Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — About 90 percent of the new airport in Jeddah, which comprises the existing King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA), has been completed, Deputy Emir of Emir, Prince Abdullah Bin Bandar was told in a recent meeting with the Deputy Minister of Transport, Saad Al-Khalab, who briefed the prince about the projects the ministry is executing in Jeddah.

Khalab said the airport, covering an area of 670,000 sq. meters, will consist of 82 domestic, international and VIP lounges in addition to 96 air bridges.

It will serve about 30 million passengers in its first phase starting early 2018.

“This phase will follow the test run of the airport which is designed to serve about 100 million passengers every year,” he said.

“The new airport is one of the vital development projects in Jeddah which is a giant economic city,” he added.

Khalab also said the KAIA is one of the most active airports in the Kingdom serving about 36.5 percent of the passengers in the country.

He said in its first phase, the airport will serve about 30 million passengers, 55 million in the second and 100 million in its third and final phase.

“The new airport will be able to receive the new generation of aircraft and will be a pivotal air facility in the region,” he said.

The deputy minister said the airport will have ample investment and business opportunities for the private sector to provide various services to the passengers.

Briefing the deputy emir on the Haramain Express Train, the deputy minister said the project would be completed by the end of this year. The train will cross the 450-km distance between Makkah and Madinah, in just over two hours.

It has been designed to serve about 60 million pilgrims and residents by 35 well-equipped, fast and comfortable trains.