JEDDAH, 13 October 2003 — The planned expansion of King Abdul Aziz International Airport (KAIA), the largest in its history, is designed to increase its capacity to 21 million passengers.
The project includes construction of two new terminals in addition to the renovation of the southern terminal and the establishment of 25 air bridges.
Prince Fahd ibn Abdullah, assistant defense and aviation minister for civil aviation affairs, said work on the multibillion-riyal project will start shortly.
“Implementation of this project is not that easy. It requires good planning so that it doesn’t disrupt the existing air traffic,” he told Al-Madinah daily.
The expansion is essential to deal with the growing number of passengers as a result of the Kingdom’s drive to promote tourism and welcome Umrah pilgrims year-round.
According to a report carried by Asharq Al-Awsat in March, Bechtel Saudi Arabia and Dar Al-Riyadh were to implement the huge expansion project.
Asharq Al-Awsat reported that the Civil Aviation Authority was to sign an agreement worth SR5.63 billion ($1.5 billion) with the two companies to implement the project. Seven international companies had been bidding for the contract.
The project, one of the most ambitious undertaken by the presidency, is expected to coordinate all international flights, including those of Saudi Arabian Airlines, and facilitate the movement of passengers.
Departure and arrival lounges will be connected directly with the aircraft using the new air bridges. Crescent-shaped roofs will be one of the airport’s distinguishing features.
The first new terminal will be built to the east of the present southern terminal on an area of 45,000 sq. m. 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 sq. m., will be renovated for international arrivals.
The third terminal, with an area of 49,000 sq. m., 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 new two-story car park will have the capacity to accommodate 5,700 cars.
Last year, 13 million passengers used the airport, the main gateway for pilgrims and expatriate workers. Jeddah airport currently handles more than 80 percent of the pilgrim traffic, and 40 percent of air traffic in Saudi Arabia.
The airport’s Haj terminal, capable of serving more than a million pilgrims at a time, handles about 300 flights a day during the peak season.
