News Summary
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) has hit a milestone by expanding its international flight offerings to 15 destinations since the pandemic. This growth is attributed to a nearly doubled passenger traffic and financial incentives from the North Carolina General Assembly, totaling $1.8 million. New routes include Aer Lingus’ direct flight to Dublin and Breeze Airways launching nonstop services to Jamaica and the Dominican Republic beginning in March. These developments position RDU as a vital hub for both leisure and business travelers and enhance the region’s connectivity.
Raleigh, North Carolina—Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) has set a new record by expanding its international flight offerings to a total of 15 destinations since the pandemic, marking a significant milestone in its post-pandemic recovery and growth.
Record International Flight Routes and Growth in Passenger Traffic
RDU is now servicing a record 15 international locations, representing the largest number of international destinations in the airport’s history. This growth comes amid a surge in passenger traffic, which has nearly doubled compared to last year. The increase reflects the airport’s success in attracting more airlines and routes, offering both leisure and business travelers a broader array of travel options. Notably, RDU has launched its 80th nonstop destination and added a 19th airline, WestJet, further emphasizing its expanded reach.
Financial Incentives Driving International Flights
The growth in international flight options has been significantly supported by financial backing from the North Carolina General Assembly. The legislature authorized a $1.5 million incentive package aimed at attracting two key international routes. In addition to this state investment, the local business community contributed an extra $300,000 to bolster these flight services. These incentives were focused on attracting airlines to operate specific routes, including a direct flight from RDU to Dublin operated by Aer Lingus, which was made possible through the financial support.
New Routes and Airline Operations
Among the latest developments, Aer Lingus announced a new direct flight from RDU to Dublin. The route is an example of how targeted incentives can facilitate long-haul international flights, especially to destinations with significant business and tourism demand. Bremen Airways, for its part, will begin operating nonstop flights to Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, starting in March. These will be Breeze Airways’ first international routes from RDU, with flights scheduled for Wednesdays and Saturdays to Punta Cana beginning March 4, and Thursdays and Sundays to Jamaica starting March 5.
Strategic Goals and Industry Competition
Recruiting new international routes is described as a competitive process, with airlines evaluating multiple airports before establishing new routes. The airport’s executive director of Wake County Economic Development highlighted that a strong airport can boost local economic opportunities and enhance quality of life. The addition of international flights is seen as a crucial step in positioning RDU as a more attractive destination for both travelers and businesses.
Operational and Destination Details
RDU offers 14 direct international flights and 66 domestic direct flights. Its longest international route is to Frankfurt, Germany, covering over 4,200 miles. The airport’s international destinations include major hubs such as Dublin, Frankfurt, and others, catering to both leisure and business travelers seeking connections within the United States and abroad.
Future Outlook and Initiatives
The airport continues to expand its international presence, with plans to establish a crew base for Breeze Airways at RDU. The airline is looking to recruit over 200 pilots and flight crews to operate its international routes efficiently. Tammie Hall-Roberts, chair of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Board, noted that RDU now offers more nonstop choices for travelers than ever before, highlighting the importance of these enhancements for regional connectivity and economic development.
Summary
- RDU services a record 15 international destinations, the most in its history.
- The growth has been supported by a $1.5 million incentive package from the North Carolina General Assembly and an additional $300,000 from local businesses.
- Aer Lingus introduced a direct route from RDU to Dublin due to these incentives.
- Breeze Airways will operate nonstop flights to Jamaica and the Dominican Republic starting in March, marking its first international routes from RDU.
- The airport’s passenger traffic has nearly doubled year-over-year, and it now offers its 80th nonstop destination with 19 airlines serving the airport.
- Frankfurt, Germany, remains the furthest international destination, covering over 4,200 miles.
- Ongoing efforts aim to increase international routes and establish a Breeze Airways crew base at RDU.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many international destinations does Raleigh-Durham International Airport service?
- RDU is now servicing a record 15 international locations since the pandemic.
- What incentives supported the new international flights?
- The growth in international flights has significantly been influenced by financial backing from the North Carolina General Assembly. The General Assembly authorized a $1.5 million incentive package to attract two key international flights, with an additional $300,000 in contributions from the local business community.
- Which new international routes are starting soon?
- Aer Lingus has announced a new direct flight service from RDU to Dublin, and Breeze Airways will begin nonstop flights to Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, in March.
- How has passenger traffic changed recently?
- The airport has experienced nearly double the passenger traffic this year compared to last year, driven by expanded airline options and new routes.
- What is the longest international route from RDU?
- Frankfurt, Germany, which covers over 4,200 miles, is the furthest international flight route from the airport.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Aer Lingus to Launch Nonstop Flights From Dublin to Raleigh-Durham
Breeze Airways Launches First Flight from Raleigh-Durham to Ogdensburg
Additional Resources
- News & Observer
- Wikipedia: Raleigh-Durham International Airport
- WRAL
- Google Search: Raleigh-Durham International Airport
- WNCT
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
