King Salman International Airport (KSIA): Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Global Aviation Hub Set to Open by 2030, Can Create 103,000 direct and indirect jobs with 7.19 billion USD GDP

Published on October 10, 2024

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is poised to become home to one of the world’s largest and most advanced airports, King Salman International Airport (KSIA), which is expected to open by 2030. Covering approximately 57 square kilometers and designed to accommodate up to 100 million passengers annually, the KSIA is a key element of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the economy by transforming the kingdom into a global hub for travel, logistics, and tourism.

With a multi-billion-dollar investment, cutting-edge design, and a strong focus on sustainability, the airport will play a crucial role in Saudi Arabia’s long-term efforts to reduce its reliance on oil revenue and develop a more diversified economy. In addition to serving as a key transportation hub, KSIA will reflect the cultural identity of Riyadh, while catering to the needs and interests of Generation Alpha, the tech-savvy generation expected to dominate future travel demographics.

KSIA: A Centerpiece of Saudi Vision 2030

The construction and development of King Salman International Airport form a key part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to establish the country as a global logistics hub while enhancing its tourism and economic sectors. The airport’s immense scale and innovative features are in line with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals of becoming a leader in the global aviation and logistics industries.

KSIA’s first development phase aims to accommodate 100 million passengers by 2030—a substantial increase from the current capacity of King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh. Moreover, KSIA will also process 2 million tons of cargo per year, further bolstering Saudi Arabia’s standing in global trade.

By integrating cutting-edge technology with environmentally sustainable practices, KSIA will offer seamless connectivity between passenger and cargo operations, positioning the airport as a global leader in aviation innovation and sustainability.

Innovative Design and Strategic Partnerships

In August 2024, renowned international firms Foster + Partners, Jacobs, Mace, and Saudi-based Nera were appointed by the King Salman International Airport Development Company to design and execute the airport’s construction. The plans feature six parallel runways, multiple new terminals, and an array of facilities to handle millions of passengers and tons of cargo with maximum efficiency.

Architectural firm Foster + Partners is known for its sustainable and futuristic designs, and its involvement in KSIA reflects the project’s commitment to both environmental responsibility and technological advancement. The airport’s LEED Platinum certification goal underscores its dedication to reducing environmental impact through the use of renewable energy sources, advanced green technologies, and sustainable materials.

According to Mammen Tharakan, VP of investment and partnership for the project, the airport’s design will seamlessly integrate various modes of transportation, enhancing regional connectivity and positioning KSIA as a transportation hub in line with Saudi Arabia’s logistics and transportation goals.

“The connectivity from passenger terminals to cargo areas is being prioritized to reflect the importance of belly cargo in our operations and to improve the kingdom’s logistic performance index to be among the top 10 globally,” Tharakan said in an interview with Aviation Week.

Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability is a critical component of KSIA’s development plan, with the airport aiming to achieve LEED Platinum certification, the highest standard for sustainable building design. This goal will be achieved through a combination of renewable energy solutions, energy-efficient systems, and green technologies designed to minimize the airport’s carbon footprint.

The airport will also feature advanced waste management systems, rainwater harvesting, and solar energy installations to power airport operations. These initiatives are part of Saudi Arabia’s larger efforts to adopt environmentally friendly practices and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, aligning with the kingdom’s Green Initiative launched under Vision 2030.

By embedding sustainability into its infrastructure, KSIA will serve as a model for green airports around the world, with a focus on reducing energy consumption and minimizing the environmental impact of its operations.

Cultural Identity and Catering to Generation Alpha

In addition to its innovative features and sustainability initiatives, KSIA will reflect the cultural identity of Riyadh and Saudi Arabia as a whole. From its architectural design to its interior aesthetics, the airport will incorporate elements that showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, providing travelers with an authentic Saudi experience from the moment they arrive.

Tharakan explained that the design of the airport would take into account the preferences and interests of Generation Alpha—the digitally connected generation born after 2010—who are projected to make up the majority of future travelers. According to Tharakan, 63% of Saudi Arabia’s population is under the age of 35, and this younger demographic will play a significant role in the country’s future economic and social landscape.

“We are keenly focused on the trends and interests of the younger generation, which represents 63% of the population in Saudi Arabia, ensuring that we retain a truly Saudi identity in our design,” Tharakan said. The airport will offer tech-forward amenities, immersive digital experiences, and spaces designed to appeal to younger travelers who value convenience, technology, and personalization in their travel experiences.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

In addition to its operational and environmental goals, KSIA is projected to make a significant economic impact on Saudi Arabia. The airport is expected to contribute approximately 27 billion Saudi riyals ($7.19 billion) annually to the kingdom’s non-oil GDP, in line with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its economy away from oil.

Moreover, the project will create approximately 103,000 direct and indirect jobs, offering opportunities for local and international talent in construction, operations, logistics, and aviation-related industries. The development of KSIA is part of Saudi Arabia’s larger strategy to boost employment, particularly in non-oil sectors, and to support the country’s long-term economic growth.

The Saudi government sees the airport as a cornerstone of its Vision 2030 plans to become a global logistics leader, facilitating international trade, tourism, and transportation across multiple industries.

Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Tourism and Logistics Goals

As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is committed to boosting tourism and establishing itself as a world-class tourist destination. With Riyadh’s King Salman International Airport at the heart of these plans, the airport will serve as a gateway for millions of international visitors, contributing to the growth of the kingdom’s tourism industry.

The airport’s capacity to handle up to 100 million passengers by 2030 aligns with the government’s goal to attract 100 million tourists annually by that same year. With KSIA acting as a global hub for international travel, Saudi Arabia aims to become a leading destination for leisure, business, and religious tourism.

KSIA will also play a critical role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s logistics goals, particularly through its cargo-handling capabilities. With the capacity to process 2 million tons of cargo annually, KSIA is positioned to become a key player in global trade, facilitating the movement of goods across continents and connecting Saudi Arabia with major global markets.

Conclusion: KSIA Set to Transform Riyadh and Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Sector

As Saudi Arabia embarks on an ambitious journey to establish itself as a global travel and logistics hub, the development of King Salman International Airport (KSIA) stands out as a key driver of this transformation. With its massive scale, innovative design, and sustainability focus, KSIA is expected to become one of the world’s largest and most advanced airports by the time it opens in 2030.

Incorporating cultural identity, cutting-edge technology, and environmental responsibility, the airport will reflect Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions and contribute to the kingdom’s economic diversification efforts. By attracting millions of passengers and processing millions of tons of cargo, KSIA will help cement Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics leader and a key player in the world’s aviation industry.