Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)

Raleigh-Durham at a Glance

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (KRDU/RDU) is the primary commercial and business-aviation gateway for North Carolina's Research Triangle, sitting at 435 feet MSL in Morrisville between Raleigh and Durham. The field operates two parallel runways: 5L/23R at 10,000 feet (concrete) and 5R/23L at 7,500 feet (asphalt), both 150 feet wide. RDU is fully towered, runs 24/7, and clears U.S. Customs for international arrivals. Two full-service business-jet FBOs, Signature Aviation and Atlantic Aviation, handle private traffic. Downtown Raleigh is roughly 11 miles away.

Live Conditions

Current Weather at KRDU

Raleigh-Durham International Airport, 2400 John Brantley Blvd, Morrisville, NC 27560

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	Raleigh-Durham International Airport
ICAO Code	KRDU
IATA Code	RDU
FAA Identifier	RDU
Address	2400 John Brantley Blvd, Morrisville, NC 27560
Elevation	435 ft MSL
Coordinates	35.8776° N, 78.7875° W
Owner / Operator	RDU Airport Authority
Phone	+1-000-000-0000
FAA Data	AirNav RDU

Operations & Facilities
Runways	5L/23R: 10,000 ft (Concrete) 5R/23L: 7,500 ft (Asphalt)
FBOs	Signature Flight Support
Customs	Yes
Fuel	Jet-A, 100LL
Hours	24/7
Approaches	ILS, RNAV, Visual
Tower / Freq	See AirNav
Weight Limit	None
Annual Operations	150,000+

Runways & Approaches

Raleigh-Durham operates two parallel runways. The primary, 5L/23R, measures 10,000 feet of concrete at 150 feet wide, with ILS, RNAV (GPS), and visual approaches available at both ends. This length comfortably accommodates the full spectrum of business aircraft, from light jets through ultra-long-range types such as the Gulfstream G650, Bombardier Global 7500, and Boeing BBJ, with generous margins for hot-day or high-gross-weight departures.

The secondary runway, 5R/23L, provides 7,500 feet of asphalt, also 150 feet wide, and supports the same parallel-approach environment. The two-runway layout gives crews crosswind flexibility: when winds favor one alignment, the parallel pair still serves nearly all conditions. At a field elevation of 435 feet MSL, density-altitude penalties stay minimal year-round.

FBOs & Ground Services

Full-service fixed-base operators handle private traffic here, offering Jet-A, hangarage, customs coordination, and concierge ground transportation. Arrange handling in advance for peak-season and after-hours arrivals.

Signature Aviation (RDU)

Full-service business-jet FBO on the field offering Jet-A fueling, hangar and ramp parking, crew amenities, and aircraft handling. Located at 1775 E. International Drive; part of the global Signature network.

Atlantic Aviation (RDU)

Full-service FBO in the heart of the Research Triangle with line service, fueling, and conference facilities. Heated community hangar accommodates aircraft up to a Gulfstream G700, plus exclusive private hangar bays.

Charter a Jet from Raleigh-Durham International Airport

Charter from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (KRDU) connects the region to destinations nationwide. The Jet Finder matches the right aircraft to your mission and RDU's runway parameters — with direct Part 135 operator access and no markup.

Fly Private from KRDU

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to KRDU's runway and facilities.

Aircraft Registered in MORRISVILLE (36)

36 aircraft are registered to owners in MORRISVILLE, NC according to the FAA Aircraft Registry. Showing 20 of 36. Track live flights from RDU →

N108YZ

GOPALAN HARIHARAN 4 PLACE · 2019

N15246

PIPER PA-28-180 · 1972

N164LA

COSTRUZIONI AERONAUTICHE TECNA P2010

N213CH

RAYTHEON AIRCRAFT COMPANY 58

N223PM

COSTRUZIONI AERONAUTICHE TECNA P-MENTOR · 2024

N224PM

COSTRUZIONI AERONAUTICHE TECNA P-MENTOR · 2024

N229FG

PIPER PA-28-181 · 2021

N258LC

LIBERTY AEROSPACE INCORPORATED LIBERTY XL-2 · 2007

N311PW

AERO COMMANDER 500-A · 1961

N330VA

COSTRUZIONI AERONAUTICHE TECNA P2006T · 2022

N351LA

COSTRUZIONI AERONAUTICHE TECNA P-MENTOR · 2025

N43972

TAYLORCRAFT BC12-D · 1946

N44374

TAYLORCRAFT BC12-D1 · 1946

N4668H

MOONEY M20J · 1979

N471BL

DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC DA 40 NG · 2020

N4734W

ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL 114

N511LS

COSTRUZIONI AERONAUTICHE TECNA P-MENTOR · 2025

N5201N

MOONEY M20J · 1978

N61LH

DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC DA 40 · 2004

N7120E

PIPER AIRCRAFT INC PA-44-180 · 2021

Popular Routes from RDU

Fuel Prices & Landing Fees

FBO	Jet-A Price	Notes
Signature	$5.20 – $6.60/gal	Competitive

Aircraft Category	Estimated Fee
Light	$25 – $75
Midsize	$75 – $200
S-Mid	$200 – $350
Heavy	$350 – $600

Private Aviation Briefing — History, Operations & Planning

Airport Overview

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (KRDU) is the principal air gateway for North Carolina's Research Triangle, serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the surrounding technology and research corridor. Owned and operated by the RDU Airport Authority, the field combines major commercial airline service with robust general and business aviation operations across roughly 5,000 acres at 435 feet MSL.

Runway Capability

The airport's two parallel runways, 5L/23R at 10,000 feet (concrete) and 5R/23L at 7,500 feet (asphalt), make RDU capable of handling any business aircraft in service. The 10,000-foot primary supports ultra-long-range departures from heavy jets such as the Gulfstream G650 and Global 7500 without payload or fuel restrictions under normal conditions. ILS, RNAV (GPS), and visual approaches serve the field.

FBO and Ground Services

Two full-service FBOs compete for private-jet traffic at RDU: Signature Aviation and Atlantic Aviation. Both offer Jet-A and 100LL, hangar and ramp parking, crew rest, and concierge handling. Atlantic's heated community hangar can shelter aircraft up to a Gulfstream G700. Having two operators on-field typically gives charter clients leverage on fuel pricing and handling fees.

Charter Considerations

As a commercial hub with strong corporate demand from the Research Triangle and a deep regional GA base, RDU sees consistent Part 135 charter activity, which improves aircraft availability and reduces repositioning costs. The Jet Finder sources aircraft from operators near KRDU and compares positioning fees, hourly rates, and cabin class to match the right jet to your mission.

Customs and International Operations

RDU clears U.S. Customs and Border Protection, with the CBP facility located in the commercial terminal complex. International private arrivals can be coordinated through the FBOs; The Jet Finder assists with eAPIS filing and customs scheduling. Confirm CBP availability and any advance-notice requirements before international departures or arrivals.

Safety and Planning

RDU is a fully towered, 24/7 facility with parallel-runway operations and full instrument approach coverage, so scheduling reliability is high. Part 135 charters operate IFR for passenger flights regardless of weather, gaining ATC separation and radar monitoring. The two-runway layout provides crosswind options across most wind conditions.

Seasonal and Regional Context

North Carolina's temperate climate yields generally favorable flying, with winter frontal passages occasionally dropping ceilings to IFR minimums and summer afternoon convection peaking late in the day; morning departures usually find smoother conditions. Winter de-icing can add 15 to 30 minutes and several hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on aircraft size. The Research Triangle and nearby Charlotte financial district drive steady corporate aviation demand across the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

KRDU is both the ICAO and FAA identifier for Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Pilots should reference this code in all flight plan filings and ATC communications involving this facility.

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (KRDU) is in Morrisville, NC, at coordinates 35.8776° N, 78.7875° W, roughly midway between Raleigh and Durham. The field sits at 435 feet MSL, about 11 miles from downtown Raleigh, with direct access from I-40 and I-540.

RDU has two parallel runways. The primary, 5L/23R, is 10,000 feet of concrete (150 feet wide); the secondary, 5R/23L, is 7,500 feet of asphalt. The 10,000-foot main runway handles the full range of business jets, including ultra-long-range heavy types.

Yes. With a 10,000-foot primary runway, RDU accommodates everything from very light jets to ultra-long-range heavy jets such as the Gulfstream G650 and Global 7500 under normal conditions. Two full-service FBOs handle private traffic, and the field operates 24/7.

RDU has two full-service business-jet FBOs: Signature Aviation and Atlantic Aviation. Both offer Jet-A fueling, hangar and ramp parking, crew amenities, and aircraft handling. Atlantic's heated community hangar accommodates aircraft up to a Gulfstream G700.

Raleigh-Durham International Airport sits at 435 feet MSL. Performance-conscious pilots should compute density altitude before each operation, particularly when temperatures exceed standard.

Yes. RDU offers ILS, RNAV (GPS), and visual approaches to its parallel runways, supporting reliable all-weather operations. It is a fully towered, 24/7 facility. Reference the FAA Terminal Procedures or AirNav (airnav.com/airport/KRDU) for current minimums.

To arrange a charter from KRDU, reach The Jet Finder at thejetfinder.com/contact.html. Share your routing, dates, and party size. We coordinate everything from aircraft selection to ground transportation.

RDU's 10,000-foot primary runway supports turboprops, light and midsize jets, super-midsize, and heavy ultra-long-range jets including the Gulfstream G650, Global 7500, and Boeing BBJ. The 7,500-foot parallel runway adds operational flexibility.

Yes. RDU is a fully towered airport with 24/7 air traffic control, serving both commercial airline and business aviation traffic. Current tower and approach frequencies are published in the FAA Chart Supplement and on AirNav (airnav.com/airport/KRDU).

Both FBOs at RDU, Signature Aviation and Atlantic Aviation, supply Jet-A (with prist available) and 100LL avgas. Full line service, including fueling, GPU, and lav/water, is available around the clock. Contact either FBO for current pricing and contract-fuel arrangements.

Yes. RDU clears U.S. Customs and Border Protection, so international private arrivals and departures can be handled here. CBP facilities are in the terminal complex; coordinate through your FBO. The Jet Finder assists with eAPIS filing and customs scheduling for KRDU.

Aviation weather for Raleigh-Durham International Airport is reported under identifier KRDU. Monitor METAR, TAF, and PIREP data through official sources. NC's climate affects ceiling, visibility, and wind conditions at the field.

RDU is in Morrisville itself, just minutes from the town center, and roughly 11 miles from downtown Raleigh and about 12 miles from downtown Durham via I-40. Both on-field FBOs can arrange ground transportation throughout the Research Triangle.

Raleigh-Durham International Airport offers aircraft parking for visiting and based aircraft. Tiedown and hangar rates at KRDU should be confirmed directly with the airport. Overnight parking may require advance arrangement.

Get a quote for private charter from KRDU: visit thejetfinder.com/contact.html or call directly. Share your itinerary and passenger details. We handle aircraft sourcing from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to your destination.

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Raleigh-Durham International Airport (KRDU)