Riyadh: Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz today sponsored the opening ceremony of International Terminal 2 and announced the completion of the development project for Terminals 1 and 2 at King Khalid International Airport. In a statement on the occasion, Prince Faisal highlighted Riyadh's growing status as a global hub for events and forums, noting the airport's architectural prominence and its competitive standing among major international airports.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Chairman of the Board of Directors of MATARAT Holding Company, emphasized the significant upgrades achieved with the completion of the airport's development project. The enhancements have increased the combined capacity of Terminals 1 and 2 to approximately 14 million passengers annually, more than doubling the previous capacity. This growth supports the airport's ability to handle rising air traffic efficiently.
Al-Duailej also highlighted the economic impact of King Khalid International Airport, contributing 2.2% to Riyadh's GDP in 2024, equivalent to SAR22.5 billion, and generating around 66,000 direct and indirect jobs. The project aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 by boosting tourism, expanding airline operations, and enhancing air connectivity.
The development project includes advanced operational readiness for international flights. Terminal 1 is designated for Flyadeal and flynas, while Terminal 2 accommodates Saudia and Riyadh Air. The facilities feature numerous passenger check-in counters, passport counters, and e-gates, optimizing travel procedures and passenger flow.
The arrivals area is equipped with counters, automated passport e-gates, and customs inspection devices, demonstrating the airport's preparedness to manage international travel efficiently. The inauguration of the Terminals 1 and 2 development project is a step toward ongoing improvements at King Khalid International Airport, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and support air traffic growth in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.