Last updated: 23 October 2026. Passenger figures now use the General Authority for Statistics’ 2025 data, and Riyadh’s terminal list reflects the February 2026 terminal move.

Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector is undergoing a transformation unlike anything the Middle East has seen. With 140.9 million passengers passing through its airports in 2025, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), the Kingdom now operates a network of international gateways, regional hubs, and purpose-built tourism airports that connect every corner of the country to the wider world. Whether you are arriving for Hajj, transiting through Riyadh on business, or flying into AlUla for a heritage tour, understanding which airport serves your destination and what to expect on the ground can save hours of confusion and make your journey considerably smoother.

This guide covers every major airport in Saudi Arabia, from the colossal King Abdulaziz International in Jeddah to the emerging gateways at NEOM and the Red Sea coast. For each, you will find terminal layouts, ground transport options, lounge access, practical tips, and the facilities that matter most to international visitors arriving in the Kingdom for the first time. Check our Saudi Arabia travel status page for airport closures, flight suspensions and government travel advice before you book or fly.

King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) — Jeddah

King Abdulaziz International Airport is the busiest airport in Saudi Arabia and the principal gateway for millions of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims arriving each year. Located 19 kilometres north of central Jeddah, the airport handled 53.5 million passengers in 2025, according to GASTAT.

Terminals

The airport operates three main passenger terminals plus the iconic Hajj Terminal:

Terminal 1 (New Terminal) — Opened in stages in 2018 and 2019, Terminal 1 is one of the largest airport terminals in the world and handles the vast majority of international and domestic traffic. The facility features modern check-in halls, expanded security screening zones, extensive retail and dining, and a direct connection to the Haramain High-Speed Railway. Saudia, the national carrier, operates from Terminal 1, along with many other airlines.

North Terminal — The older North Terminal continues to serve a number of non-Saudi carriers. Check your airline’s terminal assignment before arriving, as the two terminals are not connected airside.

Hajj Terminal — A purpose-built facility with an award-winning tent-like roof structure, the Hajj Terminal can accommodate up to 80,000 travellers simultaneously. It activates during the Hajj season and at peak Umrah periods, with dedicated immigration counters, medical centres, prayer halls, ablution facilities, and group processing zones designed to handle the extraordinary volume of pilgrims arriving in a compressed timeframe.

Royal Terminal — Reserved for government officials, state guests, and members of the Saudi royal family. Not accessible to commercial passengers.

Ground Transport

The most significant transport link at JED is the Haramain High-Speed Railway, which connects the airport directly to Makkah, Madinah, King Abdullah Economic City, and central Jeddah. Trains run through the day, with economy and business class carriages available; check the current timetable before you travel. The railway station is adjacent to the Terminal 1 arrivals area, connected via a dedicated transport hub.

Beyond the railway, options include metered taxis (available at the ground floor of Terminal 1), ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Careem (both widely used in Saudi Arabia), airport shuttle buses to central Jeddah, and car rental desks from Hertz, Avis, Budget, Sixt, and Lumi in the arrivals hall. For those heading directly to Makkah, SAPTCO buses and licensed Hajj/Umrah transport operators also serve the airport.

Facilities

Terminal 1 offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout, many prayer rooms (with separate men’s and women’s facilities and ablution areas), family rooms, children’s play areas, baby care rooms, duty-free shopping, VIP lounges, currency exchange counters, and ATMs from all major Saudi banks. SIM card kiosks from STC, Mobily, and Zain are located near the baggage claim area — bring your passport, as identification is required for activation.

The Aerotel Jeddah, a transit hotel located inside Terminal 1, offers rooms with flexible short-stay bookings, useful for layovers or early morning departures. For longer stays, several hotels are a short drive from the terminal.

Tips for JED

Arrive at least three hours before international departures. During Hajj season, expect significantly longer processing times at immigration and security. The Haramain railway is the fastest and most comfortable option to Makkah — book tickets in advance via the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) app. If collecting a rental car, note that driving in Jeddah during pilgrimage season can be extremely congested on the Makkah highway.

King Khalid International Airport (RUH) — Riyadh

King Khalid International Airport is the capital’s primary aviation hub and Saudi Arabia’s second-busiest airport. Located 35 kilometres north of central Riyadh, it handled 40.8 million passengers in 2025, according to GASTAT. Between 16 and 25 February 2026 the airport moved its airlines between its five terminals, the biggest operational change in its history according to the airport.

Terminals

Terminals 1 and 2 — International flights of Saudi carriers. Reports at the time of the move put flynas and flyadeal international flights in Terminal 1, and Saudia and Riyadh Air international flights in Terminal 2. Always confirm your terminal before departure with your airline.

Terminals 3 and 4 — Domestic flights of Saudi carriers. Terminal 4 is used by Saudia; Terminal 3 by flynas, flyadeal and Riyadh Air.

Terminal 5 — International flights of foreign airlines.

Royal Terminal — Government and state use only.

The airport has two parallel runways, each about 4,200 metres long.

Ground Transport

The Riyadh Metro Line 4 now connects the airport directly to the city centre, with three dedicated stations: Airport T1-2, Airport T3-4, and Airport T5. The line runs to the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), where it connects with other metro lines. It is usually the most affordable way to reach central Riyadh.

Taxis and ride-hailing services (Uber, Careem) are available at all terminal exits. Car rental desks from international and local companies are located in the arrivals areas. For intercity buses, see our SAPTCO bus guide.

Facilities

The airport offers multiple lounges, including Plaza Premium and Hayyak lounges, which have accepted Priority Pass, lounge membership cards, and walk-in payments. Lounge locations were described before the February 2026 terminal move, so check where your lounge is now; see our airport lounges guide.

SIM card kiosks from STC, Mobily, and Zain are present in the arrivals area. ATMs, currency exchange, restaurants, and prayer rooms are available across the terminals, with duty-free shopping in international departures. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.

Tips for RUH

Confirm your terminal assignment carefully: terminals changed for many airlines in February 2026, and older online information may not reflect the changes. The Riyadh Metro is a genuine time-saver during rush hour, when road traffic between the airport and central Riyadh can be heavy. If you have an early morning flight, consider a hotel near the airport.

King Fahd International Airport (DMM) — Dammam

King Fahd International Airport holds a remarkable distinction: Guinness World Records has cited it as the largest airport in the world by land area. The vast site, about 31 kilometres northwest of downtown Dammam in the Eastern Province, was originally developed partly to serve Saudi Aramco operations, though today it functions as a full commercial gateway for the oil-rich eastern region.

Terminals

Passenger Terminal — The main building that handles all commercial flights, both domestic and international. It handled 13.7 million passengers in 2025, according to GASTAT.

Aramco Terminal — Exclusively used by Saudi Aramco employees boarding Aramco Aviation flights. Not accessible to commercial passengers.

Royal Terminal — For government and royal family use.

Ground Transport

The airport is about 31 kilometres from downtown Dammam, and further from Al Khobar. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available at the terminal exit. Car rental is a popular transport option for the Eastern Province, with several companies at the airport. Check at the airport for current bus services to the cities.

Facilities

Despite the airport’s enormous footprint, passenger facilities are concentrated in the main terminal building. These include duty-free shopping on the international departures level, lounges with shower facilities, prayer rooms, a children’s play area, restaurants, ATMs, SIM card kiosks, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Tips for DMM

Do not let the airport’s enormous land area mislead you — the actual passenger terminal is a single building, and transit times within it are manageable. However, the distance to the city centres of Dammam and Al Khobar means you should allow 30 to 45 minutes for the road transfer. Pre-booking a rental car is strongly recommended if you plan to explore the Eastern Province, as public transport options are more limited than in Riyadh or Jeddah.

Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) — Medina

Medina’s airport is one of the busiest in Saudi Arabia. Its traffic is heavily driven by Umrah and Hajj pilgrims visiting Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque), giving it a distinctly different character from the business-focused airports of Riyadh and Dammam.

Terminal

The airport operates from a terminal complex opened in 2015 after a major redevelopment. The building features high ceilings, natural light, biometric screening, and an advanced baggage handling system designed to process large pilgrimage groups efficiently. A separate Hajj Terminal activates during the pilgrimage season to handle overflow traffic.

Ground Transport

The Haramain High-Speed Railway also serves Medina, connecting the city to Jeddah and Makkah. The Medina railway station is located in the city centre rather than at the airport itself, so arriving passengers will need to take a taxi or bus to reach the station. Taxis, Uber, and Careem are available at the arrivals exit. Car rental desks and SAPTCO bus services connect the airport to central Medina and beyond.

Tips for MED

Medina Airport can become extremely busy during Ramadan and the Hajj period. Check your airline’s flight status before travelling. Most hotels in the central Haram area are a 25- to 30-minute drive from the airport. If you are connecting onward to Makkah, the Haramain railway from Medina city centre is faster and more comfortable than a road transfer.

Regional and Emerging Airports

Taif Regional Airport (TIF)

Taif’s airport serves Makkah Province and acts as an overflow point during Hajj season. The city sits high in the Hejaz Mountains, making it a popular summer retreat. Flights include domestic routes and some international services; check current schedules with the airlines. Facilities are modest compared to the major hubs.

Abha Regional Airport (AHB)

Abha Airport is the gateway to the Asir Province highlands in southwestern Saudi Arabia, a region increasingly popular with domestic tourists for its cooler climate, green mountains, and cultural heritage. Saudia, flynas and flyadeal serve the airport, with direct flights to Riyadh, Jeddah and other cities, and some international routes. The airport is located close to the city centre, making ground transport straightforward via taxi or ride-hailing.

AlUla International Airport (ULH)

AlUla’s airport has undergone a remarkable transformation in line with the Royal Commission for AlUla’s ambitions to establish the region as a world-class heritage tourism destination. Passenger numbers have grown with increasing cultural programming, the opening of Hegra (Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site) to visitors, and expanding regional connectivity. Direct flights from Riyadh and Jeddah operate regularly, with seasonal international routes added during peak tourism periods.

NEOM Bay Airport (NUM)

NEOM Bay Airport, near Sharma in Tabuk Province, serves the early-stage development of the NEOM megaproject. The current facility is a precursor to a planned larger NEOM airport. Flights have connected it with Riyadh and other Saudi cities; check current schedules with the airlines.

Red Sea International Airport (RSI)

Designed by Foster + Partners, Red Sea International Airport opened on 21 September 2023 as the aviation gateway to the Red Sea Global regenerative tourism development along Saudi Arabia’s western coast. The airport’s striking architectural design draws on the surrounding landscape, with a terminal building that evokes desert dune formations. It began with domestic flights from Riyadh and Jeddah via Saudia and received its first international flight, a flydubai service from Dubai, on 18 April 2024. More international routes have been added since. Facilities are designed to a luxury standard befitting the premium tourism market it serves.

The Future: King Salman International Airport

The most significant aviation development in Saudi Arabia — and arguably in the entire Middle East — is King Salman International Airport (KSIA), the mega-project that will transform Riyadh’s aviation infrastructure on the existing King Khalid International Airport site. Announced as part of Vision 2030, the project encompasses 57 square kilometres, six runways, and multiple new terminal buildings alongside the existing KKIA facilities.

The plan targets capacity of 100 million passengers per year by 2030, with a long-term target of 185 million passengers per year by 2050. Work is planned in phases, including additional runways and new terminals.

When fully operational, King Salman International Airport will be among the largest airports in the world and is designed to position Riyadh as a global aviation hub rivalling Dubai and Istanbul. For travellers, the practical impact will be felt incrementally — expanded capacity, new terminals, and improved connectivity will come online in phases through the late 2020s and into the 2030s.

Visa on Arrival and Immigration

Citizens of eligible countries can obtain a Saudi tourist visa as an eVisa (applied for online before travel), and some can also get a visa on arrival. Eligibility, fees, the length of stay allowed and the rules for visa on arrival change, so check the official visa portal and our Saudi Arabia visa guide before you travel.

If you do use a visa on arrival, go to the visa-on-arrival counter or kiosk before the immigration hall with your passport, proof of eligibility and basic travel details, and expect to pay the visa fee, which includes mandatory health insurance, by card. Once approved, the visa is linked electronically to your passport, and you proceed through immigration to baggage claim.

Applying for the eVisa online before departure is strongly recommended — it avoids queues at the airport counter and reduces the risk of delays, particularly during busy periods.

GCC nationals (from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE) do not require a visa and can enter Saudi Arabia with a valid national ID card.

Airport Hotels and Overnight Options

Transit hotels and nearby accommodation are available at Saudi Arabia’s three busiest airports. At Jeddah, the Aerotel inside Terminal 1 is the most convenient option for short layovers, with short-stay room bookings. Several hotels are a short drive away for longer overnight stays.

At Riyadh, several hotels lie on the airport side of the city; check whether yours offers an airport shuttle. The Riyadh Metro also makes it practical to stay at a city hotel near a Line 4 station; check the first train times if you have an early flight.

Dammam offers fewer airport-adjacent hotel options owing to the airport’s remote location between the cities. Most travellers heading to Al Khobar or Dammam book city hotels and allow 30 to 45 minutes for the transfer. Many hotels can arrange an airport transfer.

Medina has a wide range of hotels in the central Haram district, most of which are a 25- to 30-minute drive from the airport. During Hajj and Umrah seasons, booking well in advance is essential as accommodation fills quickly.

Practical Tips for All Saudi Airports

SIM Cards and Connectivity

STC, Mobily, and Zain — Saudi Arabia’s three mobile network operators — all maintain kiosks at major airports, typically located near the baggage claim area. Prices for tourist SIM cards with data depend on the plan. You will need your passport for registration, as Saudi law requires identity verification for all SIM activations. Alternatively, consider purchasing an eSIM before departure if your phone supports it — this allows you to arrive with data already active. For more on connectivity options, see our SIM card and eSIM guide.

Currency and ATMs

The Saudi riyal (SAR) is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of approximately 3.75 SAR to 1 USD. ATMs from major Saudi banks (Al Rajhi, SNB, Riyad Bank) are available in all airport terminals and dispense Saudi riyals. Currency exchange counters are present in arrivals and departures areas. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout Saudi Arabia, including contactless payments, though carrying some cash is advisable for smaller purchases and tips.

Prayer Rooms

Every Saudi airport has dedicated prayer rooms (musallas) with separate sections for men and women, ablution (wudu) facilities, and directional indicators for qibla. Major airports like JED and RUH have dozens of prayer rooms distributed across all terminals. Prayer rooms are clearly signposted and available to all travellers regardless of faith.

Car Rental

International car rental companies including Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Enterprise, and Budget operate desks at all major Saudi airports. The Saudi operator Lumi also has airport locations. An international driving permit is technically required for foreign licence holders, though many rental companies accept licences from Western countries directly. Women can and do drive in Saudi Arabia — the driving ban was lifted in 2018. For detailed rental comparisons, see our car rental guide. If you are flying into Saudi Arabia for the first time, also check our flights guide for route options and booking tips.

Airport Lounges

Lounge access at Saudi airports is available through airline business and first class tickets, Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Mastercard or Visa lounge programmes, and walk-in payments. The Plaza Premium and Hayyak lounges at RUH offer the broadest access options. ALTANFEETHI VIP services operate at a number of Saudi airports, offering premium terminal experiences including fast-track immigration, private waiting areas, and meet-and-greet services — bookable in advance through the ALTANFEETHI website or via concierge services.

Duty-Free Shopping

Duty-free retail is available at JED, RUH, and DMM in the international departures areas. Product ranges include perfumes, electronics, luxury goods, confectionery, tobacco, souvenirs, and Saudi specialty items such as oud, dates, and Arabic coffee. Prices are generally competitive with regional duty-free standards. Note that Saudi Arabia prohibits the import of alcohol, so you will not find alcoholic beverages in any Saudi duty-free shop.

Transit and Connection Tips

If connecting between flights at a Saudi airport, note that most Saudi airports do not have extensive airside transit facilities — you will typically need to clear immigration, collect and recheck baggage, and pass through security again. The exception is if both your inbound and outbound flights are operated by Saudia, in which case the airline may offer airside transfers at JED and RUH. Allow a minimum of three hours for international connections, and four hours during Hajj season at JED or MED.

What to Expect on Arrival

Saudi airports are generally well-maintained and air-conditioned. English signage is standard alongside Arabic at all international terminals. Dress modestly but comfortably — while Saudi Arabia has relaxed its dress code requirements for foreign tourists in recent years, respectful attire is appreciated. Photography inside airport security and immigration areas is prohibited. Customs regulations prohibit the import of alcohol, pork products, certain medications (check the Saudi FDA list before travelling), and items deemed contrary to Islamic values.

Latest news on this topic

• Riyadh Airport Reopens, Coalition Intercepts 5 Drones Same Morning
• Houthi Attack on King Fahd Airport Kills 1, Injures 8, GACA Says
• Can Riyadh Host the World While Its Airport Cannot Stay Open?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the main international airport in Saudi Arabia?

King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah is the busiest, handling 53.5 million passengers in 2025, according to GASTAT. However, King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh serves as the main hub for the capital and is the primary gateway for business travellers. Both airports have extensive international route networks.

Can I get a visa on arrival at Saudi airports?

Citizens of some eligible countries can obtain a tourist visa on arrival, at a staffed counter or a self-service kiosk. The fee includes mandatory health insurance; check the current eligibility list and fee on the official visa portal. Applying for the eVisa online before travel is recommended to avoid queues.

Is there a train from Jeddah Airport to Makkah?

Yes. The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects King Abdulaziz International Airport directly to Makkah, Check the current timetable before you travel. Tickets can be booked through the SAR (Saudi Railway Company) app or at the station.

How do I get from Riyadh Airport to the city centre?

The Riyadh Metro Line 4 provides the fastest connection, with three airport stations serving all five terminals. The line runs to the King Abdullah Financial District. Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Uber, Careem) are also available at all terminal exits.

Do Saudi airports have prayer rooms?

Yes. All Saudi airports have dedicated prayer rooms (musallas) with separate facilities for men and women, including ablution areas. Large airports such as Jeddah and Riyadh have many prayer rooms across their terminals.

Where can I buy a SIM card at a Saudi airport?

STC, Mobily, and Zain operate kiosks at all major Saudi airports, typically located near the baggage claim area. You will need your passport for identity verification. Prices depend on the plan. eSIMs are also available for compatible devices.

What is King Salman International Airport?

King Salman International Airport is a mega-project planned on the site of the existing King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. It is planned to have six runways and capacity for 100 million passengers per year by 2030, expanding to 185 million passengers by 2050.

Are there airport hotels in Jeddah?

Yes. Aerotel Jeddah is a transit hotel located inside Terminal 1 at King Abdulaziz International Airport, with flexible short-stay bookings. Several hotels are also located within a short drive of the airport.