Riyadh Airport Completes Terminal Shift, Boosting Capacity to 56 Million
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Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport completed a major terminal reallocation to boost annual capacity to 56 million passengers by the end of 2026.
Key Takeaways
- •Increases annual passenger capacity to 56 million by the end of 2026.
- •Reallocates airlines across five terminals to streamline passenger flow.
- •Handled over one million passengers and 7,650 flights during the transition period.
- •Supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goal to become a global logistics hub.
The Riyadh Airports Company (RAC) has successfully completed a large-scale terminal reallocation at King Khalid International Airport (KKIA), a strategic move designed to enhance operational efficiency and increase passenger capacity. The project, a key component of Saudi Arabia's aviation expansion plans, is set to raise the airport's annual throughput to 56 million passengers by the end of 2026. This Riyadh airport terminal reallocation is a foundational step in accommodating the Kingdom's growing air traffic and supporting its national carriers.
The operational transition significantly improves passenger flow management and connectivity at the hub, which uses the IATA code RUH. The project redefines the use of the airport's terminals to create more streamlined processes for both domestic and international travelers. This infrastructure development is critical for the broader national transport and logistics strategy, which aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a global aviation hub.
Operational Details of the Transition
According to an announcement from Riyadh Airports Company, the complex reallocation was executed over a ten-day period, from February 16 to 25, 2026. During this intensive transition phase, the airport managed significant traffic without major disruptions, handling 1,046,016 passengers on more than 7,650 flights. This demonstrates a high level of airport operational efficiency and planning.
The new terminal assignments are as follows:
- Terminals 1 and 2 are now designated for international flights operated by national carriers.
- Terminals 3 and 4 will handle all domestic flights for national carriers.
- Terminal 5 is assigned to international flights operated by foreign carriers.
This segregation is intended to simplify navigation for passengers, reduce transfer times, and optimize the use of airport resources, from baggage handling systems to gate allocation.
Capacity and Connectivity Goals
The primary objective of the reallocation is a substantial increase in King Khalid International Airport capacity. RAC projects that the airport's annual capacity will grow from 42 million in 2025 to 56 million by the close of 2026. A significant portion of this growth comes from the optimization of Terminals 3 and 4, whose combined capacity is expected to increase from 16 million to 25 million passengers annually.
Furthermore, the project is designed to bolster Riyadh's position as a key transit hub in the Middle East. Annual transit passenger capacity is projected to rise to 7.5 million, facilitating smoother connections for travelers passing through the capital. Ayman Abu Abah, CEO of Riyadh Airports Company, stated that the success of the transition reflects the stability of flight operations and high schedule adherence. He credited the achievement to the integrated support of the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), and other strategic partners.
Strategic Context: Saudi Vision 2030
This airport enhancement is not an isolated project but a crucial element of Saudi Vision 2030 aviation goals. The Kingdom's national strategy aims to increase total airport capacity nationwide to 330 million passengers annually by 2030, positioning the country as a premier logistics and tourism center. The developments at KKIA are central to this ambition.
The current airport, which also holds the ICAO code OERK, is the foundation for a much larger mega-project: the future King Salman International Airport (KSIA). The masterplan for KSIA envisions a vast aviation hub with six parallel runways, designed to accommodate up to 120 million travelers by 2030 and 185 million by 2050. The current capacity upgrades are an interim step to manage growth until the new airport phases come online.
The expansion also provides the necessary infrastructure to support the growth of new national carriers, most notably Riyadh Air. The new airline is a core part of the strategy to increase connectivity, with plans to link the capital to over 100 international destinations, directly competing with other established Middle East airport hubs.
Why This Matters
This terminal reallocation at King Khalid International Airport is more than a logistical shuffle; it is a critical enabling project for Saudi Arabia's national ambitions. The successful execution demonstrates RAC's capability to manage complex, large-scale operational changes while maintaining service continuity. For the aviation industry, it signals that Riyadh is aggressively building the ground infrastructure required to support its fast-growing airlines and to capture a larger share of regional and international transit traffic.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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