KKIA: New int’l terminal opens as revamp of Terminals 1, 2 concludes

The combined capacity of the two terminals after the expansion has reached approximately 14 million passengers per year, a growth of more than 130% compared to 6 million passengers previously

Governor of Riyadh Province Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz inaugurated today, Jan. 25, International Terminal 2, and announced the completion of the revamp project for Terminals 1 and 2 at King Khalid International Airport (KKIA), the state-run news agency SPA reported.

The combined capacity of the two new terminals post-expansion was brought to approximately 14 million passengers per year. This is a more than 130% increase from the previous six million passenger capacity, thereby enhancing the airport’s readiness to accommodate the elevated air traffic, according to the governor.

The upgrading of the Terminals 1 and 2 features advanced operational readiness for international flights.

Accordingly, the International Terminal 1 has been designated to handle international flights operated by flyadeal and flynas, while Terminal 2 is now dedicated to Saudia and Riyadh Air.

The departure area now comprises 114 check-in counters, 43 passport control counters, and 20 e-gates. Meanwhile, in the arrivals area, the two terminals include 75 passport control counters, 22 e-gates, and eight customs screening machines.

Prince Faisal emphasized the economic and developmental impact of KKIA, noting that it contributed an estimated 2.2% to Riyadh’s 2024 GDP — equivalent to about SAR 22.5 billion — and has generated around 66,000 direct and indirect jobs.