Saudi Gazette report

ABHA — Emir of Asir Prince Turki Bin Talal has launched a project for the expansion of Abha International Airport within the numerous development projects carried out by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) as part of its strategy in compliance with the Kingdom's 2030 Vision. It is aimed at achieving the sustainable development of the Saudi national economy, promoting the basic infrastructure and upgrading the services being provided for the passengers.

The airport's development projects consisted of expanding the arrival and departure lounges and rehabilitating and improving the main runway with a view to increasing the operational capacity of the airport.

The departure lounge is proposed to be expanded to reach 805 sq. meters accommodating about 309 passengers and the expansion of the arrival lounge is set at 1,030 sq. meters accommodating 340 passengers.

There will be two gates for departure and two others for arrival, a carousel for luggage and 12 passport counters.

The parking area for the aircraft has been expanded to accommodate 13 planes at a time while the runway has been expanded to accommodate wide-body aircraft.

The emir lauded the projects being established by GACA and said the authority is building new airports for the welfare and comfort of the citizens and expatriates.