Riyadh’s King Salman Airport to Add 40m-Passenger Terminal by 2029

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is advancing the next phase of development at King Salman International Airport (KSIA), confirming plans to begin construction in 2026 on a new passenger terminal designed to handle 40 million travellers annually. The expansion marks a pivotal step in Riyadh’s strategy to establish one of the world’s largest and most technically advanced aviation hubs.

The announcement was shared by KSIA’s Acting CEO Marco Mejia in an interview with Al Eqtisadiah Arabic daily newspaper. The upcoming terminal forms a key component of the megaproject’s long-term masterplan, which will ultimately replace King Khalid International Airport and reinforce Riyadh’s transformation into a global destination for business, tourism and logistics.

Next Phase of Construction Begins in 2026

Mejia confirmed that alongside the new terminal, the next phase will include aircraft hangars and major airside infrastructure works, with construction scheduled to break ground in 2026. KSIA aims to commence operations in 2029 — a timeline that reflects the scale and urgency of Saudi Arabia’s aviation growth under Vision 2030.

He outlined the plans during KSIA’s inaugural Partners Forum, where four memorandums of understanding were signed with key national entities including the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), TASAMA, Elm and Cluster2. These agreements are intended to enhance strategic collaboration and support the airport’s upcoming development stages.

A Central Pillar of Vision 2030’s Aviation Ambitions

The forum gathered senior government representatives, private-sector leaders and global aviation specialists, highlighting the national significance of the project. KSIA’s masterplan includes a six-runway mega-hub capable of accommodating 120 million passengers by 2030, rising to 185 million by 2050.

The airport will also serve as the future home base of Riyadh Air, the Kingdom’s new national carrier, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s push to diversify its economy through major investments in connectivity, tourism and logistics.

The addition of a 40-million-passenger terminal in the first phase underscores the Kingdom’s accelerated approach to infrastructure development as it works to enhance Riyadh’s global competitiveness and meet rising international demand.

Insight Into the Future Hub

During the Partners Forum, KSIA presented detailed models, development plans and facility previews, offering attendees a close look at the architectural and operational vision of the airport. The event concluded with a shared commitment among participating organisations to guide the project’s continued progress and establish King Salman International Airport as one of the world’s most advanced aviation hubs.