A statistical report issued by the airport authorities said there was 11.6 percent increase in the number of international passengers (7.44 million) while domestic passengers rose by 9 percent (7.83 million) in 2011 compared to the previous year.

Air freight movement in 2011 increased by 9.1 percent as the total volume of cargo transported reached more than 257,000 tons against 236,000 tons in 2010.

"The increase in passenger and cargo traffic at KKIA came as a continuation of the airport's record performance in the previous years," said Abdullah Al-Tasan, director general of the airport.

He expected the number of passengers and volume of cargo movement at KKIA would continue to increase in the coming years as a result of the airport's attractive facilities and improving services.

Al-Tasan disclosed plans to expand the airport's passenger terminals and runways in order to meet the requirements of growing passengers and wide-bodied aircraft.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation intends to carry out a number of new projects at KKIA including a central control system, a security monitoring system, improvement of safety systems, a new lounge for first class and business class passengers, establishment of duty-free market and provision of free Internet services.