Skip to main content...

The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority works with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), airlines and surrounding communities to help manage aircraft noise expectations and provide information about airport operations.

While the Airport Authority operates Raleigh-Durham International Airport, the FAA controls aircraft flight paths, altitudes and air traffic operations throughout the National Airspace System. The Airport Authority cannot dictate aircraft flight times, as the airport remains open by law. The Airport Authority, local and state governments and other entities do not have influence on flight paths or flight times.

Existing flight paths are uniform at RDU and all other airports across the United States and are created solely based on aircraft flight characteristics, safety and airspace efficiency.

This page offers information reguarding aircraft noise around the airport. Site-specific information may vary. The Airport Authority recommends contacting the Noise Officer directly with questions.

A screenshot of a flight tracker app showing Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Raleigh and surrounding areas with roads and location markers.

Flight Tracking

RDU's Flight Tracking System allows you to view aircraft activity near the airport in near real time and explore historical flight information.

You can:

  • View arriving and departing aircraft

  • Search by address

  • Review historical flight tracks

  • See runway usage, aircraft altitude and other flight information

Please note that military aircraft are not displayed in the public flight tracking system.

View Flight Tracking
submit noise concern preview

Submit a Noise Inquiry

If you have a question or concern about aircraft noise, you can submit a noise inquiry online or contact the RDU Noise Office at 919-840-2100, ext. 3.

The Noise Office reviews inquiries, provides information about airport operations and aircraft noise, and responds during normal business hours.

Submit a Noise Inquiry

Buying or Selling a Home Near RDU

Aircraft operate at RDU 24 hours a day throughout the year. If you're considering buying a home near the airport, it's a good idea to visit the property at different times of day to experience aircraft activity firsthand. Contact the Airport Authority's Noise Officer with questions.

You can also:

  • Search your address using the Flight Tracking System to view aircraft activity nearby.

  • Review the RDU Composite Noise Contour Map to determine whether a property is located within the FAA-recognized aircraft noise contour.

North Carolina law requires aircraft noise disclosure for the resale of homes located within designated noise contour areas. Newly constructed homes sold for first occupancy are exempt from this disclosure requirement under state law.

Understanding Runway Operations

RDU has two commercial runways and one general aviation runway.

The runway in use depends primarily on wind direction and weather conditions. Because wind conditions change throughout the day, aircraft may arrive and depart over different communities at different times.

Occasionally, construction or maintenance projects require temporary runway closures, resulting in temporary changes to flight patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions