JEDDAH, 27 December 2006 — Work on the new multibillion dollar King Abdul Aziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah will start within nine months, according to Prince Fahd ibn Abdullah, assistant minister of defense and aviation for civil aviation affairs.
“It’s a big project that requires detailed studies. According to preliminary reports, work will start in eight to nine months,” he said.
Speaking to reporters after opening the Fursan passenger lounge at the airport, Prince Fahd said all passenger lounges at the Saudia Terminal would be upgraded with modern facilities within 18 months.
The expansion aims at increasing the airport’s annual capacity to 21 million passengers and receiving the world’s largest aircraft, including A380s.
The Jeddah airport expansion is significant as it represents the Kingdom’s main gateway for millions of foreign pilgrims. The expansion involves the construction of two new terminals and renovation of the existing South Terminal, a new concourse with 25 gates, three connector buildings and an extensive upgrade of landside and airside infrastructure facilities.
Referring to the newly licensed domestic airlines NAS and Sama, Prince Fahd said they would create competition, benefiting passengers. However, he pointed out that Saudi Arabian Airlines would still play a leading position in the market as a result of its longstanding experience.
Khaled Al-Mulhim, director general of Saudi Arabian Airlines, said the Kingdom’s airports have the capacity to accommodate the two private airlines.
The private airlines would reduce pressure on Saudia, he added.
“We try to improve our services in accordance with the demand and observations of our passengers,” he said, while attending the opening of the Fursan lounge.
