RDU: Top 5 Airport

RDU’s soaring in national ranks.

Our airport’s flying high—literally. Soaring in the ranks, Raleigh-Durham International Airport just landed 5th in North America for passenger satisfaction—up from 13th last year—thanks largely to its onslaught of next-level F&B offerings and nonstop destinations.

The latest J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study confirms what locals already know: RDU is taking off. Those record 15.5 million passengers in 2024 aren’t just passing through—they’re experiencing the airport as a destination unto itself—a curated journey that reflects the airport’s intentional “reimagining of its restaurant scene,” says Stephanie Hawco, director of media relations at Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. “The new restaurants reflect the vibrant flavors of the Triangle region and elevate the airport dining experience to a new level.” 

And it’s working. Travelers are taking note—and taking bites. Add to the gaggle of goodies that have dropped over the last year (see below) the inbound Raleigh Beer Garden in Terminal 1. The Hibernian Hospitality Group concept—repeatedly recognized by USA Today as a top 10 beer garden in the country—is going wheels up in November. Also brewing up in T2: Bond Brothers Kitchen & Bar, Lonerider, Adios! By Oscar Diaz, Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay—plus mod Italian eatery Puro Gusto in T1.

By embracing the Triangle’s F&B scene from the ground up, RDU’s serving up far more than taste—it’s serving a sense of place. Dining isn’t just functional, it’s part of what makes the airport feel uniquely like home in the sky. From Raleigh-inspired menus to lounges that balance comfort and efficiency, travelers find themselves lingering a little longer, elevating a layover to a mini-vacation. 

And it’s not just the food that is leveling up. With a record 82 nonstop destinations, including 15 international routes, RDU has officially outgrown “regional hub” status. Air Canada and WestJet now link to Vancouver and Calgary, respectively; Breeze Airways’ will add a RDU crew base come 2026 with tentative nonstops to Montego Bay, Jamaica and Punta Cana in March; and Aer Lingus is set to launch year-round service to Dublin in April.

To keep pace, RDU’s building big: a massive new runway (by 2029) to ease congestion, expanded terminals (T1 to 24 gates, T2 to 53), upgraded customs facilities and a 7,000-space parking deck with sustainable solar-covered walkways. Every upgrade signals a single message: RDU isn’t just growing—it’s future-proofing.

That momentum extends well beyond the terminals and tarmac. The 2021-nee Triangle Takeoff Coalition—a cadre of local businesses and community sponsors who rely on air travel—has served to fortify those connections by recognizing RDU’s role as an essential driver of regional growth and a key factor in the “best places to live” awards sweep. Today, the airport fuels roughly 140K jobs and $24B in annual economic impact, and incentive programs are helping lure more international carriers. 

So, as RDU climbs the charts, it’s taking the Triangle along for the ride. From first-time flyers to frequent jet-setters, everyone can feel the care in every detail. The airport isn’t just taking off—it’s landing in the spotlight and earning national acclaim. With the runway stretching farther, new gates multiplying and the skyline rising higher, one thing is clear: RDU—and Raleigh—are just getting started.

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TARMAC TO TABLE
Heavy hitters redefining airport eats

TERMINAL 1
ACC American Cafe
Beyu Caffé 
Char-Grill
Raleigh Beer Garden

TERMINAL 2
Adios! By Oscar Diaz *
Beyu Caffé
Black & White Coffee Roasters
Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay*
Bond Brothers Kitchen & Bar*
Bongiorno & Son Italian Specialties
Carolina Craft
Conniption Cocktails and Cuisine
Crawford’s Genuine 
getREEF Virtual Food Hall
Guy Fieri’s Guy’s Pizza Joint
La Farm Bakery & Cafe

*coming soon