King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA), commonly known as Jeddah Airport (JED), has a rich history dating back to the early 1980s. Before its construction, Jeddah and the surrounding region were served by the now-demolished Kandara Airport located in the southern part of the city. The story of Jeddah’s modern aviation began after a historic meeting between King Abdulaziz and Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945, when the kingdom received a Douglas DC-3 aircraft that operated between Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dhahran.
Construction of KAIA began in 1974, and the facility was completed in 1980. The airport officially opened for service on May 31, 1981, after being inaugurated a month earlier. Named after the founder of Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz, the airport was built to replace the Kandara Airport, which was subsequently demolished.
Over the decades, KAIA has undergone significant expansion and modernization. A major development project was launched in 2006, leading to the construction of a new passenger terminal. More recently, in 2018, the airport underwent a soft opening of its new Terminal 1, with a domestic flight landing from Gurayat. By March 2019, all of Saudia’s domestic operations had transferred to the new terminal, and by August of that year, Saudia began moving its international operations there as well. In September 2019, the new terminal was officially named Terminal 1 and inaugurated by King Salman.
JED Quick Facts and Statistics
- Location: 19 kilometers (12 miles) north of Jeddah city center
- IATA Code: JED
- ICAO Code: OEJN
- Area: 105 square kilometers (41 square miles), making it the third-largest airport in Saudi Arabia by land area
- Status: Busiest airport in Saudi Arabia and one of the busiest in the Middle East
- Runways: Three parallel runways designated 16L/34R, 16C/34C, and 16R/34L, each approximately 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) in length
- Terminals: Three main terminals – Terminal 1, North Terminal, and Hajj Terminal
- Passengers: Currently handling millions of passengers annually, with plans to accommodate 80 million passengers by 2035
- Hajj Terminal Capacity: Can accommodate 80,000 travelers at any given time
- Terminal 1 Size: Covers an area of 28,000 square meters with 120 shops
- Aquarium: Features a massive aquarium that is 14 meters (46 feet) tall, 10 meters (33 feet) in diameter, contains one million liters of Red Sea water, and houses 2,000 marine organisms from 65 different species
Terminals and Facilities
Terminal 1
Terminal 1, the newest addition to KAIA, is a state-of-the-art facility that has revolutionized the passenger experience. Divided into separate sections for domestic and international flights, this terminal features 120 shops across 28,000 square meters of retail space. The terminal boasts several impressive facilities, including:
- New lounges for premium travelers
- An 18,000 m² (190,000 sq ft) central garden
- A massive aquarium (14 meters tall, 10 meters in diameter)
- A mosque with a capacity for 3,732 worshippers
- A transport center linking the terminal to parking areas and the Airport–Jeddah station of the Haramain High Speed Railway
- A three-story, five-star airside hotel with 120 rooms for international transit passengers
- ATMs and banking services
- Health facilities and a pharmacy
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
- Currency exchange services
- Luggage storage
- Self-check-in kiosks
- Rest areas for passenger comfort
North Terminal
The North Terminal primarily serves non-Saudi airlines and international flights. It can accommodate an additional 20 airlines that operate specifically during the Hajj and Umrah seasons. Facilities at this terminal include:
- Barber shop
- Restrooms
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Mobile charging stations
- Luggage storage
- Post office
- Prayer halls
- Food and beverage outlets
- Market
- Banking services and currency exchange
- Duty-free shops
- Public telephones
- Medical clinic and first-aid services
- Premium lounges: First Class Lounge and TasHeel Business Lounge
Hajj Terminal
One of the most distinctive features of KAIA is its Hajj Terminal, a dedicated facility designed to handle the massive influx of pilgrims during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. This architectural marvel was designed by Bangladeshi-American architect Fazlur Rahman Khan of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Notable aspects include:
- Capacity to accommodate 80,000 travelers simultaneously
- Iconic tent-like roof structure engineered by Horst Berger
- Ten modules, each with twenty-one white Teflon-coated fiberglass structures suspended from pylons
- Two blocks of five modules separated by a landscaped mall
- Air-conditioned areas for customs and baggage handling
- Five tents and buildings labeled A, B, J, D, and H
- 15 domes connected to aircraft through boarding gates
- An expansive area covering 465,000 square meters
- Specialized services for pilgrims including a mosque, restaurants, retail stores, prayer areas, and airline information counters
Airlines and Connectivity
KAIA serves as a major hub for Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia, as well as budget airlines Flynas and Flyadeal. The airport connects Jeddah to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
During the Hajj season, the airport’s capacity expands significantly to accommodate charter flights from around the world bringing pilgrims to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
Ground Transportation
KAIA offers various transportation options to connect passengers to Jeddah city center and beyond:
Haramain High Speed Railway
The airport is connected to the Haramain High Speed Railway via a 3.75-kilometer branch line. The Airport–Jeddah station provides regular connections to the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina, as well as to the King Abdullah Economic City, making it convenient for pilgrims and business travelers alike.
Taxis and Ride-sharing
Taxis are readily available at designated drop-off areas outside the arrivals hall. The ride to the city center typically takes 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Careem offer more affordable alternatives to traditional taxis, with clearly marked pickup areas.
Car Rentals
Twelve car rental agencies operate at the airport, including international brands like Avis, Budget, and Hertz, as well as local companies like Best Car Rentals and Tajeer. The South Terminal provides the most options for car rentals.
Shuttle Services
Free shuttle buses run every 20 minutes between terminals, with a journey time of approximately 10-15 minutes. For those preferring to walk, pedestrian walkways connect the North and South terminals, with a walking time of about 15-20 minutes.
Public Transportation
The airport is well-connected to Jeddah’s public transportation network, with buses available to various destinations throughout the city. This option is particularly cost-effective for budget-conscious travelers.
Future Expansion Plans
KAIA is set for a massive transformation under an ambitious SR115bn ($31bn) expansion plan by Jeddah Airports Company (Jedco). The plan aims to make KAIA one of the world’s largest airports by 2031, increasing its capacity to 114 million passengers annually. Key components of this expansion include:
Terminal 1 Expansion
The expansion of Terminal 1 is scheduled to start in 2025, with completion targeted for 2026. This project includes:
- Basic infrastructure and enabling works
- Installation of new gates, air bridges, and parking aprons
- Extension of the automatic people mover
- New baggage conveyor systems and lounges
- An increase in annual passenger capacity by 15 million
New Terminal 2
A completely new passenger terminal, to be called Terminal 2, is planned as part of the expansion. This will significantly boost the airport’s capacity to handle the projected growth in passenger traffic.
New Baggage Handling Facility
Construction of a new baggage handling facility is set to begin soon. The building will be located next to Terminal 1 and integrated with the existing conveyor belt systems to expand the airport’s baggage handling capacity.
This ambitious expansion program is driven by Jedco’s forecast that annual demand will reach 114 million passengers by 2030. Of this figure, the authority estimates 51 million will come from Saudi Arabian Airlines, 21 million from international airlines, and 25 million from budget airlines Flynas and Flyadeal combined.
Importance to the Region
KAIA is not just an airport; it’s a vital gateway to Saudi Arabia and the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Its strategic location makes it the principal entry point for millions of Muslims participating in the annual Hajj pilgrimage and year-round Umrah visits. The airport’s dedicated Hajj Terminal, with its unique design and specialized facilities, demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to facilitating these important religious journeys.
Beyond its religious significance, KAIA plays a crucial role in Saudi Arabia’s economic development and its Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy away from oil dependency. The ongoing expansion and modernization of the airport will enhance its capacity to handle increasing passenger and cargo traffic, supporting tourism, trade, and business activities in the region.
As KAIA continues to evolve and expand, it remains a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global aviation hub and a key player in the international transportation network.
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