RDU receives $12 million from federal program, plans major upgrades

Gov. Roy Cooper and US Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced $45 million for NC airports, including $12 million for Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Terminal 2 in RDU.

Cut down your travel time with TSA PreCheck.

Photo courtesy of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority

On Thursday, Feb. 15, the federal government awarded over $1 billion to 114 airports with Raleigh-Durham International receiving $12 million from the pot. We’re breaking down how the airport plans to spend it + other upcoming changes.

According to a press release, this $12 million will help fund upgrades to Terminal 2’s security checkpoint, baggage claim, and an expansion of the federal inspection station that welcomes travelers from international destinations. With these upgrades, flyers can expect to get to terminals faster, and when you return, a quicker customs process and better baggage pickup.

In addition to this influx of cash, RDU is spending $40 million on a new canopy outside of Terminal 2, according to The News & Observer. Airport Authority Board members approved a canopy for the drop-off zone to protect passengers from NC rain + sun.

RDU also approved the purchase of six electric buses from Miami Dade Airport, according to Triangle Business Journal.

The airport is also anticipating more changes to Terminal 2’s landside as part of its 25-year master plan, an all-encompassing airport upgrade.

Learn more + navigate your next flight with our guide to RDU. Don’t have a trip planned? Peruse our list of new + existing nonstop flights for smooth sailing flying.

More from RALtoday
In case you hadn’t noticed, Raleigh’s growing in a big way, and some mixed-use developments are set to transform downtown + Midtown in 2026 and beyond. Here’s what you need to know about three major developments.
Discover the top Raleigh business podcasts, voices, and local resources our readers are tuning into — from must-listen interviews to expert insights.
Visit The Magic of the Fourth Ward: A Journey Through Time and Culture at the Martin Marietta Center to learn more about this vibrant neighborhood destroyed by urban renewal.
Microsoft, the world’s No. 4 most valuable company, will bring a data center to a large parcel in Person County.
Explore all 308 acres of Dorothea Dix Park and its top landmarks, history, and more.
The long-awaited Texas burger chain will make its debut next month in Wake Forest, and Raleigh’s location will open two weeks later.
The Canes sent five players to Milan for the 2026 Winter Olympics, and five of them are coming home as medalists, including one gold medalist.
From curling to ice hockey, you can train just like the world’s top athletes without leaving the 919.
Songbird will open later this year with local produce-driven cocktails, mocktails, and bites.
With flavors from chef + co-owner Saif Rahman’s culinary journey, this fast-breaking meal offers new tastes for Ramadan.