Latest news with #KingKhalid
The Sun
04-08-2025
- Business
- The Sun
World's biggest airport with 185million passengers to open by 2030 – and could have direct UK flights
CONSTRUCTION has begun on what will be the biggest airport in the world. King Salman International Airport in Saudi Arabia is set to open in 2030, and will be the size of 14,000 football fields. 5 The mega-sized airport will be built around the existing King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The extension was was first announced in November 2022 and when finished the huge airport will be 57 square kilometers. Of that, 12 square kilometers will be reserved for shopping. Currently, the King Khalid International Airport has two parallel runways. With the new extension, this will be increased to six and will see 120 million passengers by 2030. By 2050, the amount of passengers will increase to 185 million. With the opening of the airport, the number of aircraft takeoffs and landings in Saudi Arabia will go from 211,000 per year to over one million. The estimated cost of the project currently stands at $30 billion (£22.5 billion). In January 2025, the terminal overhaul at King Khalid International Airport was completed - bringing the extension closer to completion. The revamped terminal features new facilities, including 38 check-in counters, 10 self-service kiosks, 26 passport control counters, and 10 automated gates. Inside Saudi Arabia's plan for £3.8bn seaside resort built on blood as vid shows work underway for Dubai-style hotspot Terminal 1 now also has 24 boarding gates, 40 passport control counters in the arrivals area, and 11 self-service gates. The airport is being designed by the British architecture firm Foster + Partners. The company is behind other projects like Battersea Roof Gardens, Wembley Stadium, and will be designing the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II. In May of this year, two US based firms, Bechtel and Parsons were awarded key contracts for the expansion, according to ENR. It will have plenty of seating, indoor and outside places with lots of greenery and huge glass windows for plane watching. The airport design has been specially-made to create a "seamless customer journey", revealed in a statement from the Saudi Press Agency. 5 5 Currently, Brits can fly directly from London to Riyadh Airport with an average flight time being six hours and 42 minutes. It wouldn't be surprising if these continue, or even if the number of flights increase to the city as a result of the new airport opening. The airport expansion forms part of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan to transform the country. Qiddiya, an entertainment city, is also in the plans and it is currently scheduled to open later this year. It will have a Six Flags theme park, and enormous waterpark with submersible cars and four record-breaking rides - including the world's tallest water coaster. For thrill-seekers, it will have the largest drop body slide, the tallest water slide and the longest mat racer too. This mega £2.7billion airport reveals 24-hour terminal that will 'rival London's Heathrow' with UK flights. Plus, the . 5
Zawya
23-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudia expands regional footprint via flights to El-Alamein, Salalah
Riyadh – Saudia officially launched flights from Jeddah to El-Alamein in Egypt and Salalah in Oman, according to a press release. The new El-Alamein route marks Saudia's fourth destination in Egypt, with three weekly flights operating from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah in each direction. This is in addition to three weekly flights from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Moreover, Saudia launched flights from Jeddah to Salalah in Oman, marking the airline's second destination in the country following Muscat. The route also operates with three weekly flights in each direction. Both new destinations are operated by Airbus A320 aircraft, with comfortable seating and a wide range of in-flight entertainment options developed to enhance the overall guest experience. Meanwhile, Saudia has a modern fleet of 147 aircraft and plans to add 118 more in the coming years. This expansion aligns with the Saudi airline's efforts to enhance the guest experience, deploying advanced AI technologies and leveraging the latest developments in ground and in-flight services. The company recently launched its first direct flights from Riyadh to Vienna, the capital of Austria. All Rights Reserved - Mubasher Info © 2005 - 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arab News
17-06-2025
- Arab News
Al-Urumah seasons draw more than 1m ecotourists
RIYADH: The Al-Urumah Season, held in the heart of the desert at the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed and King Khalid royal reserves, has become a premier ecotourism initiative, showcasing the Kingdom's stunning environment and the passion of its organizers. Over four seasons, Al-Urumah has grown into a vibrant destination, attracting more than 1 million ecotourists, according to a recent report from the Saudi Press Agency. The inaugural season had about 52,000 visitors, rising to 230,000 in the second season. With eight service providers, the third season exceeded 300,000 attendees. The fourth this year drew more than 400,000, reflecting effective strategic planning and infrastructure development involving the private sector and local communities. During the Al-Urumah Season, the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority offers 13 activities across both reserves, including camping, hiking, camel riding, cycling, stargazing, and other outdoor pursuits. Additionally, 358 eco-units have been established for visitor accommodation, the SPA reported. The authority also organizes training workshops for service providers on ecotourism principles, responsible recreation, and wildlife interaction, emphasizing their vital role in delivering quality tourism experiences. The Al-Urumah Season has become an 'integrated model of sustainable ecotourism.' The authority has blended ecotourism, entertainment, and nature conservation, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030's goals of economic diversification and community empowerment.
