Saudi Harbors and Airports

International airports in Saudi Arabia are the airports that connect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the outside world. The growth of travel to and from Saudi Arabia has led to the establishment of international airports that transport millions of passengers annually and witness heavy traffic, especially from pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors.

International airports are distributed across most regions of Saudi Arabia, while some regions include more than one international airport, and some were established as a local airport and later transformed into a regional and then international airport. These airports are supervised by the General Authority of Civil Aviation.

Saudi Arabia's International Airports

The list of Saudi Arabia's international airports includes: King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina, Taif International Airport, Prince Abdulmajeed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Al-Ula, Abha International Airport, Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Qassim, Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, Al-Jouf International Airport, Al-Ahsa International Airport, Neom Gulf International Airport, Hail International Airport, Qaisumah International Airport, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jazan, Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Yanbu, Najran International Airport, and Red Sea International Airport.

In 1444 AH / 2022 AD, the launch of the master plan for King Salman International Airport in Riyadh was announced, making Riyadh a gateway to the world and a global destination for transportation, trade and tourism.

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh

Located in Riyadh, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it was opened in 1403 AH/1983 AD, and is located on an area of ​​225 km2, about 35 km from the city center. The airport includes 5 main departure halls, 40 passenger bridges, in addition to two lounges for private aviation, and a royal lounge. The airport also contains a central control tower, and two parallel runways, each of which is 4,260 m (13,980 ft) long, and the parking lot can accommodate 11,600 vehicles. King Khalid International Airport is served by 58 international and local airlines, operating 217,000 flights annually to 105 destinations. The airport serves more than 28.5 million passengers annually, and is managed by Riyadh Airports Company. The annual capacity of the model cargo village reaches 600,000 tons. Growth rate at King Khalid International Airport

King Khalid International Airport witnessed a growth in the number of passengers in the third quarter of 2023 by 14%, reaching 8.6 million passengers, compared to the number of passengers in 2019, which reached 7.6 million passengers. The number of flights also grew by 9%, reaching about 55,000 flights, compared to 50,000 flights in the third quarter of 2019.

The number of passengers to domestic destinations increased by 2% compared to 2019, and the percentage of passengers to international destinations increased by 24%, reaching 3.4 million passengers. The average number of passengers per day through King Khalid International Airport exceeded 94,000 passengers during the third quarter of 2023, compared to 83,000 passengers in the third quarter of 2019. The average number of daily flights during the third quarter of 2023 reached 597 flights, an increase of 9% compared to the average number of flights, which reached 550 for the same period in 2019. The number of manpower working at King Khalid International Airport, in all airport facilities and sectors, reached about 25 thousand, and the number of airlines operating at the airport during the third quarter of 2023 reached 57 airlines compared to 40 companies for the second quarter of 2019, and the number of destinations to and from the airport in general during the third quarter of 2023 reached 108 destinations, including: 25 local destinations, and 83 international destinations, compared to 89 destinations for the same period in 2019, and the total number of tons handled increased by 53%, reaching 85 thousand tons, compared to 44 thousand tons for the same period in 2019.

Development of International Terminals at King Khalid International Airport

The year 1440 AH / 2019 AD witnessed the completion of development projects in International Terminals 1 and 2 at King Khalid International Airport. The projects included the development of baggage claim platforms, main gates, and passenger waiting areas in the departure and arrival halls, with the aim of raising the level of efficiency and quality, increasing capacity, and expanding the services provided.

The projects also included the construction of two additional travel gates on the departure floor of International Terminal 2, to become 10 gates, to increase the capacity by 486 seats, bringing the total capacity of the terminal to 1,616 seats, and increasing the capacity of the baggage handling system in International Terminals 1 and 2 for arrival flights by 300%, from 1,600 bags per hour to 4,800 bags per hour, in addition to developing the inspection procedures area for departing passengers and their accompanying baggage in Terminals 1 and 2, to become 12 instead of 9 lanes, to speed up inspection procedures and facilitate their entry into the departure gates area.

In 1440 AH / 2019 AD, King Khalid International Airport inaugurated a new private aviation terminal, with an area of ​​2,617 m2, and doubled the area of ​​the aircraft parking area to accommodate a larger number of aircraft, and increased the number of parking spaces in the new aviation terminal, with the aim of increasing the capacity and operation in the private aviation area.

In 1440 AH / 2018 AD, the project to develop the passenger and baggage inspection area in the departure area of ​​​​International Terminals 1 and 2 at the airport was completed. The project included organizing passenger entry corridors and increasing the passenger capacity by increasing inspection devices.

A digital platform for managing King Khalid International Airport

In 1443 AH / 2022 AD, the General Authority of Civil Aviation launched the King Khalid International Airport digital platform "Horizon", which includes a central database for operational information from data sources at the airport. The platform contains an airport resource management system that enables operational teams to automatically control and schedule airport assets, including aircraft parking lots, passenger registration platforms, passenger boarding gates, and baggage belts. The platform also includes a flight information display system (FIDS), which provides accurate data and displays flight information accurately and simultaneously with immediate changes in flight status.

King Khalid International Airport Services

In 1440 AH/2018 AD, King Khalid International Airport launched several services and projects, including "Ask Me", a service provided by young men and women roaming the airport lounges to serve travelers in more than 10 languages. A unified call center was also established to answer travelers' inquiries and receive their comments around the clock.

The same year witnessed the launch of the King Khalid International Airport and Riyadh Airports websites, which provide the services and information needed by arriving and departing travelers, investors and the business sector, and the launch of the "Riyadh Airports" application, which enables travelers to learn about their travel information, and know the time it will take from their home to the boarding gate, in addition to viewing the airport map and its facilities and all the services and facilities provided, and the ability to access the Internet for free.

The airport allocated "long-term parking" at reduced prices and designated for those wishing to park their cars for long periods, with the availability of the self-payment feature for international lounge parking, as well as the launch of a valet parking service for travelers departing through international and domestic lounges.

The Curbside Check In service was launched to check flights, issue boarding passes, and complete baggage check-in procedures for International Terminals 1 and 2.

The airport launched the "Mazaya" program, which includes several services, including transporting the traveler's luggage from home to the airport, or from the airport to home, shipping it, and preparing the boarding pass in front of the traveler upon arrival. Passengers participating in the program also benefit from the "fast track" service, which enables the traveler to complete the exit or arrival procedures within minutes via a special path that allows him to complete the travel procedures without having to wait.

The "Tawasalak" service was created to transport domestic workers from the airport to their owners' homes. This service exempts the customer who has a domestic worker coming to the airport from the trouble of coming to the airport and completing the procedures.

In 1443 AH / 2022 AD, the airport launched an updated version of the interactive chat service via the "WhatsApp" and "X" applications, enhanced with artificial intelligence technology, which replaces texts and long lists with a set of options, allowing the user to click on the list and choose the service to get results easily and quickly. This service provides flight notifications in sign language for the deaf and mute, in addition to providing information about the services provided by the airport, and enabling travelers and airport visitors to inquire about flights, service prices and other information they need easily.

In 1443 AH / 2021 AD, the airport launched the sensory room initiative equipped for children with disabilities in Domestic Travel Hall 5, as the tools and devices available in it are controlled to stimulate the individual's various senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell, and also provide fun and relaxation for users.

King Khalid International Airport Operations Control Center

The airport launched the Airport Operations Control Center (AOCC), which manages about 700 flights per day for passengers, air cargo, and private aviation. It brings together more than 25 operational, security, and service entities working at the airport in one place, to ensure higher levels of integration between all sectors working at the airport, immediate sharing of information, and faster and more effective decision-making to enhance the smoothness of operational movement. It contains modern operational systems related to resource management, operational monitoring, and performance indicators for airport management around the clock. The center enables Riyadh Airports Company to control its operational processes in its various facilities, and allows for proactive measures based on data, which contributes to improving planning processes.

Model Cargo Village at King Khalid International Airport

The area of ​​the Model Cargo Village at King Khalid International Airport is 275 thousand m2, and it was launched in 1441 AH / 2020 AD, to serve as a logistics platform. The total number of air cargo flights, according to statistics for the third quarter of 2020 AD, amounted to about 2,673 flights, and the number of destinations in the cargo village exceeds 50 destinations around the world.

Energy Efficiency Project at King Khalid International Airport

In 1442 AH / 2021 AD, King Khalid International Airport launched the Energy Efficiency Project. The project allows for increasing energy efficiency in terms of consumption and cost, in addition to ensuring the reliability of its supply using clean and renewable energy sources, and transforming airport facilities into smart and environmentally friendly buildings.

King Salman International Airport in Riyadh

On 4 Jumada Al-Awwal 1444 AH / 28 November 2022 AD, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Public Investment Fund, announced the launch of the master plan for King Salman International Airport, to make Riyadh a gateway to the world, a global destination for transportation, trade and tourism, and a bridge linking the East and the West, thus consolidating the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics center.
King Salman International Airport Area in Riyadh

The new airport contributes to supporting the Kingdom’s plans to make Riyadh one of the ten largest city economies in the world, and to keep pace with the continuous growth in the population of the capital, Riyadh, which aims to reach between 15 and 20 million people by 2030. King Salman Airport will be one of the largest airports in the world, extending over an area of ​​approximately 57 km², which includes the current halls under the name of King Khalid Halls, 6 runways, in addition to 12 km² of supporting facilities, residential and entertainment assets, shops, and many logistical facilities.

King Salman International Airport places sustainability among its priorities, as it aims to obtain the LEED Platinum certificate for environmentally friendly projects, and will be supported by renewable energy resources.

Capacity of King Salman International Airport in Riyadh

King Salman International Airport is working to increase the capacity to reach 120 million passengers by 2030, and aims to reach 185 million passengers, and aims to pass 3.5 million tons of goods by 2050.

The project is expected to contribute about 27 billion riyals annually to the non-oil GDP, and to create 103 thousand direct and indirect job opportunities to contribute to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah

It is the route through which pilgrims and Umrah performers reach the Grand Mosque in Makkah Al-Mukarramah. It also includes the fourth largest passenger terminal in the world, the Hajj Terminal, with an area of ​​510,000 m2. The airport was ranked in 1443 AH/2022 AD among the top 50 airports in the world, according to the results of the Skytrax Global Evaluation, which is concerned with evaluating airlines and airports in the world.

The new King Abdulaziz International Airport project won the Best Engineering Project Award at the level of airports in the world, during the 8th World Infrastructure Forum in 2015 AD, which was held in New York City, USA, for the reality of its distinctive architectural designs with an Islamic character that is suitable for the Saudi environment.

King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah was established in 1401 AH/1981 AD. It contains 3 stations. The airport area is estimated at about 105 km2, and the total built-up area is 91 km2. The airport's passenger capacity at the beginning of its establishment reached 7,500,000 passengers, but after its expansion in 1441 AH / 2019 AD, it increased to 30 million passengers annually.

Among the airport's facilities are: banks, tourism and travel services, restaurants and cafes, car rental, telecommunications companies, shops, taxis, hotels, and ATMs.

Aircraft parking lots around the travel lounge complex at King Abdulaziz International Airport. (SPA)

King Abdulaziz International Airport Lounges in Jeddah

King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah contains three lounges: the Hajj and Umrah Lounge, the First Lounge, and the Northern Lounge. The total area of ​​these lounges exceeds 1.3 million m2, and they accommodate more than 127 thousand passengers daily.

The Hajj and Umrah Halls Complex includes 20 modern halls, with an area of ​​1,200 m2, air-conditioned with a chilled water air conditioning system, with a capacity of 2,500 tons, and contains 6,000 chairs. The halls provide several services, including: necessary facilities and amenities, designated areas for restaurants and commercial services, and safe packaging centers, in addition to the Haramain High Speed ​​Railway station, and areas for buses and taxis. The total area of ​​the Hajj and Umrah Halls Complex is 510 thousand m2, and includes 10 moving bridges, and 14 travel halls that accommodate 42 thousand departing passengers per hour, and 45 thousand arriving passengers, in addition to 222 passport platforms, and 166 platforms for completing travel procedures.

The area of ​​the first hall at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah is 810 thousand m2, and contains 80 self-service devices, 220 counters, 46 gates, and 94 bridges to serve passengers from travelers and pilgrims to the House of God.

The northern terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah covers an area of ​​55,000 square meters, and contains 54 platforms for completing travel procedures, as well as 6 self-service platforms, and 55 passport platforms, and accommodates 1,919 parking spaces.

The new airport also includes a commercial area for domestic travel halls with an area of ​​7,856 square meters, while the commercial area for international travel halls covers an area of ​​12,218 square meters. It also includes a three-story hotel with 120 rooms, while Hall No. 1 contains the largest aquarium in the world with a height of 14.2 meters and a diameter of 10 meters.

King Abdulaziz International Airport Facilities

The facilities of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah are served by three main load centers that provide about 475 megawatts of electricity, with a capacity of 110,000 tons of chilled water, and 46 fire-fighting water pumps. The new airport also has two integrated information centers to serve the airport and manage all smart systems within it.

The airport facilities include the public transportation center, which is located between the travel lounges complex and the multi-storey car park building, enabling passengers and airport goers to reach it easily and conveniently. It also connects the travel lounges building with the multi-storey car park building, the train station, the metro, the taxi stand, and the bus station, which provides airport goers in general and travelers in particular with all means of ground transportation, and allows them the freedom to choose the most appropriate means of transportation for them. The center also has a number of restaurants and cafes.

A fire and rescue complex was established in the King Abdulaziz International Airport development project according to international specifications, to achieve the security and safety of passengers, aircraft, and airport facilities, and in a way that raises the airport's international rank to the tenth category, which is the highest international rank related to readiness and preparedness to deal with emergencies.

In 1441 AH / 2020 AD, the airport administration began operating the free internal automated carrier service "internal train", to transport passengers of departing and arriving international flights inside the new airport building in Hall (1) from the travel procedures area to the international travel lounges area and vice versa.

Growth in the number of passengers at King Abdulaziz International Airport

Passenger traffic at King Abdulaziz International Airport witnessed leaps during the years prior to the "Covid-19" pandemic, as the number of passengers exceeded 34 million passengers by the end of 2017, recording the highest growth in its history at 9.4%, compared to 31 million passengers in 2016, while flight traffic recorded a growth of 3.46% by the end of 2017 compared to 2016, as the total number of flights reached 226,794 flights in 2017, compared to 219,202 flights in 2016.

The number of passengers traveling through the North Terminal in 2017 also increased by 13.9% compared to 2016, while the number of passengers traveling through the South Terminal increased by 8.5% in 2017 compared to 2016. The increase in the number of passengers traveling through the Hajj and Umrah Terminal in 2017 was about 5.7% compared to 2016.

Expansion of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah

The latest expansion of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah (Terminal 1) was opened on 25 Muharram 1441 AH / September 24, 2019 AD. The airport has since been able to accommodate 70% of the total number of pilgrims and Umrah performers. All air carriers operate in the airport's terminal complex. It also includes 220 airline counters, 80 service devices, 128 passport counters, and 46 gates, some of which accommodate giant aircraft. These gates are connected by 94 moving bridges that serve 70 aircraft at once, in addition to parking lots that can accommodate more than 21,000 cars.

In 1428 AH/2007 AD, the General Authority of Civil Aviation launched the new project to develop King Abdulaziz International Airport, 19 km north of Jeddah, with a capacity of more than 30 million passengers at the end of the first phase, to reach more than 60 million passengers in the second phase, and at the end of the third and final phase, the number of passengers will exceed 100 million passengers, and the three phases of the project are expected to be completed by 2035 AD.

Service of Pilgrims at King Abdulaziz International Airport

The airport annually develops an operational plan for the Hajj season, in which security, governmental and operational agencies participate, through the joint operations room to monitor and follow up on operational movement in the airport's three halls: the Hajj and Umrah Hall, Hall 1, and the North Hall, which has a total capacity of more than 1.3 million m2, and accommodates more than 127 thousand passengers daily, and the Hajj and Umrah Halls Complex includes 20 halls. The halls contain the necessary services and amenities, designated areas for restaurants and commercial services, packaging centers, in addition to the Haramain High Speed ​​Railway station, and areas for buses and taxis.

Jeddah Airports Company, the operator of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, and the government, security and operational agencies working at the airport, are working to provide the necessary human cadres to serve the pilgrims. The Hajj and Umrah Halls Complex at the airport receives incoming flights starting from the first of Dhu al-Qi'dah until the sixth of Dhu al-Hijjah, and then it is re-prepared again for departing flights only, starting from the 14th of Dhu al-Hijjah until the 15th of the middle of Muharram.

The airport launched a campaign to facilitate the loading of luggage during the pilgrims' return trip, and to ensure the permitted weight according to the travel ticket, and not to put liquids inside the luggage, or tie bags with ropes that may lead to the failure of their loading. The airport focuses through its operational plan to transport and ship luggage during the farewell phase of passengers, ensuring the smooth flow of work and organizing it within the airport halls, which contributes to accelerating the procedures for dispatching pilgrims during the departure phase.

King Fahd International Airport in Dammam

King Fahd International Airport in Dammam (IATA: DMM, ICAO: OEDF), the main air gateway for the Eastern Province, which witnesses active commercial and industrial activity.

The airport is the third largest international airport in Saudi Arabia, in terms of the number of passengers, after King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah; the airport was opened in 1420 AH / 1999 AD, and the area of ​​the airport's land is 776 km2, and it contains one terminal, and the airport's design combines modernity and Islamic architectural style, and Dammam Airports Company has been operating and managing the airport since 1438 AH / 2017 AD.

The airport has 37 airlines operating flights to 43 local and international destinations, and the airport's annual capacity reaches 10 million passengers. In 1443 AH / 2022 AD, the airport operated about 13,120 flights to 36 international destinations, in addition to 15,697 flights to 14 domestic destinations.

King Fahd International Airport entrance gates in Dammam. (SPA)

King Fahd International Airport location

King Fahd International Airport in Dammam is linked to residential areas via two main roads. The northern exit of the airport leads to Qatif Governorate via a four-lane expressway, while the southern exit of the airport in Dammam is linked via a six-lane expressway on King Fahd Road, the airport's main road.

King Fahd International Airport is located within walking distance of residential areas in the Eastern Province, especially the cities of Dammam and Jubail. The following are the estimated distances and times to reach the airport from some cities in the Eastern Province and in the Kingdom of Bahrain:

Dammam: 35.6 km (22 miles), 25 minutes.

Qatif: 36.5 km (23 miles), 30 minutes.

Dhahran: 46.8 km (29 miles), 35 minutes.

Khobar: 57.9 km (36 miles), 40 minutes.

Jubail: 93.4 km (58 miles), 60 minutes.

Manama - Bahrain: 103 km (64 miles), 90 minutes.

Dammam Airports Company

A decision was issued to privatize the management of King Fahd International Airport and transfer it to Dammam Airports Company (DACO) in 1438 AH / 2017 AD. The company, headquartered in Dammam, operates King Fahd International Airport, while Al-Ahsa International Airport and Qaisumah International Airport were added in 2021 AD.

The company works on developing infrastructure, operating, developing and maintaining airport facilities, managing commercial and investment relations, operating air cargo facilities, and also raising the operational capabilities and practical efficiency of airports, in addition to keeping pace with the development of the aviation industry.

Among the projects completed by Dammam Airports Company (DACO): Cargo Village "A" and "B", developing and replacing passenger boarding bridges, expanding the passport area, in addition to establishing 6 new aircraft parking lots, establishing a passenger waiting lounge for domestic flights, developing signboards in the airfield, and establishing an internal arrival gate for remote parking lots.

Cargo Village at King Fahd International Airport

The Cargo Village at the airport was opened in 1436 AH / 2015 AD, to be one of the economic drivers in the shipping and logistics sector in Saudi Arabia, by providing shipping and goods services. The village has a large share of the shipping market in the region, and provides several solutions for shipping, storage, and customs clearance in one place. The total area of ​​the Cargo Village at the airport is 6 million m2, and the current capacity of the village is 650 thousand tons, while its capacity will reach two million tons annually in 2030 AD.

Training Academies at King Fahd International Airport

The airport hosts a global aviation maintenance training academy, as the Saudi National Aviation Center at the airport signed an agreement with the German "Lufthansa Technik" Academy in 1440 AH / 2019 AD to establish the academy. The academy is scheduled to graduate 2,000 aviation technicians in various specializations annually, from technicians working on large civil and military aircraft, as they are qualified by the German company "Lufthansa" in cooperation with the Saudi National Aviation Center at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. The academy will provide training and graduate technicians ready for the labor market, qualified and licensed from Germany, with European licenses, and they will be qualified later with Saudi licenses parallel to the licenses in force for the Civil Aviation Authority.

King Fahd International Airport in Dammam also hosts the Saudi National Aviation Center, whose first phase was launched in 1440 AH / 2018 AD, and is represented by the Oxford International Aviation Academy in Dammam.

Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina

Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina is the air gateway to the Prophet's Mosque and one of the most important ports of arrival and departure for pilgrims and Umrah performers from outside Saudi Arabia.

The airport was officially opened in its new headquarters on 15 Ramadan 1436 AH/July 2, 2015 AD, but air traffic began at the airport about two years before that. The airport accommodates more than 8 million passengers annually in the first phase, while its capacity in the second and third phases will reach 14 million and 27 million passengers annually.

Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina. (SPA)

Establishment of Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport

The airport was established in 1370 AH / 1950 AD. At the beginning of its establishment, it was a domestic airport, and it received international flights only during the Hajj season, from: Cairo, Damascus, and Istanbul. It was converted into an international airport in 2006 AD, after the significant increase in the number of flights during the Hajj and Umrah seasons, to join the system of international airports in Saudi Arabia. The airport has witnessed several expansions and continuous development programs since its establishment, and receives pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet's Mosque throughout the year.

Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport Capabilities

The airport is located northeast of Medina, 15 km from the city center, and occupies an area of ​​4 million square meters. It contains two runways and a terminal building, on an area of ​​156 thousand square meters. It also contains 32 travel gates directly connected to aircraft via bridges to transport passengers, and 9 gates to transport passengers by buses between the terminals and aircraft. The number of parking spaces is 1,000, and 250 parking spaces for buses. The airport also includes a royal lounge, a VIP lounge, and executive offices.

The airport also provides a connecting passenger service, designated for passengers transiting from one international station to another via the airport, as there is a special platform for registering travel procedures in the international arrivals hall before the passport platforms.

Taiba Airports Operation Company

Taiba Airports Operation Company manages and operates Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina. It is the first private sector company to manage and operate an airport in Saudi Arabia. It began operating the airport in 1433 AH / 2012 AD.

It is the first airport in Saudi Arabia to be built and operated entirely by the private sector, according to the Build, Transfer, Operate (BTO) method, in cooperation with Taiba Airports Development Company, which is an alliance that includes: TAV Holding Company, Al Rajhi Holding Group, and Saudi Oger Limited. Pilgrims Service at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport

Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina is one of the ports of arrival for pilgrims, in addition to visitors to the Prophet's Mosque. Therefore, the airport has an annual plan to receive pilgrims arriving on thousands of flights. The airport accommodates 18 aircraft of various sizes, parked at the gates connected to the bridges, in addition to eight aircraft that are reached by buses. The international arrivals hall and the two Hajj halls accommodate 16 flights at a time, and there are bus stops opposite the main passenger building, with a capacity of 50 buses, in addition to the current bus stops in the pilgrims' rest area, which can accommodate 100 buses. The lower Hajj hall accommodates four flights at a time. The airport is preparing Hajj halls with the participation of government and private agencies operating at the airport, in preparation for receiving pilgrims through the second air gate of the Two Holy Mosques in the arrival phase, which begins at the beginning of the month of Dhul-Qi'dah and continues until the fourth of Dhul-Hijjah, while the departure phase begins from the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah to the 13th of Muharram.

The reception and departure halls and the plaza area (pilgrims’ lounge) are being prepared, and are equipped with 102 platforms to complete passport procedures for arrivals, 86 counters for departures, and 108 counters to serve travel procedures. The halls and areas designated for pilgrims also contain the basic services that pilgrims need. The operational plan for the Hajj season includes completing pilgrims’ procedures in an average time of no more than 60 minutes to complete the procedures for passengers on a single flight. The “Makkah Road” initiative, implemented by the Ministry of Interior at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, has contributed to reducing the rate of completing Hajj procedures. The initiative is based on completing Hajj procedures in their countries, starting with issuing the visa electronically, taking the biometrics, and completing passport procedures at the airport of the country of departure, after verifying the availability of health requirements, in addition to coding and sorting luggage according to transportation and accommodation arrangements in Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival, they are transferred directly to buses to take them to their places of residence in Makkah and Madinah, on dedicated routes, while the competent authorities are responsible for delivering their luggage to their homes.

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Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport Statistics

Airport statistics for the period from 2007 to 2019 show an annual growth in the number of passengers:

2007: 3.05 million passengers.

2008: 3.41 million passengers.

2009: 3.81 million passengers.

2010: 3.25 million passengers.

2011: 3.55 million passengers.

2012: 4.59 million passengers.

2013: 4.00 million passengers.

2014: 4.16 million passengers.

2015: 5.83 million passengers.

2016: 6.57 million passengers.

2017: 7.8 million passengers.

2018: 8.1 million passengers.

2019: 8.4 million passengers.

Development of Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport

The General Authority of Civil Aviation has prepared studies to develop the airport, covering its needs over a quarter of a century. The project includes the construction of new passenger lounges with moving bridges, and other supporting facilities to accommodate the increasing numbers of passengers arriving and departing on international and domestic flights over the next 25 years, in addition to expanding the Hajj and Umrah lounges, and increasing the capacity from 400,000 passengers per month to one million passengers per month, which helps implement the single-lane system in transporting pilgrims and Umrah performers coming between Makkah Al-Mukarramah and Madinah Al-Munawwarah. The plan also includes facilitating the movement of pilgrims arriving and departing to and from Madinah Al-Munawwarah, ensuring their safety and comfort and providing them with the best services.

The implementation plan for the second phase of the project includes increasing the airport’s capacity to 14 million passengers, once the capacity of the first phase is exhausted, while the third phase will increase the international airport’s capacity to 27 million passengers.

Taif International Airport

Taif International Airport (IATA: TIF, ICAO: OETF) is one of the international airports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and one of the air routes for pilgrims and Umrah performers, due to the short distance between Taif and Mecca, and it also serves the active tourism movement in the city of Taif.

The airport is located in Taif Governorate in the Mecca region, and was established in 1396 AH / 1976 AD, five years before the establishment of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, and it is about 27 km from the center of Taif city in the northeastern direction.

Capacity of Taif International Airport

The airport's capacity is 550 thousand passengers, and it contains one terminal, and the total built-up area of ​​the airport is 0.0056 km2.

The airport receives domestic and international flights in Saudi Arabia, and is the air gateway to Taif as a summer resort in Saudi Arabia. It also serves the transit movement towards the holy sites during the Hajj and Umrah seasons. It is one of the top five Saudi international airports in terms of air traffic density, with 10,867 international and domestic flights arriving and departing during the year 1441 AH / 2019 AD.

Development stages of Taif International Airport

Taif Airport was one of Saudi Arabia's regional airports, then it was transformed into an international airport in 1436 AH / 2014 AD, and underwent development and expansion within the group of new Taif projects affiliated with Saudi Vision 2030, to reach an area of ​​48 million square meters, and the passenger capacity increases to more than five million passengers annually.

A new international airport in Taif

In 2016, the General Authority of Civil Aviation announced its intention to establish a new international airport in Taif Governorate, to be a new gateway for Hajj and Umrah, and its construction will be based on a BTO contract system for construction, operation and management, to raise operational efficiency. The new Taif Airport is located northeast of Taif Governorate, next to Okaz Market, and is 120 km away from Makkah Al-Mukarramah. The project will be a completely new airport, and the airport lounges will be designed according to Standard (C), according to the service levels approved by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), to receive 5 million passengers annually, and will reach 8 million annually. The airport will start with one runway (4300 m), which can accommodate aircraft type code (F), and the design phase will take into consideration the placement of two runways for the airport in the event of increasing the capacity in the future.

Prince Abdul Majeed Bin Abdulaziz Airport in AlUla

Prince Abdulmajeed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Al-Ula (IATA: ULH, ICAO: OEAO), is located 25 km southeast of the city center of Al-Ula, located in the northwest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is characterized by attractive tourist sites, and other archaeological sites. Al-Ula Governorate is currently witnessing development works, enhancing its position as one of the world's archaeological, cultural and natural tourist destinations.

Prince Abdulmajeed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Al-Ula. (SPA)

Opening of Prince Abdulmajeed bin Abdulaziz International Airport

The airport was opened in 1432 AH / 2011 AD, when an "Embraer" aircraft landed, coming from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, announcing the start of the airport's operation. Its capacity reaches 250,000 passengers (later increased to 400,000 passengers annually). The airport includes one terminal, and the total built-up area is 0.0037 km2.

Converting Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz Airport to an international airport

It was established as a local airport, but in 1442 AH / 2021 AD, the General Authority of Civil Aviation approved its conversion to an international airport, after meeting the operational requirements according to international standards.

In 1444 AH / 2022 AD, the airport launched the first international flights, with a direct flight between Cairo International Airport, on board "Nas" Airlines.

The step of converting the airport to an international airport was preceded by the implementation of several development projects at the airport since 2019 AD, implemented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, in cooperation with the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate. The development works included doubling the capacity from 100,000 to 400,000 passengers annually, while the total area of ​​the airport reached about two million and 400 thousand m2.

Facilities of Prince Abdulmajeed bin Abdulaziz International Airport

The airport includes several facilities and services, including: the executive lounge, in addition to the headquarters of the security project, other services and facilities, the investment environment, and increasing the capabilities of the flight deck to be among the 10 largest airports in Saudi Arabia. The total area of ​​the airport is 2.4 million m2, while the area of ​​the flight deck reaches 49 thousand m2, accommodating 15 commercial aircraft at a time.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation anticipated the 41st session of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Al-Ula in 1442 AH / 2021 AD, by implementing aircraft corridors at Prince Abdulmajeed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Al-Ula, on an area of ​​181 thousand m2, to ensure the smooth movement of aircraft inside the yard. Two connecting corridors were also added for entry and exit from the runway to become three corridors, and aircraft stands were equipped with electronic aircraft guidance systems (marshalling) VDG.

Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz International Airport Development

In 1440 AH/2019 AD, the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate announced a project to develop the airport and increase its capacity, so that it can receive 400,000 passengers annually, to meet the increasing demand from tourists to visit the governorate, especially with the presence of the comprehensive strategic plan for the development of AlUla, which includes attracting two million visitors to AlUla by 2035 AD.

The project includes in its first phase expanding the airport to accommodate more aircraft, in conjunction with the establishment of a new VIP lounge, working with a new digital information system in the arrival and departure halls, and developing the interior and exterior designs of the airport lounges.

The second phase of the airport expansion includes a new runway for aircraft, to facilitate access to AlUla and improve the experience of its visitors, citizens and tourists. This will also contribute to enhancing the airport's ability to receive direct international flights from regional and international destinations to AlUla.

The airport’s designs were inspired by the natural environment, and local materials were used in the construction of the passenger lounges. It contains a mural using natural colours extracted from the AlUla environment, reflecting the nature of the city and in harmony with its heritage.

Abha International Airport

Abha International Airport (IATA: AHB, ICAO: OEAB) is located in the city of Abha, the administrative capital of the Asir region in southwestern Saudi Arabia. It was established in 1397 AH / 1977 AD. It is the only international airport in the Asir region, and is supported by Bisha Local Airport. The airport is about 30 km away from the center of Abha city, the seat of the region's emirate.

Traffic at Abha International Airport

The airport serves domestic and international flights in Saudi Arabia, and is the gateway to the Asir region as a tourist destination for visitors from inside and outside Saudi Arabia. It is the highest-density southern airport in terms of air traffic, as more than 35,027 international and domestic flights arrived and departed from it during the year 1441 AH / 2019 AD, carrying 4,368,153 passengers.

Abha International Airport from Domestic to International

Abha Airport lounges were expanded in 1441 AH / 2019 AD, with the aim of increasing the passenger capacity, as part of a series of projects to develop Saudi airports, implemented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, and it was subsequently approved as an international airport in 1442 AH / 2020 AD, after it was a regional airport. Abha International Airport is managed by Airports Holding Company, affiliated with the General Authority of Civil Aviation, and it can be reached directly from within the city via King Fahd Road or King Faisal Road, in about 30 minutes by car.

Redesigning the new Abha International Airport

In 1441 AH / 2019 AD, the General Authority of Civil Aviation signed a contract to redesign the new Abha International Airport. The contract includes designing a passenger terminal with a capacity of up to 8 million passengers, designing an apron for aircraft parking affiliated with the new terminal, the services area and support buildings, in addition to updating the general plan of the project.

The new airport integrated the region's heritage and local culture into the interior design, and provided an investment climate inside the hall and in the external areas, taking into account the economic aspect in the design, and the possibility of implementing the work through local companies and factories.

Development of Abha International Airport

Abha International Airport witnessed development projects in the halls, including the establishment of a new international departure hall on an area of ​​805 m2, with a capacity of 309 passengers, in addition to the establishment of a new international arrival hall on an area of ​​1030 m2, with a capacity of 340 passengers at a time. The expansion also included the addition of two boarding gates in the internal departure hall and another for the internal arrival hall, a conveyor belt for transporting passengers' luggage, and 12 counters to complete travel procedures. The main runway was also rehabilitated and improved, and a project was carried out to increase the number of aircraft parking spaces to 13, in addition to rehabilitating the current runway to accommodate wide-body aircraft, and expanding the parallel runway to 45 m.

VIP Lounge at Abha International Airport

The VIP (Executive) Lounge at Abha International Airport was inaugurated in 1444 AH / 2022 AD. The interior project was designed in line with the slogan of the Asir Region Strategy "Qimma wa Shim", to make Asir a global tourist destination throughout the year, due to its nature and cultural and tourist attractions that attract tourists coming from different countries of the world.

The lounge's equipment was designed to combine authenticity and modernity, and was equipped with facilities for people with disabilities. It was taken into account that it was environmentally friendly by containing natural trees and plants. The VIP lounge at the airport is located on an area of ​​600 m2, with a 100% increase in capacity, and can accommodate 82 passengers per hour. It was equipped with systems and services that keep pace with the requirements and needs of travelers.

Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz International Airport

Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz International Airport (IATA: ELQ, ICAO: OEGS) is located to the west of Buraidah, the administrative capital of Qassim Region, central Saudi Arabia.

The airport was established in 1391 AH/1971 AD, and is the only airport serving the region. It has one terminal and has a capacity of 550,000 passengers annually.

On 15 Sha'ban 1433 AH/5 July 2012 AD, an order was issued to change the name of "Qassim Airport" to "Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Airport".

Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Airport from Local to International

The General Authority of Civil Aviation raised the classification of Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Airport in Qassim in 1438 AH / 2017 AD, to become an international airport, after it was local and regional. The number of flights at the airport in 2010 AD did not exceed 4,885 flights, and the number of passengers in it was 409 thousand passengers. The number jumped in 2016 AD, so that the total flights at the airport became 15,552 flights, and the number of passengers was 1,718,560 passengers.

There were 13 airlines operating at Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Airport in Qassim in 1438 AH / 2017 AD, and although the official capacity of the airport at that time was 450 thousand passengers annually, it received in 2016 AD, more than four times its capacity, through the hourly work system.

Growth at Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Airport

The number of flights at Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Airport in Qassim in 2010 exceeded 4,885 flights and 409 thousand passengers, in 2011 it recorded 5,948 flights and 595,171 passengers, in 2012 it recorded 7,347 flights and 771,878 passengers, in 2013 it handled 9,185 flights and 886,147 passengers, in 2014 it recorded 10,174 flights and 1,150,000 passengers, in 2015 it recorded 12,216 flights and 1,443,210 passengers, until 2016 it exceeded 15,552 flights and more than 1,718,856 passengers.

In 1441 AH / 2019 AD, 7,920 international and domestic flights passed through the airport, carrying 1,832,737 passengers. The airport witnesses daily international flights to a number of destinations around the world.

Air traffic at Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Qassim during 2022 AD recorded more than 1,100,000 passengers.

First development of Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Airport

In 1436 AH / 2015 AD, the General Authority of Civil Aviation implemented a project to develop Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Airport in Qassim, at a cost of more than 1 billion and 48 million riyals. The project aims to qualify the airport to receive three million passengers annually, on board domestic and international flights.

The project includes the construction of the main halls building on an area of ​​60,000 m2, a VIP lounge on an area of ​​3,500 m2, and the airport mosque on an area of ​​1,600 m2. The airport administration building is built on an area of ​​2,800 m2, and accommodates the airport departments in addition to a meeting room. The airport facilities and services have been designed to meet the increase in demand in the future, and to implement the future plans for the project. The main halls are divided into 4 floors, including: a departure floor, a final arrival floor, a service floor, and a floor for receiving luggage. The design took into account the principle of open floor plans to ensure ease of operation and future expansion. The upper departure floor consists of the main operating hall, airline offices, ticket services, and the line supervisor, in addition to waiting areas for depositors and investment spaces. It also includes security facilities, after which the passenger moves to an internal space that includes the main waiting halls for passengers, such as the boarding hall, the first class lounge, business class, open entertainment areas, and other investment areas, while the large space is centered on a large water fountain across nine bridges designated for transporting passengers to the planes. The ground floor includes passenger reception halls, passport office facilities, baggage collection services, and waiting areas for greeters, in addition to investment spaces and service facilities, while the mezzanine floor includes the engineering services of the hall, including electrical and mechanical devices and machines. The hall building on the lower floor (lobby) is connected to multi-storey car parks to ensure easy movement of passengers to and from the parking lots.

The control tower building occupies a strategic location between the aviation side, ensuring its functional performance, and the buildings side, ensuring its distinctive view. The project includes the construction of a new fire station equipped with a crisis command room and an upper control room, as well as the design of maintenance and air navigation buildings, housing for airport staff and housing for the families of airport workers.

The Second Development of Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz International Airport

In 1444 AH / 2023 AD, the General Authority of Civil Aviation revealed a project to study the development and operation of Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Qassim, which includes the construction of an additional hall, with an area of ​​​​about 7,400 m2, with a capacity of up to 700,000 passengers annually, in addition to four internal departure gates and an internal arrival gate. The additional hall will contribute to increasing the capacity by more than 150% of what it was, and will contribute to the distribution and design of passenger movement.

The additional hall at the airport includes travel procedures areas, which include 11 counters, 4 self-service devices, two luggage belts, 3 security inspection devices, 4 internal departure gates, and an internal arrival gate. The new hall will be designated for domestic flights, while the old hall will be for international flights.

Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Airport

In the city of Tabuk, the administrative capital of the Tabuk region, northern Saudi Arabia, it was established in 1433 AH / 2011 AD, its capacity is one and a half million passengers annually, and it contains one station, and the total built-up area of ​​the airport is 0.0147 km.

The airport was built in the early seventies AD, and it was a dirt runway, until it was developed in 1978 AD, and then converted into a military base.

Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport is the only air outlet for the Tabuk region, it was previously known as Tabuk Regional Airport, until the General Authority of Civil Aviation converted it into an international airport in 2011 AD, and it became independent of the base at a cost of about 242 million riyals.

Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk. (SPA)

The importance of Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport

The importance of the airport has doubled after the establishment of major economic projects in the west and northwest of Saudi Arabia: the "Neom" and Red Sea projects. Prince Sultan Airport has become the window of these projects to the world. Local and foreign airlines operate regular flights to and from the airport, and it is directly linked to 36 destinations, including 20 domestic destinations.

Passenger movement at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport

Prince Sultan Airport is the seventh airport affiliated with the Second Airports Cluster Company, in terms of passenger density and number of flights. The total area of ​​the airport is 16,400 square meters, and its capacity reaches one million and five hundred thousand passengers annually, with 3 international destinations: Dubai, Sharjah, and Cairo. Four airlines operate its flights: Flydubai, Air Arabia, Nile Air, and Nesma International, in addition to 3 domestic destinations: Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah. These flights are operated by three airlines: Saudi Airlines, Flyadeal, and Flynas.

According to statistics from the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the number of passengers traveling through the airport during 2019 reached 1,786,960 passengers, with a growth rate of more than 12% over 2018, while the number of flights reached 16,014 flights, an increase of 11% over 2018. The number of passengers on departing and arriving flights to the airport in 2020 was 867,293 passengers on 8,414 flights, while the number of flights in 2021 was more than 12,273 flights carrying more than 1,329,412 passengers. In 2022, 13,914 flights carried more than 1,562,865 passengers, with a growth rate of 18% in the number of passengers, and 13% in the number of arriving and departing flights to and from the airport, compared to the data for 2021 and 2022. The number of passengers in the first quarter of 2023 was more than 437,000 passengers on 3,433 flights. Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport Facilities

Prince Sultan Airport consists of: lounges for passengers and arrivals, a royal lounge, separate entrances and parking lots, an administration building, a mosque, a fire station, a backup power station, maintenance workshops, a cargo and receiving building, air monitoring buildings, a security building, a water treatment plant, and an internal road network, with landscaping and beautification.

The passenger lounges were designed in the shape of an airplane, from which 3 covered movable bridges emerge, connecting the lounge to the plane, and it has entrances and exits from the sides for the arrivals and departures lounges, to transport passengers by buses when needed. The design took into account providing services for people with special needs and the elderly, and modern technologies for passenger services, from announcing flights, and automatically withdrawing boarding passes. It also contains a VIP lounge separate from the entrances and exits, and a first-class lounge, in addition to areas for food and beverage services, gifts and products, internet and car rental services, a luggage wrapping area, another for banking services and ATMs, and transportation, travel and tourism services.

Al-Jouf International Airport

Located in the Al-Jawf region in northern Saudi Arabia, about 25 km from the city of Sakaka, the administrative capital of the region, it was established as a domestic airport in 1394 AH / 1974 AD, coinciding with the establishment of Hail International Airport.

The airport is the first air outlet for the Al-Jawf region, and serves the governorates of the Al-Jawf region, and about 60 villages and centers affiliated with it, and is supported by a local airport 357 km north in Al-Qurayyat Governorate. Its capacity at the beginning of its establishment was 175,000 passengers annually, and it contained one station, and its built-up area is 29 km2.

Al-Jawf Airport is approved as an international airport

Al-Jawf Airport was approved as an international airport in 1440 AH / 2018 AD, after it was one of the regional airports, in a step aimed at developing economic activity, raising the operational efficiency of airports, facilitating movement and increasing travel destinations for residents of the regions of Saudi Arabia.

In terms of air traffic density, it comes third in the northern airports in terms of the number of flights and passengers, as the number of international and domestic flights arriving and departing from it reached 5,274 flights in 1442 AH / 2019 AD, carrying more than half a million passengers.

Establishment of the new Al-Jouf International Airport

On 13 Rabi` al-Awwal 1440 AH / November 21, 2018 AD, the General Authority of Civil Aviation announced the laying of the foundation stone for the new Al-Jouf Airport project, within the "Unified Model for Airports B" project, which accommodates one million passengers annually.

The aviation side of the “Unified Airport Model B” has an area of ​​22,483 m2, the building side has an area of ​​47,000 m2, the passenger lounge has an area of ​​23,368 m2, the number of check-in counters is 17 regular counters and 11 self-service counters, the number of passport counters for arrival is 6 and for departure is 4, in addition to 3 bus gates, 4 passenger bridges, and 2 luggage belts. The approximate area of ​​the external investment area is 100,000 m2. The General Authority of Civil Aviation began construction work at Al-Jouf International Airport in 1441 AH / 2019 AD. The airport facilities include a passenger terminal with a capacity of 700 passengers per hour, two double bridges to directly connect the passenger terminal to the aircraft, in addition to three bus gates and parking lots, and an aircraft apron with a capacity of four aircraft at a time, in addition to preparing it to handle two international flights and five domestic flights at the same time. The area of ​​the new Al-Jouf International Airport is 411,950 m2. The project includes a passenger terminal, service buildings, parking lots, and service and investment facilities. The new airport has the capacity to handle two international flights and 5 domestic flights at the same time, and accommodates 6 simultaneous Class C aircraft, or two Class C aircraft simultaneously with two Class E aircraft, in addition to equipping the airport with modern operating and service systems

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Al-Ahsa International Airport

Al-Ahsa International Airport is referred to by IATA as "HOF", and by ICAO as "PEAH". It is located in Al-Hofuf, Al-Ahsa Governorate, in the Eastern Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is the second airport in the Eastern Province, after King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. The airport was established in 1405 AH / 1985 AD, and its capacity at the time was 400,000 passengers. It contains one terminal, and the total built-up area of ​​the airport is 477 km2.

Al-Ahsa Airport from Domestic to International

Al-Ahsa Airport was transformed from domestic to international in 1438 AH / 2017 AD, and achieved a growth rate in the number of passengers estimated at 30% during 2022 AD compared to 2021 AD, and an increase in the number of flights by 6.6%.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation has developed short- and long-term plans to create an attractive environment to attract commercial, cargo and private aviation companies to Al-Ahsa International Airport, in addition to investment opportunities to develop the air transport industry, enhance infrastructure and increase capacity.

The importance of Al-Ahsa International Airport

Al-Ahsa International Airport derives its importance from its location in the Eastern Region in general, and Al-Ahsa Governorate in particular, which is witnessing industrial and commercial activity, opportunities and several projects, as well as the region's location overlooking five Gulf countries. On the commercial level, the Eastern Region accounts for 15% of the total commercial records in Saudi Arabia, with Al-Ahsa Governorate accounting for 17%, and the number of commercial records in Al-Ahsa has grown by 30%.

Al-Ahsa is also distinguished by its tourism components, which have been able to attract tourists, as the number of its visitors in 2022 exceeded two million tourists, who spent more than one billion riyals, and the tourism importance of the governorate increased after the registration of the Al-Ahsa Oasis site on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1439 AH / 2018 AD, and due to its diverse tourist sites, including: Jabal Al-Qarah and Al-Arba'a, Dukhna, and Al-Uqair Beach.

Al-Ahsa International Airport Management

The management of Al-Ahsa International Airport was transferred to Dammam Airports Company (DACO), on 19 Ramadan 1442 AH / May 1, 2021 AD, as part of the institutional transformation plan, and the company implemented a development plan for investment activities at the airport, which included developing investment, development and operational models. The objectives of the institutional transformation of the airport include improving the operational capabilities of facilities, developing infrastructure, operating and maintaining facilities, investing in national competencies specialized in the aviation sector, and developing investment and commercial opportunities.

Expansion of Al-Ahsa International Airport

In 1444 AH / 2022 AD, the General Authority of Civil Aviation implemented the expansion and development project of Al-Ahsa International Airport, increasing its capacity by 250%, to reach one million passengers annually, while its second phase aims to raise the capacity to 4 million passengers annually.

The project includes the construction of two new international halls with a total area of ​​3,400 m2, developing its internal halls, increasing its operational capacity, upgrading its infrastructure, increasing the operational capacity of travel procedures platforms, developing the baggage conveyor system and technical infrastructure, increasing and modernizing the airport's logistical equipment, and offering various investment opportunities.

The Al-Ahsa International Airport development project also includes expanding the departure and arrival halls, rehabilitating the existing halls, building long-term parking lots, accommodating 437 parking spaces in addition to the 700 existing parking spaces, rehabilitating the service line parallel to the airport halls with a length of 1.7 km, and building parking lots for ground equipment. The airport's architectural designs were inspired by the environment of Al-Ahsa Governorate.

 

Neom Bay International Airport

Neom Bay International Airport was opened on 21 Shawwal 1440 AH / 25 June 2019 AD, and is located in Sharma in Neom Bay in Tabuk region, northwest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The General Authority of Civil Aviation initially licensed it as a commercial airport, and it became ready to receive commercial flights after the completion of the development works of its first phase, and its registration was approved by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) with the code "NUM". In the first phase, Neom Bay Airport operated regular flights to transport investors and workers in the "Neom" project, which included a team of more than 1,500 employees of local and international experts from more than 65 countries, in addition to business partners and investors from around the world. The airport's location is distinguished by the fact that about 40% of the world's population can reach it in less than 6 hours, thanks to its location at the crossroads of 3 continents.

Neom Bay Airport, northwest Saudi Arabia

Flights start from NEOM Airport
NEOM and Saudi Arabian Airlines launched regular international flights from NEOM Bay Airport in 1443 AH/2022 AD to international destinations, starting with weekly flights to Dubai, then London. Saudi Airlines decorated its flights to and from NEOM Bay Airport with joint designs that combine the identity of Saudi Airlines and the NEOM brand.

Hail International Airport

Hail International Airport is coded as "HAS" in IATA and referred to as "OEHL" in ICAO. It was established in 1394 AH / 1974 AD, and its capacity reaches 500 thousand passengers annually, and it has one terminal, and the total built-up area is 52 km2, and the airport is about 5 km south of the center of Hail city.

Hail Airport from local to regional to international

Hail Airport was initially established as a local airport, until the General Authority of Civil Aviation decided in 1437 AH / 2016 AD to transform the airport into a hub, serving the northern regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and linking them to major airports, which gives travelers several options to reach local and international destinations, as part of the "National" project for hub airports, which was implemented by the Authority to support lines with low air traffic.

In 2015, Hail Airport witnessed an increase in the number of passengers by 14.4%, compared to 2014, while the increase in the number of flights reached 15%.

A year after the hub operation, Hail Airport recorded a growth in the number of passengers by 38%, and in domestic flights by 113%. The number of passengers on domestic flights through the airport since the launch of its hub operation in October 2016 until October 2017 reached about 925,082 passengers, while the number of domestic flights reached 13,413 flights.

In 1438 AH / 2017, the General Authority of Civil Aviation decided to convert Hail Airport into an international airport.

Hail International Airport Expansion

In 1433 AH/2012 AD, the airport witnessed the implementation of an expansion that included the construction of two halls, one for the arrival of international flights, and the other a departure hall for international flights, in addition to the expansion of the new airport entrances and parking lots, organizing the external square, and connecting the airport with a bridge and its own entrances after the Roads Department in Hail completed the construction of a road that connects the end of the current airport floor to the Hail-Madinah Expressway, and the construction of a bridge in front of Hail Airport.

In 1437 AH/2016 AD, the airport witnessed the development of travel lounge services for domestic and international flights, as well as security equipment, passports, and customs.

Qaisumah International Airport

Qaisumah International Airport (formerly Hafar Al-Batin International Airport) is designated by IATA as "AQI", and by ICAO as "OEPA". It was established in 1382 AH/1962 AD, and is located in the city of Qaisumah, affiliated with Hafar Al-Batin Governorate, in the Eastern Region. The airport was initially a domestic airport, and was transformed into an international airport in 1444 AH/2023 AD. Qaisumah International Airport Expansion

The General Authority of Civil Aviation assigned a national company to develop and expand Qaisumah Airport in 1441 AH / 2020 AD, on an area of ​​3,900 m2. The expansion included the internal halls and equipment that the airport was provided with as part of the expansion, the services area and support buildings, the travel procedures completion platforms area, passport platforms, and 9 gates, including 3 gates for international departures, the same for domestic departures, and 2 gates for international arrivals, in addition to 9 platforms for completing travel procedures.

The project aims to increase the airport's capacity to 700,000 passengers annually, increase the area of ​​the departure hall from 2,250 m2 to 6,050 m2, establish and develop the executive office on an area of ​​304 m2, an internal arrival hall, increase the number of check-in platforms from 6 to 12 platforms, increase the capacity of car parks to accommodate 600 cars instead of 181 cars, increase the number of seats in the departure halls from 137 to 491 seats, provide 3 modern security inspection devices, and modern conveyor belts for transporting luggage and bags. The development also includes providing modern display screens for the flight schedule, Wi-Fi connection points, and developing an area for restaurants and cafeterias. The airport will be equipped with modern operating systems and provide the necessary infrastructure facilities for the airport. The expansion of Qaisumah Airport was launched in 1443 AH / 2022 AD, and in the same year the new executive lounge at Qaisumah Airport was inaugurated, as the lounge area was increased by 150%, the capacity increased by 100%, and several facilities were added, equipped with modern systems.

Institutional Transformation at Qaisumah International Airport

In 1442 AH / 2021 AD, the management and operation of Qaisumah International Airport was transferred to Dammam Airports Company, which also manages King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and Al-Ahsa International Airport. This step aimed to govern the work of airports, develop them, open the way for attracting local and international investments, expand partnerships with the private sector, enable business growth, support integration in the transportation and logistics system, and enhance the quality of services for customers and travelers.

Converting Qaisumah Airport from Domestic to International

The first international flights took off from Qaisumah Airport on Shaaban 29, 1444 AH / March 21, 2023 AD, heading to Dubai. The number of passengers from the airport increased, reaching more than 223,000 passengers in 2022, an increase of about 20% over 2021. The number of flights in 2022 also exceeded 2,500 flights, an increase of about 8% over 2021.

Red Sea International Airport

Red Sea International Airport (RSI) is located 90 km south of Al Wajh Governorate in the western part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The airport serves as a transit hub for land and air travelers, with a flight time of 3 hours for 250 million people around the world. Red Sea International Airport received its first domestic flights in September 2023, while it received its first international flight in April 2024.

Red Sea International Airport Design

Red Sea International Airport includes an isolated parking lot designated for emergency vehicles, as well as an aircraft waiting area that includes 12 seaplane platforms, 12 business jet platforms, and 3 helipads.

The Red Sea International Airport is the first carbon-neutral airport in the Middle East, and uses innovative sustainability solutions across all operations to eliminate carbon emissions, optimize energy consumption, and enhance efficiency in resource and waste management. This includes using local materials during the design phases, and incorporating other elements, such as 100% renewable energy to meet minimum LEED Gold certification standards, and reducing light pollution to meet “dark sky” guidelines. Another feature of the Red Sea International Airport’s innovative design is its lounges, which are divided into five small passenger lounges that can be operated independently or simultaneously depending on capacity requirements, reducing energy use continuously compared to the approach of operating all lounges at all times. Red Sea International Airport Flights

Red Sea International Airport received the first international flight from Dubai International Airport on April 18, 2024, launching the new international route with two flights per week to Red Sea International Airport, in addition to domestic flights - from Riyadh and Jeddah - which have been operated by Saudi Airlines at the airport since September 2023.

King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jazan

King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jazan was established in 1398 AH / 1978 AD, and was one of the Kingdom's regional airports, before it was transformed into an international airport. In 1441 AH / 2019 AD, the airport recorded 1,110 international flights, carrying 146,000 passengers.

 

Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Yanbu

Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz Airport in Yanbu was established in 1431 AH / 2010 AD. In 1441 AH / 2019 AD, the airport recorded 2,071 international flights, carrying 253 thousand passengers.

Najran International Airport

Najran International Airport was established in 1432 AH / 2011 AD, and is located about 7 km from the city of Najran in southern Saudi Arabia, and serves the villages and governorates of the Najran region. The number of passengers traveling through Najran International Airport reaches about 1.4 million passengers annually.