Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) has cut $95 million from its fiscal year 2020-2021 capital projects and operational expenses in response to decreased airport revenue from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Board of Directors also agreed to delay implementation of fee increases until at least July 1.
More than 482,000 people boarded commercial flights at RDU in February, an 8.8 percent increase in enplanements over February 2019. However, that growth trend was stunted in March by travel restrictions to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The airport started the year strong with two consecutive months of passenger growth, yet the COVID-19 global health crisis has caused a sharp decline in air travel,” Authority president and CEO Michael Landguth said. “The Authority is taking proactive measures to protect the health and safety of everyone at the airport. While we are unable to speculate how long these impacts will last, the airport is financially stable and able to adapt to dynamic business circumstances.”
RDU also said it will postpone moving Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines to Terminal 1 until June 1.
