Madinah airport expansion slated for Oct. 2027 completion: GACA President

Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of The General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA)

The General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej said the ongoing expansion project at Madinah Airport would increase its capacity to 18 million passengers upon completion in October 2027.

Speaking at the Hajj Conference and Exhibition, Al-Duailej added that the Saudi aviation sector is a key enabler of the Pilgrim Experience Program’s targets. He noted that efforts are underway through 2026 to ensure pilgrims’ comfort during the upcoming Hajj season across the six main airports.

He said Jeddah Airport set a record by receiving 52 million passengers last year. Development works also include upgrading and rehabilitating Terminal 4, with a capacity exceeding 15 million passengers, expanding the airport’s Hajj terminals to accommodate 16 million passengers, and expanding Terminal 1.

Al-Duailej pointed out that Taif Airport has undergone expansions that increased its capacity to 1.1 million passengers, making it a key supporting airport for King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

According to Argaam data, the second phase of the development and expansion project at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport was inaugurated in March 2024, with SAR 1.2 billion investments. The project aims to lift the airport’s annual capacity to 17 million passengers by the end of 2027, compared to around eight million pre-expansion.