Raleigh Durham Intl (RDU)

Raleigh Durham International Airport, commonly known as RDU, is a significant airport serving the Research Triangle Region of North Carolina. It is located in Morrisville, North Carolina, approximately 10 miles southeast of downtown Raleigh and 14 miles northwest of downtown Durham. The airport was originally established as Raleigh Durham Airport in 1943, and it operated as a military facility during World War II.

After the war ended, the airport was transferred to the North Carolina Department of Transportation and began serving commercial flights. The airport underwent several expansions, including the construction of a new terminal building in 1982 and a new runway in 1986. Today, RDU serves more than 12 million passengers annually, making it the second-largest airport in North Carolina.

The airport features two passenger terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 primarily serves low-cost carriers such as Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines, while Terminal 2 serves larger airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. Both terminals offer a variety of dining and shopping options, including national chains like Starbucks and Hudson News as well as local favorites like Angus Barn.

RDU also boasts several unique features, including a 2.8-mile walking trail that winds around the airport's perimeter and offers views of the airfield and nearby Umstead State Park. The airport also has an art program that features rotating exhibits of local and regional artists, as well as permanent installations like the "Sky Blue" sculpture by artist Mikyoung Kim.

In addition to its passenger facilities, RDU also serves as an important cargo hub for the region, with multiple cargo airlines operating out of the airport. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi throughout the terminals, a variety of parking options, and several rental car companies located on-site.

Overall, Raleigh Durham International Airport offers a convenient and comfortable travel experience for passengers flying in and out of the Research Triangle Region. With its rich history and unique amenities, RDU is a hub worth exploring.