King Salman International Airport (KSIA) has started construction work on a third runway as part of the new airport’s long-term expansion programme.
The new runway is a central element of the airport’s master plan and is intended to support growth in air traffic while improving operational resilience. The project is being delivered in partnership with FCC Construcción SA and Al-Mabani General Contractors Company.
The runway has been designed to align with prevailing wind conditions in Riyadh, with the aim of maintaining safe and efficient aircraft operations across a range of operating scenarios. The runway will be 4,200 metres long and will include multiple access taxiways to support efficient aircraft movements on the ground.
The airport’s current operational capacity is around 65 aircraft movements per hour. With the addition of the third runway and associated operational enhancements, this figure is expected to rise to approximately 85 movements per hour.
Marco Mejia, Acting Chief Executive Officer of King Salman International Airport said:Launching construction of the third runway marks a pivotal step in delivering the KSIA Master Plan and reflects our commitment to developing world-class infrastructure capable of supporting future growth, enhancing operational efficiency, and expanding long-haul connectivity without constraints.
KSIA is being developed on the existing site of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Plans include the integration of current terminals alongside three new terminals, as well as residential, leisure and logistics facilities. The full development will cover approximately 57 square kilometres and is designed to include six runways.
The airport project was announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and forms part of the Kingdom’s wider aviation and economic development agenda under Saudi Vision 2030.
When complete, the airport is planned to accommodate up to 100 million passengers annually and handle more than two million tonnes of cargo by 2030. KSIA said the third runway is expected to support the gradual expansion of international services and strengthen Riyadh’s role within the regional and global air transport network.
