In a momentous announcement, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, also serving as chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, revealed the launch of the comprehensive master plan for the revitalization of the Abha International Airport. As per the statement released by the Saudi Press Agency, the expansion strategy is set to propel the airport’s capacity to unprecedented heights, accommodating over 13 million passengers annually, a significant surge from its current capacity of 1.5 million passengers. Moreover, the airport is slated to handle more than 90,000 flights each year, marking a substantial increase from the current 30,000 flights.
The upgraded Abha airport is expected to play a pivotal role in elevating the prominence of the Asir region as a captivating tourist destination, furthering the region’s comprehensive development strategy. In alignment with the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030, the aviation strategy aims to enhance air connectivity, reaching 250 destinations and facilitating the transportation of 330 million passengers.
Elevating the status of the airport as a distinguished landmark in the Kingdom, the design concept for the new facility integrates a consistent architectural theme reflecting the rich heritage of the southern Asir region. The planned completion of the initial phase of expansion is earmarked for the year 2028.
The ambitious expansion plans encompass a significant augmentation of the terminal area, expanding it to 65,000 square meters, a substantial leap from the existing 10,500 square meters. This transformative initiative will incorporate modern passenger boarding bridges, self-service facilities to streamline travel processes, and an extensive parking facility to cater to the growing passenger influx. In addition, the reimagined airport will house 20 gates and 41 check-in counters, including seven state-of-the-art self-service check-in kiosks.
Embodying the rich architectural heritage of the Asir region, the redesigned airport aims to create an immersive travel experience, blending Saudi cultural elements with seamless efficiency, ensuring unparalleled services for both visitors and travelers alike.