King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh will begin a phased transfer of airline operations between terminals from 17 to 25 February, as operator Riyadh Airports Company confirmed preparations have been completed to ensure continuity of services during the move.
The airport’s management said the transfer project is designed to optimise passenger flows, align airline allocations with capacity, and enhance the efficiency of ground and airside operations. Officials indicated that airlines affected by the shift have been notified in advance and that wayfinding, digital updates and additional staff will be deployed to assist travellers during the transition period.
King Khalid International Airport, one of the Kingdom’s largest aviation hubs, serves tens of millions of passengers annually and is a central component of Saudi Arabia’s strategy to expand its aviation sector under Vision 2030. The terminal reallocation is part of broader efforts to modernise infrastructure and accommodate sustained growth in passenger numbers, which have risen sharply following the lifting of pandemic-era travel restrictions and the expansion of international routes.
Riyadh Airports Company, which manages and operates the airport, stated that operational teams have conducted technical rehearsals and coordination exercises with airlines, security authorities and ground handlers to minimise disruption. The company said contingency plans are in place to address potential congestion during peak travel hours.
The transfer project comes at a time when Riyadh is positioning itself as a global aviation and logistics hub. Saudi authorities have announced plans to increase air connectivity to more than 250 destinations worldwide and raise annual passenger capacity across the Kingdom to 330 million by the end of the decade. King Khalid International Airport plays a pivotal role in achieving those targets.
Industry analysts say reallocating terminals can significantly improve operational efficiency when aligned with airline alliances or traffic types, such as domestic versus international services. By grouping carriers strategically, airports can streamline baggage handling, security screening and transfer passenger flows, reducing turnaround times and enhancing the overall travel experience.
Passenger traffic through Riyadh has rebounded strongly over the past two years, supported by tourism initiatives, business travel linked to large-scale infrastructure projects, and religious travel flows. The launch of new routes by both established carriers and emerging airlines has placed additional pressure on terminal capacity, prompting infrastructure upgrades and operational adjustments.
Among the key stakeholders in Riyadh’s aviation expansion is Riyadh Air, the Kingdom’s new national carrier backed by the Public Investment Fund. Although its commercial launch is scheduled for a later date, preparations for its integration into existing airport infrastructure have been under way. The broader reconfiguration of terminals is expected to support future fleet growth and network expansion.
Officials have not disclosed the specific airlines moving between terminals during the February window, but travellers have been advised to verify departure and arrival information through official airport channels before travelling. The airport operator said flight schedules will remain unchanged, with only terminal assignments affected.
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in aviation infrastructure in recent years, including the development of King Salman International Airport, a proposed mega-hub also planned for Riyadh. Once completed, that project is expected to transform the capital into one of the world’s largest airport complexes. Until then, King Khalid International Airport remains the primary gateway to the city and a focal point for capacity management.
Aviation consultants note that terminal transfer projects require detailed logistical coordination, particularly in airports handling high volumes of connecting passengers. Ensuring that signage, baggage systems and security procedures are synchronised is essential to prevent delays. They add that clear communication with passengers is critical during transitional phases.
Riyadh Airports Company said it will deploy multilingual support teams across terminals and increase digital messaging through mobile applications and information screens. The operator also confirmed that customer service counters will be reinforced to respond to passenger enquiries.
The Kingdom’s aviation regulator has emphasised safety and service standards as traffic expands. Infrastructure upgrades, including modernised lounges, automated passport control systems and expanded retail zones, have been introduced over the past year to enhance the passenger journey.
The airport’s management said the transfer project is designed to optimise passenger flows, align airline allocations with capacity, and enhance the efficiency of ground and airside operations. Officials indicated that airlines affected by the shift have been notified in advance and that wayfinding, digital updates and additional staff will be deployed to assist travellers during the transition period.
King Khalid International Airport, one of the Kingdom’s largest aviation hubs, serves tens of millions of passengers annually and is a central component of Saudi Arabia’s strategy to expand its aviation sector under Vision 2030. The terminal reallocation is part of broader efforts to modernise infrastructure and accommodate sustained growth in passenger numbers, which have risen sharply following the lifting of pandemic-era travel restrictions and the expansion of international routes.
Riyadh Airports Company, which manages and operates the airport, stated that operational teams have conducted technical rehearsals and coordination exercises with airlines, security authorities and ground handlers to minimise disruption. The company said contingency plans are in place to address potential congestion during peak travel hours.
The transfer project comes at a time when Riyadh is positioning itself as a global aviation and logistics hub. Saudi authorities have announced plans to increase air connectivity to more than 250 destinations worldwide and raise annual passenger capacity across the Kingdom to 330 million by the end of the decade. King Khalid International Airport plays a pivotal role in achieving those targets.
Industry analysts say reallocating terminals can significantly improve operational efficiency when aligned with airline alliances or traffic types, such as domestic versus international services. By grouping carriers strategically, airports can streamline baggage handling, security screening and transfer passenger flows, reducing turnaround times and enhancing the overall travel experience.
Passenger traffic through Riyadh has rebounded strongly over the past two years, supported by tourism initiatives, business travel linked to large-scale infrastructure projects, and religious travel flows. The launch of new routes by both established carriers and emerging airlines has placed additional pressure on terminal capacity, prompting infrastructure upgrades and operational adjustments.
Among the key stakeholders in Riyadh’s aviation expansion is Riyadh Air, the Kingdom’s new national carrier backed by the Public Investment Fund. Although its commercial launch is scheduled for a later date, preparations for its integration into existing airport infrastructure have been under way. The broader reconfiguration of terminals is expected to support future fleet growth and network expansion.
Officials have not disclosed the specific airlines moving between terminals during the February window, but travellers have been advised to verify departure and arrival information through official airport channels before travelling. The airport operator said flight schedules will remain unchanged, with only terminal assignments affected.
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in aviation infrastructure in recent years, including the development of King Salman International Airport, a proposed mega-hub also planned for Riyadh. Once completed, that project is expected to transform the capital into one of the world’s largest airport complexes. Until then, King Khalid International Airport remains the primary gateway to the city and a focal point for capacity management.
Aviation consultants note that terminal transfer projects require detailed logistical coordination, particularly in airports handling high volumes of connecting passengers. Ensuring that signage, baggage systems and security procedures are synchronised is essential to prevent delays. They add that clear communication with passengers is critical during transitional phases.
Riyadh Airports Company said it will deploy multilingual support teams across terminals and increase digital messaging through mobile applications and information screens. The operator also confirmed that customer service counters will be reinforced to respond to passenger enquiries.
The Kingdom’s aviation regulator has emphasised safety and service standards as traffic expands. Infrastructure upgrades, including modernised lounges, automated passport control systems and expanded retail zones, have been introduced over the past year to enhance the passenger journey.
Topics
Saudi Arabia