Saudi Arabia advances national strategies, expands airports: Al-Jasser

Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services

Saudi Arabia is making significant progress in implementing its national aviation strategy, said Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser.

He added that the national transport and logistics strategy is derived from the Kingdom's Vision 2030.

In a press statement issued on the sidelines of the Future Aviation Forum, Al-Jasser explained that the ministry is taking clear steps to implement the new strategy, particularly in terms of airports, and is working on building and expanding many airports.

King Salman Airport in Riyadh, which will be one of the largest airports in the world, will have a capacity of 100 million passengers by 2030, Al-Jasser added.

King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah and other newly opened airports, such as Red Sea Airport and Neom International Airport have been opened, as well as expansions in various other airports are being carried out.

The minister noted that several terminals were inaugurated in the past period.

The ministry is working on new airports including Jazan Airport, Al Baha Airport, and Al Jouf Airport. In addition, a significant expansion announced in partnership with the private sector for Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah, which will increase its capacity from 8 million to 17 million.

He pointed out that aviation companies have made significant investments, including Public Investment Fund-owned Riyadh Air, Al-Jasser said.

Riyadh Air announced a deal for more than 78 wide-body and 40 optional aircraft, with plans for further acquisitions. The first flight is set to commence next year.

Moreover, Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) will unify its operations and establish a major aviation hub at King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah. The airline will utilize its current fleet of over 150 aircraft and the new deals announced for 40 wide-body aircraft and 105 single-aisle aircraft to connect King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah with other airports in the Kingdom and the world, the minister added.

Many steps to develop the legislative side, including the Civil Aviation Law, economic regulations, customer service regulations, airspace management, and many activities are being coordinated and collaborated with all relevant entities, including airport service providers, catering, ground services, maintenance, and security services at airports, the top official highlighted.

All airport security services are subject to developments and updates to achieve the main targets outlined in the strategy, he added.