New Shops and Restaurants Open at RDU Terminal 1

Part of airport's $2.5 billion expansion project to improve traveler experience

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Raleigh-Durham International Airport's Terminal 1 will open to the public on Thursday with new restaurants, stores, and other upgrades as part of the airport's ongoing $2.5 billion expansion project. The changes aim to reduce congestion and improve the overall traveler experience.

Why it matters

RDU is one of the busiest airports in the Southeast, serving over 12 million passengers annually. The expansion and renovations to Terminal 1 are crucial to keeping up with growing passenger demand and enhancing the airport's amenities and efficiency.

The details

The new additions to Terminal 1 include the Raleigh Beer Garden, an Italian restaurant, a candy store, upgrades to the ACC Café, and new news and gift shops. The expansion project also includes early construction to widen John Brantley Boulevard near the airport.

  • Terminal 1 will open to the public on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
  • Construction on the $2.5 billion airport expansion project began earlier this week.

The players

Raleigh-Durham International Airport

One of the busiest airports in the Southeast, serving over 12 million passengers annually.

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What’s next

The airport plans to continue the expansion project over the next several years, with additional upgrades and new amenities expected to be completed by 2030.

The takeaway

The renovations to Terminal 1 are an important step in RDU's efforts to modernize and enhance the airport's facilities to meet the growing needs of travelers in the Raleigh-Durham region.