Raleigh-Durham Airport announces Terminal 2 expansion with new dining, Alaska Airlines service and parking changes

Credit: Raleigh-Durham International Airport

Travellers at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) will begin to see impacts from construction at Terminal 2 in early 2026. In January, crews will install a temporary wall at the north end of the terminal as part of a project to expand the ticketing hall and international arrivals areas, add more security checkpoint lanes and upgrade the baggage claim system. The Terminal 2 expansion is expected to be completed in 2032.

“Expanding Terminal 2 will help accommodate continued growth at Raleigh-Durham Airport and improve the travel experience,” said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. “We ask guests to pack their patience as we work to minimise construction impacts and provide them with a smooth journey during the holidays.”

All ticket counters and security lanes in Terminal 2 will remain open during construction. RDU plans to spend 2.5 billion dollars on capital projects over the next ten years, including the terminal expansion, additional parking, roadway improvements and a new runway. More information is available at TransformRDU.com.

As part of the project, the public entrance to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office will move from the lower-level curb to the upstairs ticketing area in December. Terminal directories are available at RDU.com.

Park Economy 4 lot off I-540 and U.S. 70 will close permanently to the public from 2 January and will be reserved for employees. Guests can use the expanded Park Economy 3 lot, ParkRDU Express or the garage between the terminals. Northbound travellers using Park Economy 3 are advised to follow I-540 southbound to Aviation Parkway and turn left at Sheetz to reach the entrance near National Guard Drive.

Alaska Airlines will begin daily nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham Airport to San Diego in April, connecting the Triangle’s business community with the city’s technology, biotech and life sciences industries. Breeze Airways also offers nonstop flights.

Raleigh-Durham Airport has recently welcomed Conniption Cocktails and Cuisine at Gate D8, offering locally sourced cocktails, wines, draft beers, flatbreads and non-alcoholic options. The airport plans to introduce more than a dozen new dining options across Terminals 1 and 2 through 2026.

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