Jeddah’s new airport to open May 2018

The initial opening of Jeddah’s new King Abdul Aziz International Airport will take place in May 2018, according to the General Authority for Civil Aviation.

The authority’s head, Abdul Hakim Al Tamimi, is quoted in local press as saying that the new airport “includes 810,000 square metres of terminals, 200 counters design for completion of travel procedures and 80 self-service counters as well”.

Speaking at the Reconstruction of Makkah Region Conference on Wednesday, Al Tamimi added that “the number of aircraft that can be received simultaneously is 70 connected to the terminal as well as 28 aircraft on the tarmac”.

Addressing media on the sidelines of the event, the official also explained the importance of the launch to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims arriving in the kingdom – and highlighted the role of another new hub, the Taif International Airport, which will support the King Abdul Aziz International Airport when it opens in 2020.

“Air transport is the preferred method for pilgrims of Umrah and Hajj, both from inside and outside the Kingdom,” he said.

“The number of Hajj pilgrims arriving by air in 2017 reached 1,648,906, while the number of Umrah pilgrims arriving by air in 2017 reached 5,664208.

“The GACA has assigned the new Taif International Airport to the private sector. The new airport will provide convenience for visitors, and Umrah and Hajj pilgrims. The airport is expected to open in December 2020.”