His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar, Emir of Riyadh Province, has officially opened International Terminal 2 at King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) as part of a major development project that also completes upgrades to Terminals 1 and 2. The event, held on 25 January 2026, marks a significant milestone in Riyadh’s evolving aviation infrastructure and reinforces the airport’s role as a gateway for international travel, business and tourism.
The expansion has boosted the combined annual passenger capacity of the two international terminals from about six million to approximately 14 million, representing an increase in capacity of more than 130 percent and equipping the airport to handle rising global and regional air traffic.
“Riyadh has become a global meeting point for occasions, conferences and forums,” Prince Faisal said in his remarks, noting that the upgraded terminals affirm the city’s status as an international hub for travellers and business leaders alike.
Modernised facilities and passenger experience
Under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, and in coordination with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and MATARAT Holding Company, the upgraded terminals introduce state-of-the-art infrastructure and operational systems designed to streamline air travel and enhance passenger comfort.
The modernised departure areas now feature:
- 114 passenger check-in counters,
- 43 manned passport control counters,
- 20 automated e-gates for faster processing,
while the arrivals areas include 75 counters, 22 e-gates and eight customs inspection devices, reflecting readiness to manage growth in international movement efficiently.
Terminal 1 now primarily serves international flights operated by Flyadeal and flynas, while Terminal 2 is dedicated to national flag carriers Saudia and Riyadh Air, supporting their expanding route networks.
Economic impact and broader role
Officials highlighted that the airport plays a vital economic role, contributing an estimated 2.2 percent to Riyadh’s GDP in 2024, equivalent to around SR 22.5 billion, and supporting nearly 66,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Beyond capacity expansion, these upgrades are expected to accelerate tourism, enable airlines to expand operations, and align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to enhance connectivity, promote economic diversification, and develop world-class transport infrastructure.
Vision 2030 and the future of aviation in Riyadh
The KKIA terminal upgrades sit within a broader strategic vision to transform Riyadh into a global hub of travel, trade and tourism. A major element of this plan is the King Salman International Airport project, a new mega-hub being developed on a site adjacent to KKIA that is set to become one of the world’s largest airport complexes.
According to official development plans, the King Salman International Airport will:
- Cover approximately 57 km²,
- Capability to handle up to 100–120 million passengers annually by 2030, and
- Up to 185 million passengers and millions of tonnes of cargo by 2050 as part of long-term growth projections.
Designed by leading international architects and consultants, the new mega-airport will also integrate residential, recreational and retail areas, positioning Riyadh as a top-tier global aviation and logistics hub.
These twin efforts — immediate terminal upgrades at King Khalid International Airport and the future King Salman International Airport masterplan — demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s intent to build a seamless air travel ecosystem that meets future demand while enhancing passenger experience, operational efficiency, and connectivity with markets worldwide.
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Photo – courtesy Riyadh Airports
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