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The airports in Saudi Arabia are vital for commerce, tourism, and spiritual pilgrimages, especially Hajj and Umrah. A large number of airports are well equipped with luxury lounges, duty-free shopping and speedy immigration services to cater to the growing number of travellers. Other than important international airports, Saudi Arabia is also served by domestic and regional airports, making travel around the country easy. They cater to the needs of business, tourism, or religious visitors, providing smooth travel experiences. Familiarity with the airport system aids you in traversing your experience.
10 Important International Airports In Saudi Arabia
Among all the airports, from international to regional and domestic, the following are some of the important international airports in Saudi Arabia that you as a traveller should know about.
1. King Abdulaziz International Airport / JED
Photo: Konstantin von Wedelstaedt / Wikimedia Commons
One of the busiest airports in Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz International Airport is the main gateway for international travellers heading to Mecca. Among its terminals is the Hajj Terminal, specifically built to serve millions of pilgrims annually. It has new architecture, cutting-edge passenger facilities and a smooth transport network. It also features one of the largest airport lounges in the world for business and first-class travellers. Consolidating systems like biometric security and high-speed baggage handling with their AI-fuelled experience, the airport’s recent growth has contributed greatly to the passenger experience.
Location: Jeddah
Airlines: Saudia, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Flynas, Flyadeal
Nearby Attractions: Al-Balad Historic District, Jeddah Corniche, King Fahd Fountain, Red Sea Mall
2. King Khalid International Airport / RUH
Photo: liton islam / Wikimedia Commons
King Khalid International Airport is the main airport for Riyadh and one of the largest airports in Saudi Arabia. Featuring state-of-the-art facilities, it will be a five-terminal airport with separate sections for domestic and international and VIP flights. The airport is undergoing major expansions, with an automated baggage system and AI-driven passenger screening. It is notable for its environmental programs, such as water recycling systems and energy-saving buildings. Future improvements to the facility are part of Riyadh’s Vision 2030 plan, including a high-speed rail link to the city centre.
Location: Riyadh
Airlines: Saudia, Flynas, Flyadeal, British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates
Nearby Attractions: Kingdom Centre Tower, Edge of the World, Diriyah (UNESCO heritage site), Riyadh Front shopping and entertainment district
3. King Fahd International Airport / DMM
Photo: Hmn1988 / Wikimedia Commons
Dammam Airport, King Fahd International Airport, King Fahd, is one of the largest airports in the world by land area, with an area of approximately 776 square km. It is an efficient terminal, with short waits at security and good order at check-in. DMM boasts a fully integrated VIP terminal with services designed for diplomats and other high-profile travellers. The on-site mosque is one of its standout features, a building on the airport’s rooftop that provides panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape.
Location: Dammam
Airlines: Saudia, Flynas, Gulf Air, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Air India
Nearby Attractions: Half Moon Bay (beach destination), Al Khobar Corniche, King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), Dammam Waterfront
4. Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport / MED
Photo: Shaikhad / Wikimedia Commons
Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport serves as an important gateway to Islam’s second holiest city, Medina. With a modern Islamic architectural design, the airport features a mix of traditional Arabian elements and high-tech installations. It is one of the most passenger-friendly airports in the country, focusing on access features such as designated prayer areas and medical help for older travellers. It is possible to travel with ease with the inclusion of modern self-check-in kiosks, smart security lanes and automated immigration clearance in the expansion of the airport.
Location: Medina
Airlines: Saudia, Flynas, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, Turkish Airlines
Nearby Attractions: Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque), Quba Mosque, Mount Uhud, Al Noor Mall
5. Taif International Airport / TIF
Photo: LN9267 / Wikimedia Commons
During peak seasons, Taif International Airport can also be used as a strategic alternative for pilgrims en route to Mecca. TIF is undergoing a major redevelopment to become a regional aviation hub, including a planned expansion designed to increase passenger capacity and flight connectivity. Though a small airport, it has high service standards, VIP lounges, and good baggage handling. Taif International Airport additionally serves military aviation operations besides commercial flight operations.
Location: Taif
Airlines: Saudia, Flynas, Air Arabia, Flyadeal
Nearby Attractions: Shubra Palace, Al Rudaf Park, Saiysad National Park, Taif Rose Gardens
6. Prince Naif Bin Abdulaziz International Airport / ELQ
Photo: Bao Menglong / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Prince Naif Bin Abdulaziz International Airport is in Al-Qassim, a central agricultural region known for date production, among other things. Its international route network has expanded rapidly, particularly to destinations in the Middle East and North Africa. One of the distinctive characteristics of ELQ compared with conventional aircraft is its more modern air traffic control system, maximising flight efficiency and safety. Passenger facilities were improved in recent upgrades, including better seating areas, digital check-in kiosks and increased duty-free options.
Location: Al-Qassim (Buraidah)
Airlines: Saudia, Flynas, Air Arabia, EgyptAir
Nearby Attractions: King Abdullah National Park, Al-Mashooq Market (Traditional Souq), Date Farms of Qassim (famous for high-quality dates)
7. Abha International Airport / ABH
Photo: MarcelX42 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The main airport serving the Asir region of cool climate and mountains is Abha International Airport. As its area is increasingly popular with tourists, the airport has upgraded its passenger experience with a new terminal and better dining and retail options. AHB also has widespread seasonal charter flight support for passive visitors during the summer. Its strategic nearness makes it a preferred transit point for both business and leisure travellers looking to visit Saudi Arabia’s lesser-known natural hideaways.
Location: Abha
Airlines: Saudia, Flynas, EgyptAir, Air Arabia
Nearby Attractions: Asir National Park, Habala Village, Al-Soudah Park (highest peak in Saudi Arabia), Al-Muftaha Village (art and culture hub)
8. Ha’il International Airport / HAS
Photo: Stas Knop / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Ha’il International Airport is an essential hub connecting Saudi Arabia’s north to the country and the world. HAS has its terminal for low-cost carriers, which makes air travel easier for domestic and international visitors. Such airports in Saudi Arabia are enhancing passengers’ experiences along with their flight networks as more routes are opened to GCC countries and North African destinations. Its baggage system and passenger waiting areas have both received upgrades, so you can look forward to an improved experience.
Location: Ha’il
Airlines: Saudia, Flynas
Nearby Attractions: Aarif Fort, Fayd Heritage Village, Barzan Palace, Ha’il Desert for off-roading and camping
9. Al-Ula International Airport / ULH
Photo: Kambui / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Al-Ula International Airport is a dedicated gateway for heritage and cultural tourism and serves visitors travelling to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, Hegra. It has a bespoke terminal for exclusive travel for upscale tourists and culture enthusiasts. Also unique to the airport are VIP aviation services with private jet facilities and aerial tours of Al-Ula’s iconic rock formations. Further plans for expansion include a sustainable focus, as the airport strives to meet the sustainability goals of the region’s tourism industry.
Location: Al-Ula
Airlines: Saudia, Flynas, Emirates, Qatar Airways
Nearby Attractions: Hegra (Mada’in Salih), Elephant Rock, Al-Ula Old Town, Dadan and Jabal Ikmah (ancient inscriptions)
10. NEOM Bay Airport / NUM
Photo: Jeffry S.S. / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
NEOM Bay Airport is a central element of Saudi Arabia’s aspirational NEOM smart city project, intended to be the hub for a tech-driven travel experience. Unlike conventional airports in Saudi Arabia, NUM is designed to embrace future aviation technology, from AI-powered security screening and biometric boarding to digital passport verification. NUM is also part of Saudi Arabia’s bid for sustainable aviation, with initiatives in the pipeline to introduce carbon-neutral airport operations.
Location: NEOM (Northwest Saudi Arabia)
Airlines: Saudia, Flynas
Nearby Attractions: NEOM city project developments, Red Sea coastline for water sports and diving, Tabuk Mountains, Magna (historical coastal town)
Airports in Saudi Arabia are critical entry points for millions of flyers, from business travellers to religious pilgrims. Modern infrastructure, advanced facilities and incredible connectivity enhance these airports, which makes them an experience for domestic and international passengers. As international tourism and business continue to grow, the airports are an integral part of the journey between Saudi and the wider world. Plan your trip with TripXL for an enriching experience.
Cover Photo: Stefan Krasowski / Wikimedia Commons
