This Blog regarding RDU (Raleigh-Durham International Airport) airport and the importance for the Triangle area (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) was created by Carolina Life Realty.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is a major airport located in the Research Triangle region of North Carolina, serving the cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, as well as the surrounding areas. Since its opening in 1943, RDU has undergone significant changes and growth to become the thriving airport it is today.
RDU’s origins can be traced back to World War II when the United States Army Air Corps established an airfield called Raleigh-Durham Army Airfield on the site of what is now the airport. The airfield served as a training base for pilots during the war and was later used by the United States Air Force as a reserve training center until 1956.
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, the Research Triangle region began to experience significant economic growth, and leaders recognized the need for a larger airport to accommodate the increasing number of travelers. In 1955, Wake County and Durham County jointly purchased the land from the federal government and established the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority to oversee the development and operation of the airport.
The first passenger terminal at RDU was built in 1959, and the airport’s first commercial flight took off in May of that year. Over the next few decades, RDU continued to expand its facilities and services to meet the growing demand. In 1982, a new terminal was opened, featuring modern amenities and a larger capacity to handle more passengers.
RDU has also played a significant role in aviation history. In 1961, astronaut Alan Shepard made a stop at RDU on his way to the White House to receive the NASA Distinguished Service Medal from President John F. Kennedy. In 1974, RDU became the first airport in the United States to offer a continuous descent approach, reducing noise pollution and fuel consumption. And in 1986, RDU was the site of a groundbreaking experiment in air traffic control, testing the use of advanced computer technology to increase efficiency and safety in air traffic management.
Today, RDU is a major hub for Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, with direct flights to over 50 destinations in the United States, Canada, and Europe. In 2019, the airport served over 14 million passengers, making it the second-busiest airport in the state of North Carolina.
In conclusion, the history of RDU Airport is a testament to the growth and progress of the Research Triangle region of North Carolina. From its humble beginnings as a military airfield to its current status as a major commercial airport, RDU has played a vital role in connecting the region to the rest of the world and fostering economic development.
For all local to the Raleigh-Durham area there is an awesome observation deck that is free. Popular with kids of all ages, RDU’s Observation Park provides amazing views of RDU’s runway and is also located near the Air Traffic Control Tower. Spend hours plane-watching and listening to pilot-tower communications via audio speakers on the elevated observation platform. This is a great way to relax and unwind.
Observation Park is open from 9 a.m. to sunset every day. The park features:
Free Parking
Restrooms
Picnic Area
Communication Between Pilots and the Tower
Educational Placards
Play Area
Elevated Observation Platform