RDU Passenger Traffic up 6 Percent so Far in 2007

RALEIGH, N.C. — With more airlines offering service to more destinations this year, Raleigh-Durham International Airport is reporting near-record passenger levels.

Through June 30, more than 4.8 million passengers have passed through RDU, the airport said Wednesday. Further, it expects traffic to reach nearly 10 million by the end of the year.

The total could come close to the record of 10.4 million set in 2000.

So far this year, ExpressJet and Midwest Connect joined the RDU airline lineup. They and other airlines have boosted the number of destinations served by RDU by eight to a total of 46. Twenty-eight daily departures also have been added, boosting that total to 243.

And more growth is coming.

United Airlines recently disclosed plans to reopen operations at RDU after a six-year absence. United has offered some flights through regional carrier United Express. United did launch a flight to Denver in April.

New destinations out of RDU include Milwaukee, Birmingham, Ala., Denver, Jacksonville Fla., Kansas City Mo., Louisville, Ky., New Orleans and San Antonio.