Saudi Arabia is moving ahead with major expansion plans for King Salman International Airport (KSIA), with work set to begin next year on a new passenger terminal capable of accommodating 40 million travelers annually.
In a statement to Al Eqtisadiah Arabic daily newspaper, KSIA’s acting CEO Marco Mejia said that the new terminal forms part of Riyadh’s ambitious strategy to transform the King Salman Airport into one of the world’s largest aviation hubs. The megaproject, which will eventually replace King Khalid International Airport, is central to the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to position Riyadh as a global gateway for business, tourism and logistics.
Mejia confirmed that the next phase of development will also include new aircraft hangars and key airside infrastructure, with construction scheduled to start in 2026. The airport aims to begin operations in 2029, representing a major milestone in Saudi Arabia’s aviation expansion under Vision 2030.
He made the remarks during the recent KSIA’s inaugural Partners Forum, where four Memorandums of Understanding were signed with leading national entities, including the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), TASAMA, Elm, and Cluster2. These agreements form part of a broader strategy to reinforce strategic partnerships and support the airport’s upcoming development phases.
KSIA’s ambitious masterplan includes a six-runway mega-hub capable of accommodating up to 120 million passengers annually by 2030, rising to 185 million by 2050. The airport is also expected to become the future home of Riyadh Air, the Kingdom’s new national carrier, and serve as a major catalyst for economic diversification through enhanced connectivity, expanded cargo capacity and increased tourism flows.
KSIA will span 57 km², featuring six runways and nine passenger terminals, and is projected to accommodate over 100 million passengers and two million tons of cargo annually by 2030.
Economically, the airport is expected to contribute around SAR27 billion (US$ 7.2 billion) per year to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP. Its commercial zones and advanced logistics facilities will support regional growth and strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for tourism, business, and investment.
King Salman International Airport Development Company is leading the project’s execution with a mandate to deliver international standards of excellence in design, technology, and environmental performance.
