Saudi Crown Prince announces masterplan for new airport in Riyadh

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

HRH Crown Prince today announced the master plan for King Salman International Airport, which will boost Riyadh’s position as a global logistics hub, stimulate transport, trade and tourism, and act as a bridge between the East and West.#KSIA#PIFhttps://t.co/ovRjvHiUWX pic.twitter.com/cJJyujNQ1T

— Public Investment Fund (@PIF_en) November 28, 2022

The new airport will boost Riyadh’s position as a global logistics hub, stimulate transport, trade and tourism, and act as a bridge linking the East with the West, the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) said in a statement. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is also PIF’s chairman.

The airport project is in line with Saudi Arabia’s vision to support the growth of Riyadh’s population to 15–20 million people by 2030. It is expected to be one of the world’s largest airports, covering an area of approximately 57 square km, allowing for six parallel runways and including the existing terminals named after King Khalid.

With the launch of #KSIA, #PIF will stimulate local and global economic growth, and position Riyadh as a global business hub with a high quality of life, in line with the #PIFstrategy 2021-2025. pic.twitter.com/Bg3bMZZ14g

— Public Investment Fund (@PIF_en) November 28, 2022

The project also includes 12 square km of airport support facilities, residential and recreational facilities, retail outlets, and other logistics real estate.

The airport aims to accommodate 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 will achieve LEED Platinum certification by incorporating green initiatives into its design.

The new airport is expected to contribute SAR27bn annually to non-oil GDP and create 103,000 direct and indirect jobs, in line with Vision 2030 objectives. The announcement comes as part of PIF’s strategy which focuses on unlocking the capabilities of sectors to enhance Saudi Arabia’s efforts in diversifying the economy, the statement added.