Saudi Crown Prince announces plan for...

The new airport will boost the city’s position as a global logistics hub

Saudi Crown Prince and the kingdom’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz has revealed the masterplan for King Salman International Airport.

According to a statement released by the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund, (PIF), of which Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is chairman, the airport will act as “a bridge linking the East with the West”.

The statement added the airport project is in line with Saudi Arabia’s vision to support the growth of Riyadh’s population to 20 million people by 2030.

Expected to be one of the world’s largest airports, the new facility will cover an area of approximately 57 sq km and accommodate six parallel runways. The project also includes 12 sq km of airport support facilities, residential and recreational facilities and retail outlets.

The facility aims to welcome up to 120 million travellers by 2030 and 185 million travellers, with the capacity to process 3.5 million tons of cargo, by 2050. It will be powered by renewable energy and is aiming to achieve LEED Platinum certification by incorporating green initiatives into its design.

In line with the kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives, the new airport is expected to contribute SAR27bn annually to non-oil related GDP and create 103,000 direct and indirect jobs.

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The announcement comes as part of PIF’s development strategy for the country which focuses on unlocking the capabilities of sectors to enhance Saudi Arabia’s efforts in diversifying its economy away from oil.

For more information, visit www.pif.gov.sa