Due to open October 26

Raleigh-Durham International Airport has set October 26 as the opening date for its new $570 million Terminal 2. The facility has 19 boarding gates, including three for international flights; and 25 retail shops and restaurants. On the same date, RDU’s Terminal A will be renamed Terminal 1. The new Terminal 2 replaces the airport’s old Terminal C, which was built as a hub for American Airlines in 1987. The airport’s former Terminal B was combined with Terminal A in the early 1990s. “Designed to ease congestion, the airline counters (in Terminal 2) are located in the middle of the lobby in a unique island design,” the airport said. “Thirty-eight electronic kiosks are placed throughout the lobby for ticketless travelers. The design and placement of the counters and kiosks ensures that passengers can move easily and effortlessly from airline check-in to security screening.” Among the airlines using the new Terminal 2 are American, Delta, United and Air Canada. Several weeks after Terminal 2 opens, the airport will demolish what’s left of Terminal C to make room for the second phase of Terminal 2, which should be completed by late 2011.