Royal Commission For AlUla And Alliance Aviation Sign Partnership To Enhance Private Aviation Services

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCA) has partnered with Alliance Aviation Arabia to manage a new Private Aviation Hangar at AlUla International Airport. This agreement, announced during the Future Investment Initiative Conference, aims to strengthen AlUla's role as a logistics hub in north-west Saudi Arabia. The collaboration addresses the rising demand for private aviation services, with nearly 7,000 private aircraft movements recorded between 2023 and 2024.

AlUla International Airport is undergoing significant upgrades to support its growing operations. The main terminal building has been refurbished, and the aircraft apron expanded to accommodate larger planes. These improvements have increased passenger capacity from 100,000 to 700,000 annually, meeting the needs of both domestic and international visitors.

The airport's airside facilities have also seen expansion. The service apron now covers 89,000 square meters, while taxiways have been extended by 110,000 square meters. This development allows the airport to handle up to 15 aircraft simultaneously. Such enhancements are part of RCA’s masterplan aiming for two million annual visitors and contributing SAR150 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2035.

This strategic partnership aligns with RCU’s sustainable development goals and Saudi Vision 2030. It will create new economic opportunities in the region by offering ground handling and secure storage for mid-sized aircraft. The collaboration reflects RCU’s commitment to leveraging operational expertise in private aviation to enhance service quality and expand air connectivity.

In addition to infrastructure improvements, a state-of-the-art executive lounge has been established at AlUla International Airport. Its design draws inspiration from AlUla’s natural environment, providing a unique experience for travelers. This initiative underscores the airport's dedication to excellence in passenger engagement and service quality.

Significant Growth in Passenger Traffic

The airport achieved a remarkable increase in passenger numbers in 2024, with a 365% rise compared to 2021. Domestic and international flights also saw a surge of 270% over the same period. These figures highlight the airport's growing importance as a regional transport hub.

To further improve passenger flow, current expansion works include increasing immigration counters in arrival and departure halls to 18 counters. Self-service e-gates are being introduced alongside a dedicated baggage carousel in the international arrivals hall. These developments aim to elevate the overall travel experience significantly.

Future Developments

The partnership between RCU and Alliance Aviation Arabia is part of broader plans for AlUla International Airport's development. Future projects include terminal expansions, additional service facilities, and introducing a virtual air traffic control tower. Enhancements in operational infrastructure will boost capacity and efficiency for domestic, regional, and international flights.

AlUla International Airport is set to become one of Saudi Arabia's largest airports with an estimated total area of 2.4 million square meters. Reflecting its ongoing commitment to excellence, it received Airport Customer Experience Accreditation from Airports Council International (ACI) in 2023.

This accreditation recognises the airport's dedication to engaging passengers and continuously improving service quality across all touchpoints.

With inputs from SPA