RDU — The Federal Aviation Administration has authorized the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority to seek final permits and begin construction on the replacement of Raleigh-Durham International Airport’s (RDU) primary runway. The FAA issued a final decision on the matter on Aug. 31.
“RDU’s new primary runway will be the most important two miles of pavement in the Triangle,” said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. “It will provide greater economic opportunities for our region by ensuring RDU maintains its transatlantic connections and allowing long-haul aircraft to move more passengers and cargo.”
The airport’s existing 10,000-foot runway was built in the 1980s and needs to be replaced after nearly four decades of use, according to RDU officials. The replacement runway will be built approximately 537 feet west of the current location to allow the current runway to remain in operation during construction. The relocated runway will also make room for the future addition of more gates at Terminal 2.
The FAA previously determined the runway can be built at 10,639 feet, providing more distance for takeoff and landing. The runway replacement is expected to cost more than $500 million and estimated to be complete by 2028.
