Abha International Airport serves as a key gateway to the stunning Asir Province in Saudi Arabia. Located in the city of Abha, this airport connects travellers to both domestic and international destinations.
Abha International Airport (AHB) offers flights to several cities within Saudi Arabia, as well as routes to Yemen, Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The airport’s strategic position makes it an essential hub for those exploring the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of the Asir region.
Established in 1977, Abha International Airport has grown to become the fifth-largest airport in Saudi Arabia. Its single terminal handles a steady flow of passengers, providing convenient access to the picturesque city of Abha and its surrounding attractions.
Travellers can expect modern facilities and services that cater to their needs while passing through this important regional transportation centre.
Overview of Abha International Airport
Abha International Airport serves as a vital transportation hub in southwestern Saudi Arabia. It connects the Asir Region to domestic and international destinations.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 20 km east of Abha |
| IATA Code | AHB |
| ICAO Code | OEAB |
| Coordinates | Latitude: 18°14′05″N, Longitude: 42°39′23″E |
| Elevation | 6,857 feet (2,090 meters) above mean sea level |
| Runways | 1 runway (13/31) |
| Runway Dimensions | 10,991 feet x 148 feet (3,350 meters x 45 meters) |
| Runway Surface | Asphalt |
| Passenger Capacity | 1.5 million passengers per year (current), projected to serve over 13 million passengers annually after expansion |
| Annual Flights | Projected to handle over 90,000 flights yearly after expansion |
| Climatology | Hot Desert Climate (Köppen climate classification BWh) |
| Airport Type | Civil |
| Time Zone | UTC+3 (Arabian Standard Time) |
Location and Accessibility
Abha International Airport is located in Abha, the capital of ‘Asir Province. The airport sits in a strategic position, offering easy access to the city and surrounding areas. It handles both domestic and international flights, making it a key entry point for tourists and business travellers.
The airport has two terminals to manage passenger traffic. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 provide services for different flight types. This setup helps streamline operations and improve the travel experience.
Airport Code and Significance
Abha International Airport’s IATA code is AHB. Its ICAO code is OEAB. These codes are important for flight bookings, luggage tracking, and air traffic control.
The airport plays a crucial role in the region’s economic growth. It links Abha to major cities in Saudi Arabia and nearby countries. AHB offers flights to destinations like:
- Aden and Sanaa in Yemen
- Cairo in Egypt
- Doha in Qatar
- Dubai and Sharjah in the UAE
The airport can handle up to 7 million passengers per year. This capacity supports tourism and business development in the Asir Region.
History and Development
Abha International Airport has grown from a small regional facility to a major transportation hub in Saudi Arabia. Its evolution spans decades and includes significant expansions to meet rising passenger demand.
Establishment and Growth
Construction of Abha Airport began in mid-1975. Dutch consultants NACO designed the airport. It was built between Khamis Mushait and Abha cities.
The airport opened in 1977, replacing an earlier military airfield near Khamis Mushait. This new facility handled domestic flights.
From 2011 to 2019, Abha Airport saw strong growth. Passenger traffic increased by 11.7% per year on average. This was mainly due to more domestic flights.
Modern Facilities Upgrade
In recent years, Abha International Airport has undergone major upgrades. These changes aim to boost capacity and improve services.
The airport is expanding its terminal space. It will grow from 10,500 square meters to 69,400 square meters in phase one. Phase two will further increase it to 73,200 square meters.
New features will include:
- 20 gates
- Passenger boarding bridges
- 41 check-in counters
- 7 self-service kiosks
These upgrades will help Abha Airport handle more travelers and offer better services.
Airport Infrastructure
Abha International Airport boasts modern facilities to handle both domestic and international flights. The airport’s infrastructure includes a well-equipped runway and passenger terminal with essential amenities.
Runway Details
Abha International Airport features a single runway that can accommodate various aircraft types. The runway is 3,150 meters long and 45 meters wide, allowing for safe takeoffs and landings of both narrow-body and wide-body planes.
The runway is equipped with advanced lighting systems and navigational aids to support operations in different weather conditions. These include:
- Precision approach path indicator (PAPI) lights
- Runway edge lights
- Threshold lights
- Taxiway lighting
Terminal Features
The passenger terminal at Abha International Airport spans 10,500 square meters. It offers a range of services and facilities for travellers:
- 41 check-in counters
- 7 self-service check-in kiosks
- 20 gates
- Passenger boarding bridges
The terminal handles both domestic and international flights, connecting Abha to major cities within Saudi Arabia and select international destinations. Domestic routes include flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
International connections are available to:
- Aden and Sanaa in Yemen
- Cairo in Egypt
- Doha in Qatar
- Dubai and Sharjah in the UAE
Airlines and Destinations
Abha International Airport connects travelers to various cities in Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries. The airport serves as a hub for several airlines, offering flights to popular destinations in the region.
Major Airlines Operating
Saudia is the primary carrier at Abha International Airport. Other airlines with significant operations include Flynas and Flyadeal. These airlines provide frequent domestic and international flights.
Nile Air offers direct flights to Cairo. Air Arabia connects Abha to Sharjah. Jazeera Airways operates routes to Kuwait City.
Nesma Airlines and EgyptAir also serve the airport, expanding travel options for passengers.
Popular Destinations
Riyadh is the most frequent destination from Abha, with an average of 133 flights. Jeddah and Dammam are other major Saudi cities easily reached from Abha.
For international travel, Cairo is a top destination. Dubai is another popular choice for travelers from Abha.
Kuwait City and Sharjah round out the list of key international destinations served by direct flights from Abha International Airport.
Flight Routes Information
Abha International Airport offers non-stop flights to 10 destinations in 3 countries. The airport handles about 34 passenger flights daily.
The longest flight from Abha is to Cairo, covering 672 miles in about 2 hours and 55 minutes.
Most routes from Abha are domestic, with 5 routes within Saudi Arabia. This makes the airport crucial for regional connectivity.
International routes include flights to the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Kuwait.
Flight and Travel Information
Abha International Airport offers a range of flight options and services to enhance the travel experience. The airport provides up-to-date information on schedules, arrivals, and departures to help passengers plan their trips efficiently.
Flight Schedule and Timings
Flights from Abha Airport connect to 10 destinations. The airport serves both domestic and international routes. Airlines operating at AHB include Saudia, flynas, and flyadeal.
Flight schedules vary throughout the week. Most flights operate during daylight hours. Peak travel times are typically in the morning and evening.
Passengers should check their airline’s website for the most current schedule information. It’s wise to arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
Arrivals and Departures
Live flight information is available for arrivals and departures at Abha Airport. Passengers can track their flights in real-time.
Arrival information includes:
- Estimated arrival time
- Flight status (on time, delayed, landed)
- Origin city
Departure details show:
- Scheduled departure time
- Gate number
- Destination
Flight status boards in the terminal provide up-to-the-minute updates. This helps travelers stay informed about any changes to their flights.
Travel Experience Enhancements
Abha Airport strives to improve the passenger experience. The terminal offers various amenities to make travel more comfortable.
Services include:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Prayer rooms
- Dining options
- Duty-free shopping
The airport provides special assistance for passengers with reduced mobility. This service should be requested in advance through the airline.
Customer service desks are available to help with queries. Staff can assist with flight information, lost and found, and general airport guidance.
Airport Services and Amenities
Abha International Airport offers a range of services and amenities to make your travel experience comfortable and convenient. Passengers can enjoy shopping, dining, and transportation options within the airport.
Shopping and Duty-Free
The airport features duty-free shops where travellers can purchase a variety of items tax-free. These shops stock popular products like perfumes, cosmetics, and local souvenirs.
Duty-free stores are located in the international departures area. They offer competitive prices on many sought-after brands. Travelers can find fragrances, skincare products, and accessories from top designers.
The airport also has regular retail shops. These sell travel essentials, books, magazines, and snacks. Some stores feature local handicrafts and traditional Saudi products, perfect for gifts or souvenirs.
Dining and Refreshments
Abha International Airport provides several dining options for hungry travelers. Cafes and restaurants serve a mix of local and international cuisine.
Quick-service counters offer sandwiches, pastries, and coffee for passengers in a hurry. Sit-down restaurants provide fuller meals with both Arabic and Western menu items.
Vending machines are available throughout the terminal for drinks and snacks. Most dining venues are found in the main departures area, with a few options in arrivals as well.
Car Rental and Transportation
The airport offers car rental services for travellers who prefer to drive themselves. Major car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area.
Taxis are readily available outside the terminal building. They provide door-to-door service to destinations in and around Abha.
Public buses connect the airport to Abha city centre. The bus stop is located just outside the terminal. For those being picked up, there is a designated waiting area for private vehicles.
Check-In and Boarding Procedures
Check-in at Abha International Airport opens 3 hours before departure for international flights and 2 hours for domestic flights. The airport uses the IATA code AHB for easy identification.
Passengers can check in at airline counters or use self-service kiosks when available.
Boarding typically begins 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The airport has clear signage to guide travellers to their gates. Priority boarding is offered for families with young children, older passengers, and those needing special assistance.
Baggage and Security
Baggage allowances vary by airline and ticket class. Passengers should check their specific airline’s policies before packing. The airport provides luggage carts free of charge for passenger convenience.
Security screening is thorough and efficient. Passengers must remove electronic devices larger than a cell phone from their bags for separate screening.
Liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 100ml or less and placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag.
The airport uses modern security equipment, including full-body scanners and X-ray machines. Random additional checks may be conducted. Passengers are advised to arrive early to allow sufficient time for security procedures.
Surrounding Region and Tourism
Abha International Airport serves as a gateway to the stunning Asir Province and its capital city, Abha. This region offers visitors a mix of natural beauty, rich culture, and exciting attractions.
Exploring Asir Province
Asir Province is known for its cool climate and breathtaking landscapes. The area features lush green mountains, deep valleys, and beautiful forests.
Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and camping in the region’s national parks.
The province is home to traditional villages with unique architecture. These villages showcase the area’s rich cultural heritage. Tourists can explore local markets selling handmade crafts and traditional goods.
Asir’s capital, Abha, sits at a high elevation, giving it a pleasant climate year-round. The city blends modern amenities with traditional charm, making it a popular destination for both local and international tourists.
Tourist Attractions in Abha
Abha offers many exciting attractions for visitors. The Abha Palace Hotel, with its distinctive architecture, is a city landmark. It provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Al Muftaha Village is a hub for art and culture. Here, tourists can view local artwork and learn about the region’s history. The nearby Al Muftaha Theatre hosts cultural events and performances.
For nature lovers, Abha Dam Lake is a must-visit spot. It’s perfect for picnics and boat rides. The city’s cable car, one of the longest in the world, offers stunning views of the area.
Khamis Mushait, a nearby city, is known for its traditional Tuesday market. Visitors can shop for local products and experience the vibrant atmosphere of a Saudi Arabian souq.
Weather and Environmental Conditions
Abha International Airport experiences a mild climate compared to other parts of Saudi Arabia. The airport sits at a high elevation of about 2,100 meters (6,900 feet) above sea level.
Temperatures at the airport are generally cool year-round. In summer, highs reach around 30°C (86°F). Winter sees lows of about 10°C (50°F).
Current weather conditions at Abha International Airport can be checked online. This includes temperature, wind speed, and precipitation.
The airport receives more rainfall than many other areas of Saudi Arabia. Annual precipitation averages about 230 mm (9 inches). Most rain falls between March and August.
Fog and low clouds are common at Abha International Airport due to its high elevation. This can sometimes impact flight operations.
Wind speeds at the airport are typically moderate. The prevailing wind direction is from the south-southwest.
Air quality around Abha International Airport is generally good. The high elevation and distance from major cities help maintain cleaner air.
Frequently Asked Questions
Abha International Airport serves travelers with various amenities and services. Here are answers to common questions about the airport’s location, contact details, and procedures.
What is the contact number for Abha International Airport?
The contact number for Abha International Airport is +966 17 228 8888. This number connects passengers to the airport’s main information desk.
Where is Abha International Airport located?
Abha International Airport is located in Abha, the capital of ‘Asir Province in Saudi Arabia. It serves as a key gateway to the southwestern region of the country.
How can I find the flight schedule for Abha International Airport?
Passengers can find the flight schedule for Abha International Airport on the official website of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia. Airlines operating at AHB also provide schedules on their websites.
What are the procedures for checking in at Abha International Airport?
Passengers should arrive at least 2-3 hours before their flight for domestic trips and 3-4 hours for international flights. Check-in counters are located in Terminal 1.
Travellers need to present their passport or ID and booking confirmation. Self-check-in kiosks are available for some airlines.
How can I get real-time arrival information for flights at Abha International Airport?
Real-time arrival information is available on the airport’s flight information displays throughout the terminal. Many airlines also offer mobile apps or text alerts for flight updates.
What is the airport code for Abha International Airport in Saudi Arabia?
The airport code for Abha International Airport is AHB. Airlines and booking systems worldwide use this code to identify the airport.
ASM Flight Support Services
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