King Khalid International Airport (RUH), serving the Saudi Arabian capital city of Riyadh, has a rich history dating back to the early 1980s. Before its establishment, commercial flights to and from Riyadh were handled by what is now known as Riyadh Air Base. As the capital city expanded and air travel demand increased, the need for a larger, more modern airport became apparent.
The airport’s story began with its design by the renowned architectural firm Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum (HOK), with Arabian Bechtel Company Limited serving as the construction manager on behalf of the Saudi government. After years of planning and construction, King Khalid International Airport was officially opened by King Fahd on November 16, 1983, with scheduled flights commencing on December 5 of the same year.
The airport was named after King Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the fourth ruler of Saudi Arabia who reigned from 1975 to 1982. At the time of its opening, RUH was among the largest airports in the world in terms of land area, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s ambition and vision for its aviation sector.
The first airport in Riyadh was founded in 1946 during the reign of the founding King Abdulaziz bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. This earlier facility featured just one royal lounge and one passenger terminal. As Riyadh expanded, residential areas encroached near this airport, leading to increased congestion and the eventual decision to build RUH on a vast tract of land outside the city.
In its early years, the airport operated with four terminals (1-4), all constructed when the facility opened in 1983. The airport underwent a significant expansion in 2016 with the addition of Terminal 5, which increased passenger handling capacity. More recently, refurbishments have continued, with Terminal 3 being renovated and reopened in November 2022.
A notable milestone in RUH’s more recent history came on March 12, 2023, when Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman formally announced the establishment of Riyadh Air, a new national carrier that will use RUH as its main hub, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the airport’s development.
RUH Quick Facts and Statistics
- IATA Code: RUH
- Location: Approximately 35 km north of Riyadh city center
- Size: Occupies an area of 375 square kilometers, making it the second-largest airport worldwide in terms of land area
- Opened: November 16, 1983
- Runways: Two parallel runways, each 4,260 meters (13,980 ft) long
- Terminals: Five passenger terminals, plus a Royal Terminal
- Passenger Capacity: Currently handles over 35 million passengers annually
- Flight Operations: Approximately 217,000 flights per year (about 25 flights per hour)
- Airlines: Serves around 51 international and domestic airlines
- Destinations: Connects to more than 105 destinations worldwide
- Parking: Accommodates over 11,600 vehicles
- Control Tower: Stands 81 meters (265 ft) high with 19 separate floor levels
- Cargo Capacity: The cargo village handles 600,000 tons annually
- Awards: Named “Most Improved Airport” at the Skytrax 2022 World Airport Awards and won the “Best Health Measures in the Middle East for 2020” by the Airports Council International
- On-Time Performance: Named the Most On-Time Global Airport for 2024 by Cirium, with an impressive 86.65% on-time departure record across 240,990 tracked flights
Terminal Facilities
Terminal Structure
King Khalid International Airport features five main passenger terminals, along with a separate Royal Terminal for VIPs and government officials:
Terminal 1 has historically been used for all international flights (except those operated by Saudia, Middle East Airlines, and Flynas). It is currently temporarily closed for renovations and might be used by Riyadh Air when it becomes operational.
Terminal 2, which previously served SkyTeam members including Saudia and Flynas, now handles most international flights except those operated by Saudia and Middle East Airlines, which are SkyTeam members, and Flynas.
Terminal 3 has been recently renovated and reopened. It currently hosts Flynas, Flyadeal, Qatar Airways, Pakistan International Airlines, and all SkyTeam members except Saudia.
Terminal 4 has been redeveloped and is now operational, primarily hosting Saudia’s international flights.
Terminal 5, the newest addition which opened in 2016, is used by Saudia and Flynas for domestic flights. This 106,500 square meter rectangular building can serve 16 narrow-body or 8 wide-body aircraft and has a capacity to handle 12 million passengers annually.
The terminals are connected to each other by three linking buildings, each 168 meters long. Most terminals are triangular in plan, with a base area of 47,500 square meters. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are in the same building, allowing passengers to walk between them easily, while all five terminals are connected by a free shuttle service.
Passenger Amenities
RUH offers a comprehensive range of facilities to enhance the passenger experience. The airport features over 30 restaurants and cafes, providing a diverse selection of dining options from fast food to traditional Saudi cuisine. Shopping opportunities are plentiful, with duty-free shops and a variety of retail outlets throughout the terminals.
For passenger convenience, the airport provides free Wi-Fi access, which can be accessed by selecting the desired identification document, following the scanning steps, and entering the access code on the “_KKIA Free Wi-Fi” network page.
Banking services are available with four bank branches and 19 ATMs distributed throughout the facility. Baggage services offices are located at the baggage claim areas, and information counters can be found centrally in the terminal buildings.
Lounges
The airport offers several premium lounges for travelers seeking enhanced comfort:
The Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 2’s International Departures area offers comfortable seating, food and beverage options, and access to international newspapers and magazines.
Nasmiles Lounge, part of the flynas loyalty program, is accessible for a fee to all passengers, with complimentary access for flynas premium class passengers.
Hayyak Lounge, located in Terminal 3 near Gates 304 and 306, is the only lounge available in that terminal.
The Wassan Lounge in Terminal 5 caters to travelers with long layovers, featuring cozy private pods where passengers can rest and sleep before their journey.
Religious Facilities
A distinctive feature of RUH is its impressive mosque, which can accommodate 5,000 worshippers. The mosque’s architecture is striking, featuring a large circular dome inscribed with verses from Surah al-Hadid in the Holy Quran. The building consists of two floors and is visible from all airport terminals, serving as a central architectural element that reflects the importance of Islamic faith in Saudi culture.
Airlines and Routes
King Khalid International Airport serves as a major hub for aviation in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East region.
Hub Airlines
The airport is a primary hub for:
- Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines): The national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia
- Flynas: A leading Saudi low-cost carrier
- Flyadeal: Saudia’s low-cost subsidiary
In addition, the recently announced Riyadh Air will use RUH as its base when it begins operations.
Major Airlines
RUH hosts approximately 51 international and domestic airlines. Some of the notable carriers operating at the airport include:
Aegean Airlines, Air Arabia, Air India, AnadoluJet, Azerbaijan Airlines, British Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Egyptair, flydubai, Gulf Air, IndiGo, KLM, Kuwait Airways, Lufthansa, Middle East Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, SriLankan Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and many others.
Route Network
The airport connects Riyadh to over 105 destinations across the globe, serving as a vital link between Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world. Domestic flights link Riyadh to other Saudi cities like Jeddah, Dammam, and Medina, while international routes connect to major cities across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.
The busiest domestic route is Riyadh-Jeddah, which was the fastest-growing domestic route in the world in 2024. The airfield operates around the clock, supporting approximately 217,000 flights annually, averaging about 25 flights per hour.
Ground Transportation
King Khalid International Airport offers various transportation options to connect travelers to Riyadh city center and beyond.
Riyadh Metro
A notable advancement in public transportation is the Riyadh Metro’s Line 4, which began serving the airport on December 1, 2024. This metro system provides passengers with a quick and comfortable way to reach the city center, with stations serving the airport including Airport T1-2, Airport T3-4, and Airport T5. This development has significantly improved accessibility and reduced travel times for passengers.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxi services are readily available at designated areas right outside the arrival building. Reputable companies such as SAFWA, Airport Taxi, and SATCO provide services, with information boards guiding passengers to the taxi area. The journey from the airport to downtown Riyadh typically takes around 45 minutes.
Ride-hailing services are also popular, with apps like Careem, Uber, and Bolt operating in Riyadh. According to the official airport website, this is the recommended method of transportation for travelers.
Car Rentals
Several car rental services operate at RUH, offering various vehicle options for those who prefer to drive themselves. Non-Saudi residents planning to rent a car should obtain an International Driving Permit before arrival.
Airport Shuttles
Free shuttle buses provide transportation between terminals, departing every 10 minutes from outside each terminal building. This service helps passengers navigate the expansive airport complex efficiently.
Private Car Services
For a more luxurious experience, travelers can pre-book private car services that offer door-to-door transportation to hotels and other destinations in Riyadh.
Future Development Plans
King Khalid International Airport is set for a transformative expansion that will dramatically increase its capacity and enhance its status as a global aviation hub.
2030 Expansion Plan
The airport will undergo a massive expansion by 2030, increasing its area to 57 square kilometers (22 square miles). This ambitious plan includes the development of three to four large passenger terminals and an increase from two runways to six, along with numerous other facilities and amenities.
These enhancements will enable RUH to handle 120 million passengers annually after 2030, with a projected capacity of 185 million passengers per year by 2050, placing it among the world’s largest airports.
Terminal 6 Development
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is planning to build Terminal 6 (T6) at RUH. With a handling capacity of 35 million passengers, this new terminal could become the largest in the Middle East, further cementing Riyadh’s position as a major international aviation hub.
Support for Saudi Vision 2030
These expansion plans align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil. The goal is to achieve 330 million passengers traveling into, out of, and around the Kingdom by 2030, with RUH playing a central role in this vision.
Riyadh Air Launch
The launch of Riyadh Air, expected to commence operations in 2025, will significantly impact RUH’s future development. As the home base for this new national carrier, the airport will need to accommodate increased traffic and provide enhanced facilities to support the airline’s operations and ambitious growth plans.
Digital Transformation
In June 2021, Riyadh Airports collaborated with Belgium-based ADB Safegate for a digital transformation project that includes a state-of-the-art integrated airport management platform. This initiative aims to optimize operational efficiency and enhance the passenger experience, bringing cutting-edge technology to every aspect of airport operations.
As King Khalid International Airport continues to evolve and expand, it remains committed to providing world-class facilities and services while reflecting Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage. The airport’s development plans showcase the Kingdom’s ambition to become a global aviation powerhouse, with RUH serving as its crown jewel and the primary gateway to its rapidly developing capital city.
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