Recently, the British Foster Architects announced that they are planning the King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, which will have six runways. This international airport project in the Saudi capital was announced by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in August 2023 as a national infrastructure development plan, covering an area of 57 square kilometers. In addition to six parallel runways, the plan includes the construction of residential areas, entertainment facilities, and logistics areas, aiming to create one of the world's largest airports.

The expansion project of King Salman International Airport is based on the existing King Khalid International Airport and is expected to have at least six parallel runways after completion. This expansion project is expected to significantly enhance Saudi Arabia's air transport capacity, with the annual passenger volume expected to increase from the current 29 million to 120 million by 2030, and further to 185 million by 2050. At the same time, the number of aircraft takeoffs and landings in Saudi Arabia will increase from 211,000 per year to over 1 million. If the project can be completed as planned by 2030, it is expected to become the airport with the highest passenger volume in the world.

The new airport will be designed by the prestigious Foster Architects. The person in charge, Luke Fox, revealed: "Our design concept for the airport is to transform the traditional terminal model into a continuous hall ring road, which will be served through multiple entry points. By integrating natural elements, soft lighting, and cutting-edge technical facilities, we aim to create an airport environment that seamlessly blends urban life with the sensory experience of travelers."

The new airport is designed as a ring-shaped structure with multiple entry points. The airport will be equipped with a shopping area of more than 4.5 square miles, a dedicated "accommodation and entertainment" area, and a logistics center.

The design of the airport focuses on sustainability, with a particular emphasis on the use of renewable energy. The terminal building will use a large amount of glass in its design, aiming to enhance the visual connection between indoor space and the external environment, allowing users to feel the outdoor atmosphere even when indoors.

Once this airport is completed, it will greatly enhance Riyadh's position as a global logistics hub and become an important link connecting the East and the West.

In addition to the airport project, Saudi Arabia is also actively investing in other domestic airport projects.

l   Saudi Taif Airport Project Launches Global Tender: Adopting BTO and PPP Models

Saudi Arabia's Matarat Holding, in cooperation with the National Privatization and Public-Private Partnership Center (NCP), is advancing the construction of the new Taif International Airport and has issued tenders to developers or joint development teams around the world. The deadline for bids is set for January 10, 2025. 

The new Taif International Airport will be located about 21 kilometers southeast of the current Taif Airport. It is expected that by 2030, the airport will be able to accommodate up to 2.5 million passenger flows. This project will adopt a public-private partnership (PPP) model and follow the Build-Transfer-Operate (BTO) framework, with a project cycle of 30 years, including the construction phase.

This airport project will include a complete commercial passenger terminal that meets transportation needs, as well as necessary supporting facilities, public utility networks, parking areas, and access roads to ensure smooth operation of the airport.

This airport holds a significant position in the history of Saudi Arabia's aviation development because it witnessed the first landing of the plane of the founder of the Saudi kingdom, Ibn Saud. Currently, the airport has international flights to six countries outside of Saudi Arabia.

l   Saudi Abha International Airport's New Terminal Project Launched: A New Landmark for the World Heritage Site of Rijal Almaa Village

Abha is in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia, a beautiful mountain city. As the capital of the Asir province, the city is on the southern edge of the Red Sea coast. With its rich cultural traditions and pleasant climate, Abha has become a favorite tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors. 

In this historic cultural village, visitors can appreciate the unique architectural style and numerous small forts scattered on the hills. The stone buildings in the village are decorated with colorful shutters, and most of the residents belong to the Kahani tribe, known for their colorful traditional clothing and decorative headwear. 

The Saudi Arabian government has announced detailed plans for the expansion of Abha International Airport. According to the plan, the first phase of the expansion project is expected to be completed by 2028, with the terminal area expanding from the current 10,500 square meters to 65,000 square meters.

The expansion project of Abha International Airport includes the construction of passenger boarding bridges, the introduction of self-service facilities, and the development of a large-capacity parking lot. The new facilities will include 20 boarding gates, 41 check-in counters, and 7 new self-service check-in counters. After the expansion, the airport's annual passenger throughput is expected to exceed 13 million, currently only 1.5 million. 

l   Saudi Arabia Introduces Private Entities to Operate Four Major Airports: Enhancing Operational Efficiency

Saudi Arabia is attracting more private sector participation in the logistics and transportation industries through new investment regulations and other strategies, aiming to enhance operational efficiency, profitability, and sustainable development capabilities.

Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, announced at the inaugural Global Logistics Forum 2024 held in Riyadh on October 13 that 200 billion Saudi riyals (about 400 billion RMB) in investment funds have been secured. He emphasized that the injection of these funds has brought tremendous development to Saudi Arabia's logistics industry. 

Faced with current international tensions, economic fluctuations, supply chain complexities, and the severe challenges of climate change, Saudi Arabia's logistics industry is at a decisive crossroads. This strategic move aims to further enhance Saudi Arabia's position in the logistics field in the Middle East and inject momentum into the long-term sustainable development of the Saudi economy.

It is worth noting that at the conference, the head of the Saudi Investment Ministry, Khalid Al-Falih, revealed that the Saudi government plans to entrust the management rights of four airports to private enterprises in the coming months.

In addition to the expansion project of Taif Airport, Saudi Arabia's airport modernization and privatization plan also includes the upgrade projects of Abha, Habil, and Qassim airports.

This move demonstrates Saudi Arabia's positive attitude towards opening. Currently, Saudi Arabia's entrepreneurial atmosphere is becoming increasingly open, and new investment regulations are attracting many investors in the logistics and transportation industries. 

With the gradual completion of several major airport construction projects in Saudi Arabia, the country is expected to significantly enhance its position as a global trade and tourism hub. Saudi Arabia's privatization operation strategy will not only profoundly change the domestic business landscape but also have a significant impact on the global logistics and trade fields.

Source: LHC Consultancy