RIYADH, 10 November 2002 — The refurbished and expanded King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah will become operational in 2006, according to a source at the Presidency of Civil Aviation. The tender for the project will be invited soon.
Dutch airport consultancy company NACO has completed the designing contract of the airport. The project, which aims to increase the annual handling capacity of the airport to 21 million passengers, involves the construction of new international and domestic lounges in addition to developing the present ones in the most modern manner.
There will be 31- 46 gates for embarkation and disembarkation. The departure and arrival lounges will be connected directly with aircraft, using 25 air bridges. The projected construction works will be undertaken without hindering the present operations of the airport.
A distinguishing feature of the architectural style will be crescent-shaped roofs. There will also be gardens inside the airport.
The first new lounge will be built to the east of the present south lounge covering an area of 45,000 square meters to serve international passengers . This area will also provide 130 service counters for baggage booking and completing other travel formalities, in addition to restaurants and prayer rooms.
The present south lounge built on 83,000 square meters will be renovated to receive incoming international flights.
This area will be equipped to receive VIPs as well.
The 49,000 square meter third lounge, which will be constructed to the west of the southern lounge in two levels, will be earmarked for domestic arrivals and departures.
A 1,400-meter- long passage will connect the three lounges. The whole passage will be fitted with moving walkways.
The new two-story car park will accommodate 5,700 cars.
