Raleigh-Durham International Airport is in the middle of its most ambitious makeover in decades, a construction push that will reshape nearly every corner of the campus and prepare the airport for a future that’s coming fast. RDU handled about 15.5 million travelers last year. Within the next decade, airport leaders expect that number to hit 30 million — and they’re trying to get out in front of it with roughly $2.5 billion in upgrades stretching from the terminals and parking lots to the airfield itself.
The most dramatic project, and the one travelers will notice first, is the work on a new runway beside Terminal 2. Crews have already begun carving out the footprint for the longer strip, which is slated to open in 2029. The new runway will replace the current one and can handle heavier loads and larger aircraft — opening the door for more long-haul and international flights. Once it’s up and running, the existing runway will shift to taxiway duty.
Terminal 2 itself is getting a long-overdue expansion. Construction has started on the north end of the building, and by December the work will become hard to miss inside the terminal as temporary walls go up and spaces are reshuffled. Even though the exterior will stay familiar, the building will eventually feel bigger and far more functional, especially when it comes to security lanes, ticket counters and international baggage handling. The project stretches over several years, with completion expected in 2032.
Access to the airport is also part of the overhaul. John Brantley Boulevard — the gateway road that funnels thousands of cars into the terminal loop every day — will be widened, re-engineered and connected by a new bridge over International Drive. The curbside lanes at Terminal 2 will get extended to help reduce the bottlenecks that have become routine during peak hours. Construction could begin as early as next year, but the full road project won’t wrap up until 2030, meaning travelers should brace for detours and slowdowns along the way.
One piece of the transformation that will come together sooner is the expansion of Economy Lot 3. The airport is multiplying its capacity from about 3,800 spaces to nearly 11,000 while adding a customer facility with restrooms, a small store and covered walkways lined with solar panels. When finished, the lot will generate most of its own power.
Airport officials know this will be a test of patience.
“Imagine trying to rebuild your kitchen while you’re cooking dinner — that’s what it’s like,” said Bill Sandifer, RDU’s chief development officer. “We have to expand without disrupting the customer experience, and so far, we’ve managed that effectively.”
