Riyadh's KSIA Begins Construction on Third 4,200m Runway for Major Capacity Boost

January 5, 2026 at 12:00 AM•2 min read

King Salman International Airport (KSIA) began building a third 4,200m runway, aiming to boost operational capacity to 85 aircraft movements per hour.

Key Points

1Construction began on the third 4,200m runway at Riyadh’s King Salman International Airport (KSIA).
2The new runway will increase KSIA's operational capacity by 30%, from 65 to 85 aircraft movements per hour.
3The project is a core component of the KSIA Master Plan, which targets 100 million passengers and six total runways by 2030.
4The expansion aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to establish Riyadh as a leading global aviation hub.

Construction has officially begun on a third runway at King Salman International Airport (KSIA) in Riyadh. This major infrastructure project marks a key milestone. It is a central part of the overall KSIA Master Plan. The expansion is designed to support long-term air traffic growth.

Capacity and Scope

The new runway measures 4,200 meters in length. It includes multiple access taxiways for smooth flow. The current airport capacity is 65 movements per hour. The third runway will increase this figure significantly. Operational capacity is expected to rise to 85 aircraft movements per hour. This represents a crucial 30% increase in capacity.

The design considers Riyadh’s prevailing wind patterns. This ensures safe and efficient aircraft operations. The project is a joint effort. It involves Spain’s FCC Construcción SA and Al-Mabani General Contractors Company.

Operational Enhancements

Acting CEO Marco Mejia commented on the project. He noted the commitment to world-class infrastructure. The goal is to enhance operational efficiency. It also aims to expand long-haul connectivity without constraints. The increased capacity will reduce aircraft wait times. This improves efficiency for airlines like Emirates and passengers.

Strategic Vision and Global Hub

King Salman International Airport (KSIA) is a national project. It is a key driver for Saudi Vision 2030. The vision aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy. It seeks to establish Riyadh as a global aviation hub. The full KSIA development is vast. It is being built on the King Khalid International Airport site.

By 2030, the airport will cover 57 square kilometers. The final design includes six parallel runways. KSIA is designed to handle 100 million passengers yearly. It will also process 2 million tonnes of cargo by 2030. This massive scale will make it one of the world's largest.

This expansion is vital for the global air transport network. It supports the growth of major aircraft manufacturers like Boeing. The airport will serve as a bridge between East and West. Industry bodies like IATA monitor such large-scale developments. The project reinforces Riyadh’s position as a global gateway. This is a significant development in commercial aviation news. Read more about global aviation news at flying.flights.