Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is launching a significant phase of its long-term capital programme in early January 2026, with construction activity set to become visible inside Terminal 2.
Crews are scheduled to install a temporary floor-to-ceiling wall at the terminal’s north end, closing off that section for roughly two years while major upgrades take place.
The work zone will support an expansion of the terminal’s ticketing and international arrivals areas, additional security checkpoint lanes, and substantial improvements to the baggage handling system. The upgrades are designed to increase capacity and improve overall passenger flow as the airport continues to experience strong demand.
Despite the construction, airport officials emphasise that all existing ticket counters and security checkpoint lanes will remain open throughout the work period. Travelers passing through Terminal 2 next year may encounter construction noise or see active work areas, but normal operations are expected to continue. RDU’s guest experience team will be onsite to provide directions and assist passengers as needed.
The Terminal 2 project is a key component of Transform RDU, the airport’s 2.5 billion USD capital improvement programme intended to modernise infrastructure and meet long-term regional growth. The full expansion of Terminal 2 is projected to be completed in 2032
