KSIA to boost Kingdom's status as global logistical hub, promote aviation economics: Al-Jasser

Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser

Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser said that King Salman International Airport (KSIA) will prominently contribute to enhancing the Kingdom's status as a global logistical hub, linking the three continents, while bolstering the National Transport and Logistics Strategy’s goals, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

KSIA will also contribute to the empowerment of the national strategies of other sectors, such as commerce, industry and tourism, in a bid to implement their ambitious targets for sustainable development, he added.

Being a sophisticated economic hub, an urban landmark and a model of integrated transport, the airport will promote the development of the logistics industry. It will also enhance the aviation economics in accordance with the objectives of the Saudi Aviation Strategy.

Under this strategy, the Kingdom’s flight services would expand to reach more than 250 international destinations, along with transporting 330 million passengers. This is besides doubling the air cargo sector’s capacity to more than 4.5 million tons, according to the minister.

He also highlighted the Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) contributions and significant national role in the delivery of major projects in the transport and logistics sector.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also Prime Minister, Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs and PIF Chairman, announced earlier today, Nov. 28, the KSIA's masterplan, Argaam’s data showed.

The airport is set to boost Riyadh’s position as a global logistics center and stimulate transport, trade and tourism, while connecting the Eastern and Western regions.

KSIA is expected to be one of the world’s largest airports, covering nearly 57 square kilometers (km2), allowing for six parallel runways and including the existing terminals named after King Khalid. It will also comprise 12 km2 of airport support, residential and recreational facilities, as well as retail outlets and other logistics real estate.