Saudi Arabia is building the world largest airport in Riyadh as a cornerstone of its Vision 2030 strategy, aiming to transform the nation into a global travel hub. This massive project, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, is expected to be completed by the end of the decade, aligning with the country’s broader goals of economic diversification and international appeal.
A Key Component of Vision 2030
The Vision 2030 strategy, launched in 2016, is designed to reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependency on oil revenues by fostering growth in other sectors such as tourism and foreign investment. The new airport is a critical part of this vision, aimed at boosting Riyadh’s position as a global logistics hub and stimulating transport, trade, and tourism.
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Masterplan and Features of World Largest Airport
Unveiled in November 2022 by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the masterplan for King Salman International Airport promises an expansive development on the site of the existing King Khalid airport in Riyadh. Covering approximately 34 square miles, the airport will feature:
- Six parallel runways
- Residential and recreational facilities
- Retail outlets
- Cutting-edge green initiatives powered by renewable energy
Designed by Foster + Partners and Jacobs Solutions, the airport will prioritize sustainability, incorporating advanced green technologies into its infrastructure. The goal is to support Riyadh’s transformation into one of the top ten city economies in the world while significantly increasing the capital’s population.
Capacity and Economic Impact
Once completed, the King Salman International Airport is expected to handle an initial passenger capacity of 120 million annually, eventually rising to 185 million by 2050. This would make it the largest airport globally by passenger numbers, surpassing Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which currently accommodates around 105 million passengers each year.
🇸🇦| British consultancy firm Mace has been appointed as the principal consultant for the #King_Salman_International_Airport project. The company will oversee project management, design, cost consultations, and procurement. With over 30 years of global experience, including… pic.twitter.com/JgetL6sa4A
— Aviation Culture (@AviCultureEn) February 29, 2024
The airport is also projected to contribute 27 billion Saudi riyals annually to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP and create 103,000 direct and indirect jobs, aligning with the objectives of Vision 2030.
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Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the ambitious plans, the project faces potential delays similar to other elements of Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s diversification program. The Neom project, which includes “The Line” – a 105-mile smart city – has experienced significant setbacks and controversies, including reported delays and scaling back of plans.
However, Saudi Arabia remains committed to its Vision 2030 goals, with the airport project aiming to be operational in time for Riyadh to host the World Expo in 2030 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s plan to build the world largest airport is a testament to its ambitious Vision 2030 strategy. By enhancing its global travel infrastructure, the country aims to diversify its economy, attract foreign investment, and boost tourism. While challenges remain, the successful completion of King Salman International Airport could mark a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s journey towards becoming a leading global economic and logistical hub.
