Riyadh King Khalid International Airport Opens Terminal 2 As Terminals 1 And 2 Development Reaches Completion

International Terminal 2 has been opened at King Khalid International Airport, alongside completion of the redevelopment of Terminals 1 and 2. The project raises combined annual capacity to about 14 million passengers, up from six million, strengthening Riyadh’s role as a major aviation hub and supporting growing international travel.

According to the General Authority of Civil Aviation, this expansion delivers passenger capacity growth of more than 130 percent. King Khalid International Airport is also estimated to contribute 2.2 percent of Riyadh’s gross domestic product in 2024, equal to around SAR22.5 billion, while supporting nearly 66,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The development project at King Khalid International Airport assigns clear roles for each international terminal. International Departure Terminal 1 is dedicated to international flights operated by Flyadeal and flynas, while Terminal 2 now handles international services of Saudia and Riyadh Air, supporting organised operations for different airlines and routes.

Facilities within the departure halls at King Khalid International Airport include 114 passenger check-in counters. These are supported by 43 manned passport control counters and 20 automated e-gates. The combined systems are designed to reduce waiting times, speed up travel procedures, and maintain smooth movement of passengers through both terminals.

On the arrivals side at King Khalid International Airport, Terminals 1 and 2 together provide 75 counters and 22 automated passport e-gates. There are also eight customs inspection devices installed. These features aim to handle international passenger flows efficiently and maintain high operational readiness during peak travel seasons and regular daily operations.

The Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz sponsored the opening ceremony for International Terminal 2 and the upgraded Terminals 1 and 2. During the event, Prince Faisal stated, "Riyadh has become a global meeting point for occasions, conferences, and forums." Prince Faisal also described the airport as a distinguished architectural landmark among major global airports.

King Khalid International Airport role in Vision 2030 and aviation growth

Prince Faisal praised all sectors working at King Khalid International Airport, noting coordination with the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services on project implementation. The governor highlighted how the expanded facilities support tourism flows, business travel, and the wider objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to strengthen air connectivity and develop the aviation sector across the Kingdom.

President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Chairman of the Board of Directors of MATARAT Holding Company Abdulaziz Al-Duailej said the completed development and expansion of International Terminals 1 and 2, combined with the opening of Terminal 2, represents a qualitative leap for the airport. Al-Duailej explained that infrastructure upgrades and modern operational systems improve the passenger experience and enhance air operation efficiency.

Al-Duailej added that the project at King Khalid International Airport supports tourism movement and enables airlines to expand their networks from Riyadh. The enhanced capacity and facilities help the airport accommodate rising air traffic while staying aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 targets for transport, logistics, and economic diversification within the capital city.

The inauguration of the Terminals 1 and 2 development project forms part of a broader programme of upgrades at King Khalid International Airport. These continuous improvements aim to raise operational efficiency, enhance the reliability of services for travellers, and strengthen Riyadh’s position as an international gateway capable of absorbing future growth in air traffic.

With inputs from SPA