By Youssef Yahya 
Saudi Arabia’s capital city, Riyadh, is set to receive a major upgrade in the form of a new mega airport. The plans for the King Salman International Airport (KSIA) were recently announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and they include the construction of a facility that will be able to handle up to 150 million passengers per year.
This will make it one of the busiest airports in the world, capable of competing with the likes of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which currently holds the title of the busiest airport in the world, handling over 107 million passengers in 2019.
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King Salman International Airport to Feature Six Runways and Four Terminals
The airport will be built on a plot of land covering more than 50 square kilometers, and it will feature six runways and four terminals. In addition to serving as a hub for international flights, the airport will also have a dedicated terminal for the country’s national carrier, Saudi Arabian Airlines. The large size of the airport and its multiple runways will allow for a high volume of air traffic and efficient operations.
Sustainability and Modern Technology at the Heart of King Salman International Airport Project
One of the key features of the new airport will be its sustainability. The project aims to achieve a zero-carbon footprint, with a focus on renewable energy sources such as solar power. The airport will also feature state-of-the-art technology to improve the passenger experience, including facial recognition systems for security and automated baggage handling. These modern technologies will not only enhance the convenience and efficiency of the airport, but they will also contribute to its environmentally-friendly initiatives.
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Construction of King Salman International Airport to Take 10 Years with First Phase Opening in 2027
The construction of the King Salman International Airport is expected to take about 10 years to complete, with the first phase set to open in 2027. When completed, it is expected to handle 185 million passengers and 3.5 million tons of cargo by 2050 with its six parallel runways. In addition to the construction of the airport, it has also been reported that a new state-owned airline called RIA will be established. This major infrastructure project will not only provide employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the region, but it will also solidify Saudi Arabia’s position as a major player in the global aviation industry.
Read also: Saudi Arabia to Launch a New Flag Carrier – “RIA”
The project is being funded by a combination of private and public investment, and it is expected to create more than 100,000 jobs during the construction phase. This major infrastructure project will not only provide employment opportunities, but it will also stimulate economic growth in the region.
Exciting Future Ahead for International Travel and the Country
The new airport is part of a wider vision for the modernization of Saudi Arabia, which includes a focus on tourism and the development of infrastructure. The country has already made significant progress in this regard, with a number of major construction projects underway, including the development of a new city on the Red Sea coast, NEOM. The King Salman International Airport is just one piece of this puzzle, as Saudi Arabia looks to establish itself as a major player on the global stage.
Image source: Getty: PeterHermesFurian.
Overall, the King Salman International Airport is an exciting development for Saudi Arabia and its capital city, Riyadh. The project has the potential to transform the country into a major hub for international travel and to stimulate economic growth. The focus on sustainability and modern technology will also set a new standard for airports around the world. We can’t wait to see the finished product and experience the convenience and efficiency of this state-of-the-art facility.
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Youssef Yahya is the CEO and Founder of Aviation for Aviators, a platform dedicated to the aviation industry. With over 3 years of experience as an aviation writer, Youssef is passionate about sharing his insights on aviation, entrepreneurship, and the broader business landscape. As a Teaching Assistant in Entrepreneurship at Nile University, he also nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs. When he’s not exploring the skies or business ventures, you can find him saying, ‘Drag your coffee, and let’s talk aviation, entrepreneurship, and football.’
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Mohammed Rizwan