Table of Contents

  1. Construction of the Third Runway
  2. Increased Airport Capacity
  3. Future Plans for the Airport
  4. Design and Features
  5. Comparison with Other Airports

Construction on the third runway of what is poised to become the world’s largest airport has commenced.

The significant airport is scheduled to open in 2030 and will ultimately accommodate as many as 185 million passengers.

Illustration of an aerial view of an airport city complex with runways, buildings, and green areas in a desert landscape.Construction has begun on the third runway at King Salman International Airport. Illustration of planes on an airport tarmac with a modern building and sunset.By 2030, the airport is expected to serve 100 million passengers.Credit: Foster + Partners

Construction is currently underway, with the new runway expected to be 4,200 meters in length.

This addition will enable the airport to increase its capacity from approximately 65 aircraft movements per hour to 85.

Marco Mejia, Acting Chief Executive Officer of King Salman International Airport, stated: “The initiation of the third runway construction represents a crucial milestone in realizing the KSIA Master Plan.

“It demonstrates our dedication to developing world-class infrastructure that can support growth, enhance operational efficiency, and expand long-haul connectivity without limitations.”

This is just the beginning; there are six runways planned for the airport.

Each runway will run parallel to the others and be constructed around the existing King Khalid International Airport.

Upon completion, the airport will cover an area equivalent to that of Manhattan.

The ‘mega airport’ is set to surpass the current largest airport, which is also located in Saudi Arabia: King Fahd International Airport.

With an area of 57 square kilometers, the airport will initially have the capacity to handle up to 100 million passengers annually.

By 2030, it will also process over two million tonnes of cargo.

Illustration of people in a park-like urban setting with lush trees, a stream, and buildings.Surrounding the airport will be landscaped gardens.

The airport was announced in 2022 and is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Saudi Vision 2030.

This vision aims to transform Riyadh into a major hub for transportation, trade, and tourism.

Eventually, the airport will accommodate up to 120 million passengers each year, with projections to rise to 185 million by 2050.

The design, created by Foster + Partners , features spacious and airy areas, ample seating for travelers, and 4.6 square meters of retail space.

Many of the airport's features will be high-tech, including climate-controlled lighting.

The airport will also include a large mosque and a Royal Terminal designated for the Saudi royal family, government officials, and VIPs.

This major UK airport has revealed its new £1.3 billion upgrade plans...

London Heathrow will undergo a series of developments next year, starting with Terminal 2 and 4.

The upgrades aim to enhance efficiency and include plans to improve flight punctuality and baggage handling.

This morning, it was announced that Terminal 4 will begin renovations next year, costing £1.3 billion.

The initial phase will involve constructing a new multi-storey car park and upgrading the check-in area.

The renovations will be phased to ensure minimal disruption to airport operations, with completion expected by 2031.

In Terminal 2, plans for a new baggage system capable of managing 31,000 bags daily have also been announced.

To expedite flights and improve punctuality, AI-powered turnaround technology will be implemented.

This will involve installing a network of cameras throughout Heathrow.

Utilizing AI to analyze data, the airport will reduce turnaround times between flights, leading to more timely journeys.

Coverage is expected to extend across all terminals by the end of 2026.

For more information on airports, check this one in the .

Additionally, this airport was .

Illustration of an airport in a desert landscape.A third runway is currently under construction as part of the new King Salman International Airport.