Global gateway on way as work on runway takes off

CONSTRUCTION activity at King Salman International Airport (KSIA) is gathering momentum as Saudi Arabia presses ahead with one of the most ambitious aviation infrastructure projects ever undertaken, positioning Riyadh as a global air transport hub and reinforcing the kingdom's Vision 2030 diversification plans.

- 

The latest milestone was the commencement of construction works on the airport's third runway, a critical airfield component being delivered by a joint venture between Spain-headquartered FCC Construcción and the local Al-Mabani General Contractors. This move highlights continued progress in airfield development and enhances the airport's operational readiness to support long-term growth in air traffic demand.

FCC Construcción brings extensive experience in large-scale transport and aviation works, while Al-Mabani is a long-established Saudi contractor with a strong track record in airports and complex civil projects.

Spanning 57 sq km on the existing site of King Khalid International Airport, KSIA is designed to handle 100 million passengers annually and more than two million tonnes of cargo by 2030.

The third runway project represents a defining early package within the KSIA masterplan and reflects a deliberate sequencing strategy that prioritises airfield capacity, operational resilience and scalability.

At 4,200 m in length, the runway has been designed to align with Riyadh’s prevailing wind conditions, supporting safe and efficient aircraft operations across all traffic and weather scenarios. Multiple access taxiways are incorporated to optimise aircraft circulation and reduce ground congestion during peak movements.

Once operational, the third runway is expected to raise airport capacity from 65 aircraft movements per hour to 85 movements per hour, providing a substantial boost to operational efficiency even before the delivery of additional terminals and supporting infrastructure.