Ralegh-Durham International Airport is moving forward with a multi-million dollar expansion of Terminal 1. The design phase of the project, now complete, was $1.6 million of a planned $5 million total.
RDU will add 1,600 square feet to the ticketing lobby and a 1,000-square-foot restroom adjacent to Gate 4.
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The airport said Terminal 1's expansion is one of several projects underway to meet increasing need.
"The Terminal 1 expansion is one of many capital projects RDU is undertaking to improve infrastructure and meet our region’s growing demand for air travel," RDU said in a statement to WRAL News.
Major construction to expand Terminal 2 began in January 2026. It is one of the investments underway that is a part of the $2.5 billion 'Transform RDU' project. They are also building a new runway, adding parking and improving the road.
The last time Terminal 1 got an upgrade was back in 2014. This year, the airport has added new restaurants and shops.
RDU said the number of travelers through Terminal 1 has increased since they've added more gates, moved airlines there and based newer airlines like Breeze out of Terminal 1.
"The Terminal 1 expansion will elevate the airport experience for the increasing number of guests who travel through Terminal 1 by adding more restrooms and creating more space in the ticketing lobby," RDU said.
WRAL News spoke with travelers about the expansion.
"I think that's exciting. I think that looks really nice," Molly Nolan said.
"I definitely think that the bathroom is a great one to add to the expansion," Kara Umphlett, a frequent traveler out of Terminal 1 said. "Anyone who gets off of a flight knows that it's usually pretty crazy, so I think just having that addition is really going to help with that."
However, some travelers do not want to see too many expansions because they like the less trafficked environment that Terminal 1 provides.
"I don't want it to get too busy because I like Terminal 1 cause it's quick. You're in through security in like literally two minutes," Nolan said. "I don't want it to get to get too big, to get busy."
RDU Airport Authority discussed the design process for Terminal 1 during Thursday's meeting. RDU said, once they finish that phase, they will have more information on a timeline and any impact on travelers.