UPDATE: A groundbreaking $2.5 billion expansion at Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) is officially underway, promising to revolutionize the travel experience for international passengers. This major overhaul will finally eliminate the long-standing issue of crowded baggage handling, as travelers currently share a single, overworked conveyor belt.
Airport officials announced that the extensive renovation of Terminal 2 will dramatically change how passengers arrive, depart, and navigate this bustling hub. This project represents the most significant transformation since the terminal’s inception in the 1980s, driven by soaring demand for new international routes, particularly to Canada, Mexico, and Europe.
According to Bill Sandifer, RDU’s Chief Development Officer, the current bottlenecks have become untenable. “The facilities are outdated for a modern airport,” he explained during a recent tour. The new design is expected to increase capacity, allowing RDU to process approximately two-and-a-half times more international passengers than it currently does.
The expansion will introduce a much-needed overhaul of the departure area as well. An expanded ticketing hall will stretch the lobby by approximately 400 feet and feature an additional ticket island with 20 new airline positions. This improvement is crucial for accommodating the region’s rapidly growing population.
Initial signs of this extensive renovation will be visible within weeks as crews prepare to install temporary walls for demolition, marking the start of the lobby expansion. The first phase of the project is projected to open in 2029, with full completion anticipated by 2032.
This expansion is part of RDU’s broader Transform RDU program, which encompasses several projects aimed at enhancing the entire airport experience. A new, longer second runway is also in progress, set to debut in 2029, paving the way for increased long-haul international service.
Furthermore, thousands of new parking spaces are underway, including an upgraded Economy 3 lot featuring restrooms and a passenger lounge, expected to open next year. Also planned is the widening of John Brantley Boulevard to alleviate chronic traffic congestion at Terminal 2, with construction scheduled to begin in 2026 and concluding in 2030.
Despite the construction, RDU officials assure travelers that ticket counters and security lanes will remain operational throughout the renovations. However, passengers visiting in 2026 should prepare for potential noise and visible work zones as crews work diligently to complete the enhancements.
Airport leaders assert that this multimillion-dollar overhaul will deliver a sleeker and more efficient gateway for one of the country’s fastest-growing regions. The urgency of this project reflects the pressing need for modern facilities that can support the increasing volume of air travel and enhance overall passenger satisfaction.
Similar ambitious expansions are happening at major airports nationwide. For instance, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City is undergoing a massive $9.5 billion renovation, set to transform its terminals into world-class facilities by 2030.
As RDU moves forward with its expansion, the future of air travel in the region looks promising, poised to cater to the needs of a growing population while enhancing the travel experience for all.
