers. 

14.2 million people traveled through RDU last year. The airport expects around five million travelers in 2020, and half of them flew between January and March. 

Travel Tips: RDU encourages everyone to practice the three W’s when they travel: wait six feet apart, wear a mask and wash your hands frequently. These are the best precautions you can take to prevent the spread of COVID, including when you’re traveling.

All guests and employees are required to wear a mask at all times in the terminals and airlines will not let customers board a flight without one. RDU is making it easy for everyone to comply by handing out free, FEMA-issued masks at its information desks.

Finally, travelers should arrive at the airport two hours early for domestic flights to allow plenty of time to check in, get through security and get to the gate on time.