More than 860,000 passengers traveled through Raleigh-Durham International Airport in June, a 5.4 percent decline compared to July 2008, a departure from the declines the airport has seen in previous months.

In the first seven months of the year, 5.2 million passengers traveled through RDU, an 11.6 percent decline from 2008. The numbers were released today at the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Board’s monthly meeting.

The number of passengers traveling through RDU continues to be constrained by the number of seats available. As a result of flight reductions that began last year in response to record-high fuel costs, the number of seats available to passengers is down 7.8 percent compared to July 2008.

Gordon Biersch to Expand in RDU’s Terminal 2
At today’s meeting, the Airport Authority also approved the expansion of Gordon Biersch, located in RDU’s new Terminal 2. Since its opening last October, the restaurant and bar has become a popular spot for the airport’s business and leisure travelers.

In response to the high demand, HMS Host, which operates Gordon Biersch, will expand into available space next to the restaurant to provide additional table seating. Construction is expected to begin in January 2010.

The Airport Authority also voted to open North Carolina Vintages when phase two of Terminal 2 is completed in early 2011. The restaurant concept was originally scheduled to open this year. However, with the expansion of Gordon Biersch, HMS Host has the opportunity to develop a larger wine bar and restaurant, and feature a more extensive menu, along with wines and produce from North Carolina growers.

The wine bar will also feature North Carolina-themed merchandise.