The GACA has already started a process to select qualified companies to award the contract, an official statement said on Saturday. The move aims at expanding private sector participation in civil aviation projects and improving passenger services. “GACA’s board of directors approved the plan to realize its strategic goal of developing Saudi airports on a commercial basis,” the statement said. The project’s viability has been established by a feasibility study conducted by the authority.

The GACA has set Feb. 14 as the last date for receiving qualifying applications from companies. Once that process is completed, the short-listed companies would be asked to present their technical and financial offers.