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

Boeing CFO Projects Delivery Growth and Cash Flow Recovery in 2026

Boeing is projecting a financial and operational turnaround in 2026, with Chief Financial Officer Jay Malave outlining expectations for increased jet deliveries and a return to positive free cash flow. Speaking at the UBS Global Industrials and Transportation Conference on December 2, 2025, Malave provided a detailed update on the manufacturers production stability and financial outlook.

According to reporting by Reuters, the company anticipates higher delivery volumes for both its 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner programs in 2026 compared to current year levels. While the executive noted that November 2025 deliveries were “a little light” due to holiday schedules, the broader trajectory suggests a stabilization of factory output following a turbulent period for the aerospace giant.

Production Rates and Delivery Targets

The core of Boeing’s recovery plan rests on its ability to ramp up production rates for its best-selling aircraft. Malave confirmed that the company is currently stabilizing 737 MAX production at approximately 38 jets per month. The manufacturer is now “loading” its operations to reach a target rate of 42 jets per month, prioritizing stability over speed during this ramp-up phase.

787 Dreamliner Progress

In the wide-body segment, the 787 Dreamliner program is reportedly stabilizing at a rate of seven jets per month. Malave indicated that Boeing aims to increase this to eight per month by the end of 2025, with a further goal of reaching 10 per month in 2026.

Certification Timelines

Regarding future variants, the CFO provided an updated timeline for the 737 MAX 10. Certification for the largest variant of the MAX family is now targeted for late 2026. This timeline is critical as Boeing seeks to compete more effectively in the high-capacity narrow-body market.

“When you now fast forward to 2026, we’re going to be increasing our deliveries.”

, Jay Malave, Boeing CFO (via Reuters)

Financial Outlook: Cash Flow and Margins

Boeing’s financial guidance for 2025 and 2026 has shifted, driven largely by the timing of legal liabilities. Malave stated that the company now expects a free cash flow outflow of approximately $2 billion for 2025. This represents an improvement from the previously guided $2.5 billion outflow.

However, as Reuters reports, this improvement is primarily technical rather than operational. A significant Department of Justice (DOJ) penalty payment, originally expected to impact the 2025 books, has slipped into 2026. Consequently, while 2025 looks slightly better on paper, the liability remains.

Looking ahead to 2026, Boeing projects a return to positive free cash flow in the “low single-digit” billions range. Malave reiterated the company’s long-term ambition to generate $10 billion in annual free cash flow, though he acknowledged that the company is “not there yet.”

Defense and Acquisition Updates

The Defense, Space & Security unit, which has historically struggled with fixed-price contract overruns, is expected to generate high single-digit margins, signaling potential stabilization. Additionally, Malave confirmed that Boeing still intends to close its acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems by the end of 2025, a strategic move intended to improve supply chain quality and integration.

AirPro News Analysis

The “Cash Flow Shuffle”

While the reduction in the projected 2025 cash outflow from $2.5 billion to $2 billion may appear positive, investors should view this with caution. The improvement is largely attributable to the deferral of the DOJ penalty payment into 2026 rather than a sudden spike in operational efficiency. The true test of Boeing’s recovery will be its ability to generate organic cash from operations in 2026, independent of legal payment timings.

Managing Expectations

CFO Jay Malave’s characterization of November deliveries as “a little light” appears to be a proactive effort to manage market expectations before official numbers are released. By attributing the dip to the Thanksgiving holiday schedule, Boeing is attempting to separate temporary calendar impacts from systemic production issues. However, with the 737 MAX 10 certification now pushed to late 2026, the pressure is on the existing MAX variants to carry the revenue load for another full year.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Boeing expect to certify the 737 MAX 10?
Boeing is currently targeting late 2026 for the certification of the 737 MAX 10.

What is the current production rate for the 737 MAX?
Production is stabilizing at roughly 38 jets per month, with a target to reach 42 jets per month.

Why did the 2025 cash flow projection improve?
The projected outflow improved to ~$2 billion largely because a DOJ penalty payment expected in 2025 has been delayed until 2026.

Sources

• Reuters

This article is based on an official press release from Ryanair. See the original release for full details.

Ryanair Reports 6% Traffic Growth in November Amid Digital Shift and Network Adjustments

Ryanair Holdings plc has released its traffic statistics for November 2025, reporting a steady increase in passenger volume as the Airlines continues to expand its operational footprint. According to the official press release, the airline carried 13.8 million guests in November, representing a 6% increase compared to the 13.0 million passengers recorded during the same period in 2024.

The low-cost carrier maintained a strong load factor, a key metric indicating the percentage of available seats filled, of 92%. This figure remains unchanged from November 2024, suggesting that the airline successfully matched its capacity growth with passenger demand. In total, Ryanair operated over 78,000 flights throughout the month.

Traffic Performance and Financial Context

The November figures contribute to a robust rolling 12-month total for the airline. Between December 2024 and November 2025, Ryanair transported 205.7 million passengers, marking a 5% year-on-year increase. The average load factor for this 12-month period stands at 94%, reflecting the carrier’s high efficiency in seat utilization.

Industry data highlights the scale of Ryanair’s operations relative to its competitors. While rival low-cost carrier Wizz Air reported an 8.6% growth rate for the same month, its total passenger count was 5.3 million, less than half of Ryanair’s volume. Furthermore, Ryanair’s load factor of 92% outperformed Wizz Air’s 90.7%, which saw a slight decline of 0.8% year-on-year.

Following the release of these statistics on December 2, 2025, market reaction was muted but stable. Analysts have noted that the airline is on track to meet its upgraded full-year traffic target of 207 million passengers for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026.

Operational Strategy and Network Developments

Beyond the raw traffic numbers, November 2025 marked significant operational shifts for the airline, ranging from digital transformation efforts to strategic network reallocations based on regional costs.

The “Paperless” Transition

As of November 2025, Ryanair has transitioned to a 100% digital boarding pass system across the majority of its network. The airline described this move as a “huge success,” reporting no significant disruptions during the switch. This initiative aligns with the company’s broader strategy to eliminate paper waste and reduce airport check-in overheads.

Strategic Network Allocation

Ryanair continues to demonstrate a disciplined approach to route planning, favoring regions with lower access costs while reducing presence in high-cost or uncertain markets. Recent network updates include:

• Pescara, Italy: Following the removal of a municipal tax in the Abruzzo region, Ryanair announced “record growth” for Pescara, basing two aircraft there and targeting 1.3 million passengers annually.
• Azores, Portugal: Conversely, the airline is currently in a dispute with the Azores regional government regarding increased airport taxes. Ryanair has threatened to withdraw operations by March 2026 if these hikes are not reversed.
• Tel Aviv, Israel: Operations to Tel Aviv remain suspended for the Winter 2025/2026 season due to ongoing uncertainty regarding slot allocation and terminal operations at Ben Gurion Airports.

Holiday Capacity Surge

To accommodate high demand for the upcoming Christmas period, the airline has added over 26,500 extra seats across Irish airports, including Cork, Shannon, and Knock. Significant capacity increases were also allocated to UK hubs, with over 64,000 additional seats for London Stansted and 4,900 for Newcastle.

AirPro News Analysis

The stability of Ryanair’s load factor at 92% is a critical indicator of health. In the aviation industry, increasing capacity (as seen with the 78,000+ flights) often risks diluting the load factor if demand does not keep pace. Ryanair’s ability to grow passenger numbers by 6% while maintaining the same load factor suggests their pricing and scheduling algorithms remain highly effective.

Furthermore, the contrast between the expansion in Pescara and the threats to withdraw from the Azores illustrates the airline’s “strategic agility.” By rapidly shifting assets to lower-tax jurisdictions, Ryanair exerts pressure on airports and governments to maintain low cost bases, a tactic that has historically preserved its margins even during inflationary periods.

Sources

Sources: Ryanair Corporate News, Sharecast News, Alliance News