World’s Largest “King Salman International Airport” to Open in 2030, Transforming Saudi Aviation

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – In a major development for the aviation industry, the world’s largest airport, King Salman International Airport, is set to begin operations in Riyadh by 2030. The airport, spanning an area of 57 square kilometers, will feature six major runways and 12 square kilometers of retail outlets, providing passengers with an extensive shopping experience while they await flights.

The airport’s design is being spearheaded by the renowned architecture firm Foster + Partners, known for iconic projects such as the Midtown Bus Terminal in New York City and the new Marseille Airport. The project is expected to create around 150,000 jobs, though specific airlines operating from the airport have yet to be announced.

Key Features of King Salman International Airport:

• Passenger Capacity: The airport is projected to handle up to 120 million passengers annually, with expansion plans to reach a capacity of 185 million by 2050.
• Economic Vision: This massive project aligns with Saudi Arabia’s vision to boost tourism and position Riyadh among the world’s top ten economic cities.

Currently, the world’s largest airport is King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, which opened in 1999 and serves over 10 million passengers annually across 37 airlines. King Salman International Airport is expected to surpass this capacity, marking a new era in Saudi Arabia’s journey toward becoming a global aviation and tourism hub.