Riyadh Opens International Terminal 2, Announces Completion of T1 and T2 at King Khalid Airport
Enhanced facilities and expanded capacity at King Khalid International Airport reinforce Riyadh’s role as a global aviation hub.
- Publish date: Monday، 26 January 2026 Reading time: two min read
The Emir of Riyadh, Prince Faisal bin Bandar, has officially inaugurated International Terminal 2 at King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) and announced the completion of the extensive development and expansion project for Terminals 1 and 2.
The ceremony, held on Sunday, January 25, marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to modernise its aviation infrastructure and accommodate increasing global travel demand.
The upgraded facilities have dramatically increased the airport’s handling capacity. Combined, Terminals 1 and 2 can now serve approximately 14 million passengers annually, a more than 130 per cent increase from the previous capacity of six million, positioning KKIA to better support surging international air traffic.
Speaking at the event, Prince Faisal highlighted Riyadh’s growing stature as a global meeting point for conferences, forums and international gatherings. He lauded the airport’s transformation into an architectural landmark with advanced design, high-quality services and modern infrastructure that meets international standards.
Officials from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and MATARAT Holding Company emphasised that the expansion represents a qualitative leap in airport operations, enhancing both infrastructure and passenger experience. The improvements are designed to support the efficient movement of travellers and streamline air operations.
The expanded Terminals include upgraded passenger facilities, with 114 check-in counters, 43 staffed passport control counters and 20 automated e-gates in departure areas, aimed at speeding up processing times and improving flow. On the arrivals side, there are 75 passport control counters, 22 automated e-gates and eight customs inspection devices, all contributing to smoother entries into the Kingdom.
The development reinforces the economic and strategic importance of KKIA. Airport activities contributed about 2.2 per cent to Riyadh’s gross domestic product in 2024, roughly SAR 22.5 billion, and supported nearly 66,000 direct and indirect jobs, reflecting the facility’s pivotal role in the region’s transportation network and broader economic ecosystem.
Under the new structure, Terminal 1 has been assigned for international flights operated by Flyadeal and flynas, while Terminal 2 serves routes for Saudia and Riyadh Air, aligning airline operations with enhanced passenger handling systems.
The completion of this project aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to elevate the Kingdom’s air connectivity, expand tourism, and support sustainable economic diversification by developing world-class transport and logistics infrastructure.