Recently, the British Foster Architects announced that they are planning the King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, which will have six runways. This international airport project in the Saudi capital was announced by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in August 2023 as a national infrastructure development plan, covering an area of 57 square kilometers. In addition to six parallel runways, the plan includes the construction of residential areas, entertainment facilities, and logistics areas, aiming to create one of the world’s largest airports.
The new airport will be designed by the prestigious Foster Architects. The person in charge, Luke Fox, revealed: “Our design concept for the airport is to transform the traditional terminal model into a continuous hall ring road, which will be served through multiple entry points. By integrating natural elements, soft lighting, and cutting-edge technical facilities, we aim to create an airport environment that seamlessly blends urban life with the sensory experience of travelers.”
Saudi Arabia Aims to Build the World’s Largest Airport, King Salman International Airport, and the Taif Airport Project Has Launched a Global Tender
Recently, the British Foster Architects announced that they are planning the King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, which will have six runways. This international airport project in the Saudi capital was announced by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in August 2023 as a national infrastructure development plan, covering an area of 57 square kilometers. In addition to six parallel runways, the plan includes the construction of residential areas, entertainment facilities, and logistics areas, aiming to create one of the world’s largest airports.
The expansion project of King Salman International Airport is based on the existing King Khalid International Airport and is expected to have at least six parallel runways after completion. This expansion project is expected to significantly enhance Saudi Arabia’s air transport capacity, with the annual passenger volume expected to increase from the current 29 million to 120 million by 2030, and further to 185 million by 2050. At the same time, the number of aircraft takeoffs and landings in Saudi Arabia will increase from 211,000 per year to over 1 million. If the project can be completed as planned by 2030, it is expected to become the airport with the highest passenger volume in the world.
The new airport will be designed by the prestigious Foster Architects. The person in charge, Luke Fox, revealed: “Our design concept for the airport is to transform the traditional terminal model into a continuous hall ring road, which will be served through multiple entry points. By integrating natural elements, soft lighting, and cutting-edge technical facilities, we aim to create an airport environment that seamlessly blends urban life with the sensory experience of travelers.”
The new airport is designed as a ring-shaped structure with multiple entry points. The airport will be equipped with a shopping area of more than 4.5 square miles, a dedicated “accommodation and entertainment” area, and a logistics center.
The design of the airport focuses on sustainability, with a particular emphasis on the use of renewable energy. The terminal building will use a large amount of glass in its design, aiming to enhance the visual connection between indoor space and the external environment, allowing users to feel the outdoor atmosphere even when indoors.
Once this airport is completed, it will greatly enhance Riyadh’s position as a global logistics hub and become an important link connecting the East and the West.
In addition to the airport project, Saudi Arabia is also actively investing in other domestic airport projects.
