RDU sets single-day passenger traffic record for Mother’s Day, graduation travel

Raleigh-Durham International Airport set a single-day passenger traffic record on Monday, largely due to Mother’s Day travel and travel for college graduations.

According to RDU, the airport set a single-day record on Monday, May 13, during Mother’s Day and graduation weekend, known as one of the busiest weekends of the year.

RDU officials said nearly 59,000 passengers passed through Terminals 1 and 2, an increase of 6.1% over the previous record set in October 2023.

According to RDU, Sunday was the busiest day on record at Terminal 1.

RDU is growing quickly, with 15 new flights launched in April and the addition of three new international airlines this summer. Alaska Airlines and Breeze Airlines were recently moved into Terminal 1 to accommodate the growth.

Earlier this year, RDU reported Lufthansa will begin service to Frankfurt, Germany, on June 6, Copa Airlines will begin service to Panama City on June 21 and Aeromexico will launch flights to Mexico City on July 1.

RDU said nearly 1.3 million travelers passed through the airport in April, an increase of 3.7% compared to March, which was boosted by spring break travel, and a 7.7% increase over April 2023.

“The month of May is the traditional kickoff of the summer travel season, beginning with Mother’s Day and college graduations and running through Memorial Day weekend,” said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. “We anticipate the demand for air travel will continue to grow in June and July as airlines expand their schedules and RDU welcomes three new international destinations.”