JEDDAH, 25 March 2003 — The Civil Aviation Authority is to sign an agreement worth SR5.63 billion ($1.5 billion) with Bechtel Saudi Arabia and Dar Al-Riyadh soon for the expansion of King Abdul Aziz International Airport (KAIA) here.
Eli Samaan of Bechtel Saudi Arabia told Asharq Al-Awsat, a sister publication of Arab News, that work on the expansion project will start in the second quarter of next year and will be completed by the fall of 2010.
The expansion project includes construction of new terminals for international and domestic passengers, expansion of existing terminals and the establishment of 25 air bridges for passenger use.
The project, one of the most ambitious undertaken by the presidency, is expected to unify international flight operations of all aircraft, including those of Saudi Arabian Airlines, and facilitate the movement of passengers.
Presidency sources told the Arabic daily that the project will increase the airport’s annual capacity from 13 million to 21 million passengers, adding that the project will be implemented in phases that will not affect the airport’s operation.
Departure and arrival lounges will be connected directly with the aircraft, using the new air bridges. Distinguishing features of the architectural style will be crescent-shaped roofs and gardens inside the airport, the sources said.
The first new terminal will be built to the east of the present Southern Terminal on an area of 45,000 square meters to serve international passengers. There will be 130 service counters to complete travel formalities, in addition to restaurants and prayer rooms.
The present Southern Terminal, built on 83,000 square meters, will be renovated to receive incoming international flights. This area will also be equipped to receive VIPs.
The third terminal, with an area of 49,000 square meters, will be constructed to the west of the Southern Terminal on two levels and is earmarked for domestic arrivals and departures. A 1,400-meter-long passage will connect the three lounges, the sources said. The whole passage will be fitted with moving walkways.
The new two-story car park will accommodate 5,700 cars.
Last year, 13 million passengers used the airport, the main gateway for pilgrims and expatriate workers. The figure is expected to hit 21 million by 2020. Jeddah airport currently handles more than 80 percent of the pilgrim traffic, and 40 percent of air traffic in Saudi Arabia.
There are 26 airports in the Kingdom, constructed at a total cost of SR60 billion ($16 billion).
