Riyadh, Abha Airports Set for Major Capacity Expansion

New airport master plans have been unveiled to significantly expand passenger capacity across the Kingdom, with major projects announced for both Riyadh and Abha aimed at meeting rising travel demand in the years ahead.

In the capital, King Salman International Airport is planned to accommodate up to 120 million passengers annually by 2030, rising to 185 million by 2050. The project spans roughly 57 square kilometres and includes six parallel runways, positioning it among the largest aviation hubs in the region.

In the south, the New Abha International Airport master plan targets more than 13 million passengers annually, a sharp increase from the roughly 1.5 million handled currently. The plan also aims for more than 90,000 flights each year, compared with about 30,000 today.

Abha first phase

The first phase includes a terminal area of 65,000 square metres, up from around 10,500 square metres at present, with completion planned for 2028. Facilities are set to include 20 gates, 41 check-in counters, seven self-service check-in stations, boarding bridges, and expanded parking.

For residents and travellers, the expanded capacity is expected to ease congestion, add new routes, and improve the overall airport experience. The projects support broader national goals to grow the aviation sector and boost tourism and connectivity in line with رؤية السعودية 2030.

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