Saudi Arabia plans to build one of the world’s largest airports in the capital Riyadh, named after King Salman, which will be capable of handling 185 million passengers a year and eventually powered by renewable energy, according to a statement from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and reported widely by news outlets.
The goal for the new airport, which will be called King Salman International Airport, is to boost Riyadh’s position as a global logistics hub and stimulate transport, trade and tourism, the PIF said.
The airport’s planned footprint is massive: it will cover an area of approximately 57 km2, or 22 square miles, allowing for six parallel runways and airport support facilities, residential and recreational facilities, and retail outlets.
With “sustainability at its core,” King Salman International Airport will be powered by renewable energy, the PIF said. The airport hopes to achieve LEED Platinum certification “by incorporating cutting edge green initiatives.”
“It will become an aerotropolis centered around a seamless customer journey, world-class efficient operations, and innovation. Riyadh’s identity and the Saudi culture will be taken into consideration in the airport’s design to ensure a unique travel experience for visitors and transit travelers,” the PIF said in a statement.
“The announcement comes as part of PIF’s strategy which focuses on unlocking the capabilities of promising sectors to enhance Saudi Arabia’s efforts in diversifying the economy, and it is in line with the National Transport Strategy and the Global Supply Chain Resilience Initiative. The new airport is expected to contribute 27 billion Saudi riyals annually to non-oil GDP and to create 103,000 direct and indirect jobs, in line with Vision 2030 objectives.”
