As of 23 October 2026, Australia, New Zealand and Germany advise against all travel to Saudi Arabia, and the UK, Canada, Ireland and France advise against non-essential travel. Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport reopened on 18 October only to flights with prior permission from the civil aviation authority, and many foreign airlines have suspended Saudi flights. For airport status, airline schedules and official advice, each with its date and source, see Saudi Arabia Travel Status.
Last updated: 23 October 2026. Riyadh’s airlines changed terminals in February 2026, so lounge locations there may have moved; prices and lounge details we could not confirm are dated to spring 2026, when this guide was written.
Whether you are transiting through Riyadh on a business trip, waiting for a connecting flight in Jeddah before Hajj or Umrah, or starting a longer Saudi Arabia travel itinerary, airport lounges across the Kingdom offer a welcome escape from crowded terminals. Saudi airports host lounges operated by brands including Plaza Premium, Hayyak, CATRION, and Saudia’s own Al Fursan network, and Priority Pass lists lounges at 23 airports in the Kingdom. Access is no longer reserved for business-class passengers: Priority Pass holders, credit-card members, and walk-in travellers can all find a seat, a hot meal, and a shower before their flight.
Best Airports for Lounges: King Khalid (Riyadh), King Abdulaziz (Jeddah), King Fahd (Dammam), Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz (Medina)
Main Lounge Operators: Plaza Premium, Hayyak, CATRION (Al Fursan & Wellcome), Primeclass
Visa Required: Yes — tourist e-visa or transit visa
Walk-in Price Range: About SAR 150–250 (~US $40–67) for a 2–3 hour session in spring 2026; check current prices
Must-Try: Al Fursan Golden Lounge (Riyadh), Plaza Premium (Dammam, newly renovated), Primeclass (Medina)
Avoid: Arriving at the lounge during Hajj/Umrah peak season without a pre-booking — capacity fills fast
How to Access Airport Lounges in Saudi Arabia
There are five main ways to get into an airport lounge in Saudi Arabia, and most do not require a premium-class ticket. Understanding your options before you arrive at the airport will save you time and money.
Business or First Class Tickets
The most straightforward route. Passengers holding confirmed business or first class tickets on Saudia, flynas, or any SkyTeam member airline gain complimentary access to the carrier’s lounges. Saudia business class passengers can use the Al Fursan Lounge network at Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Medina. First class passengers are directed to the Al Fursan Golden Lounges where available.
Frequent Flyer Status
Saudia’s loyalty programme, Alfursan, includes lounge access for its higher tiers. The rules on guests, and on which flights qualify, are set out by Saudia and change from time to time, so check them before you fly. SkyTeam Elite Plus members can also use lounges when departing on a SkyTeam carrier.
Priority Pass
Priority Pass is the most widely accepted lounge programme in Saudi Arabia. Its directory lists lounges at 23 Saudi airports, from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah to regional airports such as Abha, Tabuk and Yanbu. Brands in the programme have included Plaza Premium, Hayyak, the Wellcome Lounge in Jeddah and the Primeclass Lounge in Medina. Check the Priority Pass app for the current terminal and opening hours of each lounge. Many international credit cards bundle Priority Pass membership — check whether your card includes it before purchasing a standalone plan.
Credit Card Programmes
Several cards issued in the Gulf provide direct lounge access without Priority Pass:
- American Express Platinum — complimentary Priority Pass membership plus access to the Amex Global Lounge Collection
- Mastercard World Elite — access via the Mastercard Airport Experiences programme (formerly LoungeKey), accepted at participating lounges across Saudi airports
- Some Saudi bank cards — certain local cards have offered direct access to Hayyak lounges; check with your bank
- Primo Dining — an a la carte all-day menu featuring Arabic Chicken Kabsa, Mezze Platters, and international staples
- Self-check-in kiosks for rapid entry
- Shower rooms with integrated accessible washrooms
- Dedicated prayer rooms for men and women
- Open buffet and beverages
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Private family rooms
- Children’s play room
- Dedicated prayer rooms (masjids) for men and women, with ablution areas
- Complimentary luggage storage inside the lounge
- CATRION — formerly Saudi Airlines Catering Company. Operates Al Fursan lounges under contract for Saudia, the Wellcome Lounge brand, and the newer COZAYA brand.
- Plaza Premium Group — Hong Kong-based global lounge operator. Runs some of the most walk-in-friendly lounges in Saudi Arabia, with several pricing tiers and online booking.
- Hayyak — Saudi-founded brand with lounges at many airports, including regional ones. A useful option for domestic travellers.
- TAV Operation Services — Turkish aviation services group operating the Primeclass Lounge in Medina as part of the airport’s concession agreement with Tibah Airports.
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- Saudi Arabia Travel Guide 2026 — The complete guide to visiting the Kingdom
- Saudi Arabia Airport Guide — Terminal maps, transport, and practical tips for every major airport
- Flights to Saudi Arabia — Airlines, routes, prices, and booking advice
- Saudi Arabia Itinerary — 7, 10, and 14-day travel plans across the Kingdom
- Saudi Arabia Hotels Guide — Where to stay in every major city
- Saudi Arabia Visa Guide — Every visa type, cost, and requirement explained
Walk-In / Pay at the Door
Plaza Premium, Hayyak, Wellcome and Primeclass lounges have generally accepted walk-in guests, space permitting. In spring 2026, typical pricing was SAR 150–250 (US $40–67) for a two-to-three-hour session. You can also pre-book online through the lounge operator’s website or a booking app, which sometimes costs less. Cards are accepted at reception.
Riyadh — King Khalid International Airport (RUH)
Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport is Saudi Arabia’s second-busiest airport, with 40.8 million passengers in 2025 according to the General Authority for Statistics, and the main gateway for business travellers visiting the capital. If you are planning a broader trip, see our Saudi Arabia airport guide for terminal maps and transport options.
Terminal change: Between 16 and 25 February 2026 the airport moved its airlines between terminals. According to the Saudi Press Agency, Terminals 1 and 2 now handle international flights of Saudi carriers, Terminals 3 and 4 handle domestic flights, and Terminal 5 handles international flights of foreign carriers. The lounge locations below were described before that move, so check your terminal and the lounge’s current location in your airline’s or lounge programme’s app. Check our Saudi Arabia travel status page for airport closures and government travel advice before you fly.
Al Fursan Golden Lounge
Saudia’s flagship lounge in the Kingdom, reserved for Saudia first and business class passengers, eligible Alfursan members and SkyTeam Elite Plus cardholders. Descriptions published before the February 2026 terminal move listed a piano lounge, gaming room, TV room, office hubs with printing, private family areas, prayer rooms, and a buffet of Arabic and international dishes, with separate locations for international and domestic departures. No walk-in access is available — eligibility is through ticket class or loyalty status.
Plaza Premium Lounge
Plaza Premium has operated several lounges at Riyadh, making it the most accessible brand for economy travellers. Before the terminal move, its Terminal 1 International Departures lounge was on the Mezzanine Floor after passport control. Amenities include a hot buffet with Indian and Middle Eastern options, shower rooms, Wi-Fi, and flight monitors. In spring 2026, walk-in pricing started at SAR 150 for a 2-hour pass, with longer passes available. The lounges have accepted Priority Pass, DragonPass, and Mastercard Airport Experiences.
Hayyak Lounge
Hayyak is a Saudi-founded lounge brand with lounges at many airports in the Kingdom. Before the terminal move, its Terminal 3 lounge at Riyadh featured four zones: a large-screen seating area, a restaurant-style dining zone with a self-service counter, couple pods, and two fully enclosed sleeping pods. The food selection includes waffles, pancakes, Arabic coffee, and hot meals. Walk-in entry cost SAR 230 (~US $61) in spring 2026. Priority Pass and DragonPass members have entered free.
naSmiles Lounge
Operated by budget carrier flynas, the naSmiles Lounge was in Terminal 5 before the February 2026 move; flynas now flies from other terminals, so check where the lounge is today. It has been a good-value option for domestic travellers, open 24 hours and accepting Priority Pass as well as walk-in guests from SAR 140 (~US $38) in spring 2026. Amenities include showers, snacks, Wi-Fi, and flight monitors. The lounge is smaller and more basic than Plaza Premium, but perfectly adequate for a short domestic wait.
Jeddah — King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED)
Jeddah is the primary gateway for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and Saudi Arabia’s busiest airport overall, with 53.5 million passengers in 2025 according to the General Authority for Statistics. Terminal 1, which opened in stages in 2018 and 2019, consolidated most operations under one roof. Lounge options are somewhat more limited than Riyadh, but the Al Fursan and Wellcome lounges are among the best in the network.
Al Fursan Lounge (Terminal 1)
Saudia’s main Jeddah lounge is one of its largest. Access is restricted to Saudia first and business class passengers, eligible Alfursan members, and SkyTeam elite members. The lounge includes a full hot buffet, prayer rooms, showers, a dedicated children’s play area, and a business centre. If you are connecting from Jeddah to Mecca, this is an excellent place to rest before the onward journey.
Wellcome Lounge (Terminal 1)
Operated by CATRION (formerly Saudi Airlines Catering Company), the Wellcome Lounge is the main pay-access option for international departures. Located airside near the Duty-Free area on the second floor, it was described in spring 2026 as open 24 hours with a maximum three-hour stay. Amenities include hot and cold food, Wi-Fi, TV channels, showers, and flight displays. Walk-in entry started at approximately SAR 140 (~US $38) at that time. The lounge accepts Priority Pass and Mastercard Airport Experiences. Reviews are mixed — the food and Wi-Fi are generally rated well, but cleanliness can be inconsistent during peak pilgrim traffic.
naSmiles Lounge (Domestic Departures)
Flynas has also operated a naSmiles Lounge for domestic departures at Jeddah. Access and amenities were similar to the Riyadh location, with Priority Pass accepted and walk-in pricing from SAR 140 in spring 2026. For travellers connecting to domestic flights within Saudi Arabia, this is a practical stop.
Plaza Premium Lounge (Terminal 1)
Located in the international departures area, the Plaza Premium lounge at Jeddah offers the same global standard as its Riyadh counterparts: comfortable seating, local and international cuisine, Wi-Fi, and TV. Priority Pass and walk-in access are both available.
Dammam — King Fahd International Airport (DMM)
King Fahd International Airport serves the Eastern Province and is the gateway for business travellers heading to the oil-sector cities of Dammam and Al Khobar. It is the Kingdom’s third-busiest airport, with 13.7 million passengers in 2025 according to the General Authority for Statistics.
Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures)
When this guide was written in spring 2026, the Dammam Plaza Premium had recently reopened after a redesign, with zones for quiet rest, work, dining, and families. Features described at the time included:
The design blends Saudi heritage motifs with contemporary styling. Walk-in access, Priority Pass, and DragonPass have been accepted. The lounge is on the departure level within the restricted area.
Hayyak Lounge (Domestic)
Hayyak covers the domestic terminal at Dammam with the same four-zone layout found in Riyadh: seating, dining, pods, and sleeping pods. Walk-in entry was approximately SAR 230 in spring 2026.
COZAYA Lounge
COZAYA is a newer lounge brand from CATRION, the company that runs Saudia’s Al Fursan lounges under contract. Check amenities, access and prices with the lounge before you travel.
Medina — Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED)
Medina’s airport handles millions of passengers a year, many of them international pilgrims. If you are arriving for Hajj or Umrah, the airport experience can be overwhelming — especially during peak season when terminals fill with hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. Lounge access here is less about luxury and more about a practical refuge.
Primeclass Lounge
Operated by TAV Operation Services, the Primeclass Lounge serves international departures at Medina airport. Located after passport control, it was described in spring 2026 as open 24/7 with a maximum three-hour stay. Amenities include:
Access is available through Priority Pass, the TAV Passport app, Dreamfolks, Lounge Me, and walk-in payment. The lounge is designed with pilgrims in mind — the prayer and ablution facilities are notably well-maintained.
Other Saudi Airports with Lounge Access
Priority Pass lists lounges at many regional airports across Saudi Arabia, and Hayyak runs lounges at a number of them. While these smaller airports — including Abha, Tabuk, Taif, Ha’il, Jizan, and Yanbu — do not offer the same variety as the big four, the lounges offer hot food, Wi-Fi, prayer rooms, and comfortable seating. If you hold a Priority Pass or an eligible bank card, check availability at your departure airport before flying.
Lounge Comparison Table
| Lounge | Airport | Terminal | Walk-in Price (SAR, spring 2026) | Priority Pass | Showers | 24-Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Fursan Golden Lounge | Riyadh (RUH) | Check app | N/A (invite only) | No | Yes | No |
| Plaza Premium Lounge | Riyadh (RUH) | Check app | 150–535 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hayyak Lounge | Riyadh (RUH) | Check app | 230 | Yes | No | Yes |
| naSmiles Lounge | Riyadh (RUH) | Check app | 140 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Al Fursan Lounge | Jeddah (JED) | T1 | N/A (invite only) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Wellcome Lounge | Jeddah (JED) | T1 | ~140 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plaza Premium Lounge | Jeddah (JED) | T1 | 150–250 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plaza Premium Lounge | Dammam (DMM) | Int’l | 150–250 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Primeclass Lounge | Medina (MED) | Int’l | ~140 | Yes | No | Yes |
| Hayyak Lounges | Regional airports | Varies | ~230 | Yes | Varies | Varies |
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Saudi Airport Lounges
Book Ahead During Hajj and Ramadan
Jeddah and Medina lounges fill to capacity during Hajj season and the last two weeks of Ramadan. If you are transiting during these windows, pre-book your lounge session online. Walk-in access may be refused once capacity is reached, even for Priority Pass holders.
Check Your Credit Card Benefits
Many travellers pay for lounge access without realising their credit card already includes it. Before your trip, check whether your card provides Priority Pass, Mastercard Airport Experiences, or direct lounge access. If you travel through Saudi Arabia several times a year, compare the cost of a Priority Pass membership with the walk-in prices above.
Use Showers Strategically
Long-haul arrivals into Riyadh and Jeddah often land between midnight and 4am. If you have an early meeting or a connecting domestic flight, the shower facilities at Plaza Premium and Al Fursan lounges are invaluable. Towels and toiletries are provided. Arrive early — shower rooms can have a wait during peak arrival windows.
Dress Code
Saudi Arabia’s general dress code applies within airport lounges. Modest, loose clothing is expected. Men should avoid sleeveless shirts or shorts. Women are not required to wear an abaya in airports, but should cover arms, shoulders, and knees. Children’s dress code is relaxed. For broader guidance, see our non-Muslim travel guide for Saudi Arabia.
Family-Friendly Facilities
Families with young children should prioritise the Al Fursan Golden Lounge (Riyadh) and the Primeclass Lounge (Medina), both of which have dedicated, well-designed children’s play areas. The Hayyak lounges also have family zones, though they are more basic. If you are planning a family itinerary through Saudi Arabia, lounge access at each stop makes long travel days significantly easier.
Prayer Rooms
Every lounge listed in this guide provides dedicated prayer rooms. The Primeclass Lounge in Medina stands out with separate masjids for men and women plus full ablution facilities — a significant comfort for pilgrims departing after Umrah.
Practical Tip: If you are connecting between domestic and international flights at Riyadh, you may need to change terminals. Since February 2026, domestic flights use Terminals 3 and 4 and international flights use Terminals 1, 2 and 5. Lounges are terminal-specific, so a lounge in an international terminal cannot be used from a domestic one. Check your terminal assignment before choosing which lounge to book. Our airport guide covers terminal layouts in detail.
Who Operates the Lounges?
Understanding the operator landscape helps you choose the right lounge:
Is Lounge Access Worth It in Saudi Arabia?
For most travellers, the answer is yes. Saudi airports are modern and well-maintained, but they can be crowded — particularly Jeddah during pilgrimage season and Riyadh during business hours. Terminal seating is often at capacity, food options outside the lounge are limited to fast-food franchises, and Wi-Fi in the general terminal areas can be unreliable.
At the spring 2026 walk-in prices of about SAR 150–230 (US $40–61), a two-to-three-hour lounge visit delivers a hot meal, reliable Wi-Fi, a quiet seat, and potentially a shower. If you are on a longer layover, the sleeping pods at Hayyak in Riyadh are a standout feature. For luxury travellers, the Al Fursan Golden Lounge in Riyadh is genuinely impressive — a piano lounge and gaming room set it apart from the typical airline-lounge experience.
Budget travellers who want to skip the lounge entirely can still access prayer rooms, charging stations, and free Wi-Fi (with varying reliability) in the general terminals at all four major airports. For a complete breakdown of terminal amenities, see our Saudi Arabia airport guide.