Riyadh, October 12, 2023, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, unveiled the master plan for the upgraded Abha International Airport.
This ambitious project is set to bring a new architectural identity to the Asir region, mirroring the region's rich heritage and establishing the airport as a significant landmark within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The plan includes a substantial expansion of the airport's terminal area, increasing it from the current 10,500 square meters to a vast 65,000 square meters. This expansion encompasses the addition of passenger boarding bridges, self-service facilities to streamline travel procedures, and high-capacity parking facilities.
Notably, the airport's design will reflect the unique architectural character of the Asir region, offering a distinct and culturally-rich travel experience while ensuring efficient and seamless services for all visitors and travelers. Furthermore, the upgraded airport's capacity will see a substantial increase, with the ability to accommodate more than 13 million passengers annually—ten times the current capacity of 1.5 million. It is also expected to handle over 90,000 flights annually, a significant rise from the current 30,000 flights. The airport will feature 20 gates and 41 check-in counters, including seven new self-service check-in kiosks.
The transformation of the Abha International Airport is not only a monumental development but also aligns with the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. This initiative is expected to bolster the appeal of the Asir region as a prime tourist destination and contribute to the region's comprehensive development strategy. It will also play a crucial role in expanding air connectivity to 250 destinations and accommodating 330 million passengers, marking a significant milestone for the aviation sector in the Kingdom.
