Planning and early construction of King Salman International Airport in Riyadh are advancing on schedule, moving the project toward a long-term target of more than 100 million passengers annually by 2030. The airport is being developed in phases across a site of about 57 km², with completion targeted around 2030.
Early construction across the site began in 2025, with excavation and site preparation progressing across several operational zones within the 57 km² footprint. Financial close for major project packages is targeted by the end of 2026, while first-phase completion, including main terminal elements, is planned for around 2029, ahead of the 2030 capacity milestone.
A third runway of about 4,200 metres is under construction, with works commencing between late 2025 and early January 2026. Designed for full wide-body operations, the runway is set to raise hourly aircraft movements from roughly 65 to about 85 Initial airside works include excavation, grading, taxiway-enabling infrastructure, and private aviation facilities, with a private aviation apron known as "Phase Zero" due for completion by mid-2026. Regulatory approvals for phase one airside works have already been obtained from the national civil aviation authority. The master plan ultimately includes up to six parallel runways.
A new mega passenger terminal with an initial capacity of about 40 million passengers annually is in late planning and pre-construction, with construction scheduled to begin in 2026 and an operational opening targeted around 2029. The terminal is planned to feature biometric check-in, extensive retail and dining, premium lounges, and a direct connection to the Riyadh Metro network, eventually superseding existing King Khalid International Airport terminal facilities.
The airport's long-term design also targets around 185 million passengers annually by 2050, alongside cargo capacity of about 2 million tonnes 5 million tonnes by 2050. For residents and travellers in Riyadh, the project signals expanded flight options, faster connections, and improved access as the capital's aviation capacity grows in the years ahead.
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