Saudi Arabia has begun construction works on the third runway at King Salman International Airport, marking a major milestone in the expansion of Riyadh’s future aviation hub and strengthening the airport’s readiness to support long-term growth in air traffic demand.
King Salman International Airport, a Public Investment Fund company, said the third runway is a core component of the airport’s master plan and reflects continued progress in airfield development.
The project is being delivered in collaboration with FCC Construcción SA and Al-Mabani General Contractors Company.
Saudi Arabia begins third runway at King Salman International Airport
The runway has been designed in alignment with Riyadh’s prevailing wind patterns to ensure safe and efficient aircraft operations under all operating conditions.
King Salman International Airport’s current operational capacity stands at 65 aircraft movements per hour.
With the introduction of the third runway and additional operational enhancements, capacity is expected to rise to 85 aircraft movements per hour, supporting improved efficiency and long-term growth.
The third runway will span 4,200 metres in length and will incorporate multiple access taxiways to ensure smooth aircraft flow across the airfield.
Infrastructure milestone
Marco Mejia, Acting CEO of King Salman International Airport, said: “Launching construction of the third runway marks a pivotal step in delivering the KSIA Master Plan and reflects our commitment to developing world-class infrastructure capable of supporting future growth, enhancing operational efficiency, and expanding long-haul connectivity without constraints.”
King Salman International Airport is described as a strategic and transformative national project reflecting Saudi Arabia’s ambition to position Riyadh as a global capital and a leading aviation hub.
The project was announced by Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Directors of King Salman International Airport, highlighting its national significance and alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Located on the existing site of King Khalid International Airport, the development will incorporate the existing King Khalid terminals alongside three new terminals, residential and leisure assets, six runways, and dedicated logistics facilities.
Spanning 57 square kilometres, the airport is designed to accommodate up to 100 million passengers annually and handle more than two million tonnes of cargo by 2030.
Global connectivity
This phase of construction is expected to further strengthen King Salman International Airport’s international flight network across multiple global destinations, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as an internationally connected aviation gateway and supporting national development objectives within the air transport sector.
Will Milner
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