Saudi Arabia announces major revamp of King Khalid International Airport terminals

King Khalid International Airport (KKIA), operated and managed by Riyadh Airports Company (RAC), will begin implementing a major transformation plan during the first quarter of 2026, it was announced on Saturday.

This plan is one of KKIA's most prominent development projects, designed to advance the vision for airports, given its comprehensive operational and organisational scope for RAC. It will be the airport’s first comprehensive overhaul since it opened more than 40 years ago.

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As part of the plan, a large operational reallocation between terminals will be carried out after redesigns were completed to preserve the airport’s original architectural identity. Under the new arrangement, Terminal 5 will be designated for international flights operated by foreign airlines, while Terminals 3 and 4 will be allocated for domestic flights. Meanwhile, Terminals 1 and 2 will continue to serve international flights operated by national airlines.

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This major reorganisation is expected to increase terminal capacity, improve ease of movement between terminals, and reduce waiting times between flights, enhancing the traveler experience and service quality. The actual date of the reorganisation will be announced once all airport sectors and airlines have confirmed operational readiness.

Riyadh Airports Company, in coordination with the General Authority of Civil Aviation and MATARAT Holding, affirmed that this move is part of an ambitious strategy to improve the passenger experience at KKIA, including a package of development initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and the quality of services provided to travellers.

The major transformation plan for KKIA aims to support national aspirations and strategic objectives for the Saudi aviation sector, strengthen its regional and international leadership, and align with Saudi Vision 2030 by developing the air transport sector and reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub connecting three continents through advanced infrastructure and a world-class travel experience.