This article is based on an official press release from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and additional project documentation. See the original release for full details.

Construction on RDU Terminal 2 Expansion Set to Begin in January 2026

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) has officially announced that major construction on the Terminal 2 Landside Expansion will commence in January 2026. As part of the airport’s multi-billion dollar “Transform RDU” capital improvement program, this project aims to address record-breaking passenger growth by significantly expanding the terminal’s processing capacity.

According to airport officials, the initial phase involves the installation of a temporary wall at the north end of Terminal 2. This barrier will remain in place for approximately two years to separate the active construction zone from public areas. Despite the scale of the work, RDU has confirmed that all existing ticket counters and security checkpoints will remain operational throughout the process.

Project Scope and Timeline

The Terminal 2 Landside Expansion is designed to relieve congestion in the airport’s busiest facility. Terminal 2, which serves major carriers including American, Delta, and United, as well as all international flights, has been operating near capacity during peak travel times.

Key Improvements

Based on project details released by the airport and construction partners, the expansion will focus on the “landside” areas, the parts of the terminal before the secure gate area. Key upgrades include:

• Ticketing Hall: Expanding the lobby to reduce overcrowding during peak check-in hours.
• Security Checkpoints: Adding new security lanes to increase passenger throughput and reduce wait times.
• International Arrivals: Expanding Federal Inspection Services (FIS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities to accommodate more international flights.
• Baggage Claim: Upgrading the baggage handling system and claim areas to handle increased volume.

Construction Timeline

While the specific “north end” construction zone is expected to be active for approximately two years, the full Terminal 2 expansion is a long-term endeavor slated for completion by 2032. The project involves extending the building envelope outward at the north end to create new internal capacity without disrupting current operations.

Impact on Travelers and Logistics

Airport officials are advising travelers to “pack patience” as the construction will result in visible work zones and potential noise. However, the airport has emphasized that the project is staged to minimize disruption to critical processing areas.

“Crucially, all ticket counters and security checkpoint lanes will remain open throughout the construction. The work is being staged to expand the building outward rather than shutting down existing critical processing areas.”

RDU Project Documentation

Parking Changes

Coinciding with the start of construction, changes to airport parking will take effect immediately in the new year. On January 2, 2026, the Park Economy 4 lot will close to the public and convert into an employee-only lot. Travelers who previously used this lot are being directed to the expanded Park Economy 3 lot.

Budget and Strategic Context

The Landside Expansion is a critical component of the broader “Transform RDU” master plan, which has a total program budget of approximately $2.5 billion. The specific cost for the Landside Expansion was estimated at approximately $400 million in 2023.

Contractors and Design

According to construction industry reports, a joint venture led by Balfour Beatty and Metcon (a North Carolina-based minority-owned firm), alongside Right Build and Varnedoe Construction, was awarded a $650 million contract that encompasses this expansion and other campus improvements. Program management is being provided by Parsons, while design is led by Durham-based O’Brien Atkins Associates with involvement from Fentress Architects to maintain the terminal’s signature “rolling hills” roofline.

Record Growth Driving Expansion

The urgency of this project is driven by unprecedented demand. RDU reported serving a record 15.5 million passengers in 2024, a 6.5% increase over the previous year. The “Vision 2040” master plan, approved in 2016, identified the need for these expansions to handle the region’s rapid population and economic growth.

AirPro News Analysis

The decision to prioritize the “landside” expansion before adding more gates (airside) highlights a critical bottleneck in modern airport design: processing speed. While adding gates allows for more planes, it creates chaos if the ticketing halls and security checkpoints cannot handle the influx of passengers. By expanding the building envelope first, RDU is ensuring that the infrastructure can support the future concourse expansions planned in later phases of Vision 2040. This phased approach reduces the risk of catastrophic gridlock during peak holiday seasons, a problem that has plagued other rapidly growing mid-sized hubs.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does construction start?

Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2026.

Will security lines be closed?

No. RDU officials state that all existing security checkpoint lanes and ticket counters will remain open.

How long will the construction last?

The temporary wall at the north end will be up for approximately two years. The full expansion project is expected to be complete by 2032.

Where should I park if I used Economy 4?

Travelers should use the expanded Park Economy 3 lot, as Economy 4 will become employee-only starting January 2, 2026.

Sources: RDU Press Release, Construction Dive (Contractor Data), RDU Vision 2040 Master Plan