In a strategic move, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, also the chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, announced on Thursday the initiation of the master plan for the expansion of Abha International Airport. The comprehensive expansion aims to increase the airport’s capacity tenfold, accommodating more than 13 million passengers annually, up from the current capacity of 1.5 million passengers.
As part of the expansion, the airport is set to handle over 90,000 flights per year, a substantial surge from the current 30,000 flights, according to reports from the Saudi Press Agency. The transformative project aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and Asir’s development strategy, positioning the region as an alluring tourist destination.
The envisioned new Abha airport is poised to play a pivotal role in bolstering air connectivity, targeting 250 destinations and facilitating the transport of 330 million passengers. The design of the airport is carefully crafted to integrate with the rich heritage of the southern Asir region, aspiring to become a distinctive landmark within the Kingdom.
Scheduled for completion by 2028, the first phase of the expansion will witness the terminal area expanding to 65,000 square meters, a significant increase from the existing 10,500 square meters. The enhancements include the incorporation of passenger boarding bridges, streamlined self-service facilities to expedite travel procedures, and the development of high-capacity parking facilities. The expanded airport will boast 20 gates and 41 check-in counters, featuring seven new self-service check-in kiosks.
Importantly, the architectural design of the new Abha airport is set to reflect the unique identity of the Asir region, showcasing Saudi culture. The emphasis on offering a distinctive travel experience aligns with the broader vision of providing high efficiency and seamless services for both visitors and travelers. Saudi Arabia’s investment in this ambitious airport expansion project signals a commitment to advancing its aviation infrastructure and promoting the Asir region as a key destination in the country.
