RDU Kicks Off Terminal 2 Opening Celebration

RDU Airport, NC – The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority today kicked off its Terminal 2 opening celebration with a breakfast and tour for local elected officials and regional economic developers. The breakfast is the first in a series of events marking the opening of Terminal 2. The first flight is scheduled to depart RDU Sunday, October 26.

U.S. Rep. David Price of North Carolina's Fourth District, kicked off the breakfast, which focused on the history of the terminal and the role the airport plays in the region.

When planning for Terminal 2 began, the Airport Authority's goal was to create a terminal that not only enhances and simplifies the travel experience, but one that also reflects the region RDU serves.

“Without a doubt the new terminal will speak to the economic vitality and quality of our region,” said Harvey Schmitt, President and CEO, Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. “It conveys in an instant a first impression of prosperity, sophistication and class. It will be a point of pride for local citizens and pronounce a confident regional image and brand to visitors from around the globe. Its modern utility will facilitate commerce and its curb appeal will help attract economic investment in our region.”

“A state of the art airport is a huge plus to the scores of different destinations drawing visitor traffic through RDU,” said Reyn Bowman, President and CEO, Durham Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We draw a much higher proportion of travelers via air than the national average, and RDU is a big part of that success.”

The public is invited to tour Terminal 2 on Saturday, October 11. The event will include samples from the Shops of RDU, live music, entertainment for children and an opportunity to meet representatives from the airlines, Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Protection.

The open house is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parking is free. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on the day the first flight departs.

Terminal 2 will open in two phases. When phase one opens later this month, it will feature 19 boarding gates, 26 shops and restaurants, a new processing area for arriving international travelers, two major works of art and 38 electronic kiosks.

Phase two will open in Winter 2011 and will feature 13 boarding gates, 14 shops and restaurants and two additional works of art.

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