King Abdulaziz International Airport serves as a major gateway to Saudi Arabia. Located near Jeddah, it’s a crucial hub for both domestic and international flights.
The airport handles millions of passengers yearly, including many pilgrims travelling for Hajj and Umrah.
KAIA, as it’s often called, boasts modern facilities and a unique design. Its Hajj Terminal is one of the world’s largest air terminals, built to accommodate the influx of religious visitors.
The airport’s strategic location makes it an ideal starting point for those heading to Mecca.
Travelers can easily check JED departures and arrivals online.
The airport is a hub for several airlines, including Saudia and Flynas. With its ongoing expansion plans, KAIA aims to enhance its capacity and services for future growth.
Airport Overview
King Abdulaziz International Airport is a major aviation hub in Saudi Arabia. It serves millions of passengers yearly and plays a crucial role in the region’s air travel.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 19 kilometers (12 miles) north of Jeddah |
| IATA Code | JED |
| ICAO Code | OEJN |
| Coordinates | Latitude: 21.679N, Longitude: 39.156E |
| Elevation | 48 feet (15 meters) above mean sea level |
| Runways | 3 runways (2 parallel, separated by 2,146 meters) |
| Runway Dimensions | 4,000 meters / 13,123 feet (paved) |
| Terminals | Multiple terminals, including North (international) and South (domestic) |
| New Terminal | Terminal 1 opened in 2019 with a capacity of 30 million passengers per year |
| Passenger Capacity | 46 million passengers per year |
| Cargo Capacity | 400,000 tonnes (2019) |
| Airport Type | Joint Civil / Military |
| Time Zone | UTC+3 (Arabia Standard Time) |
History and Significance
The airport opened in 1981 to meet growing travel demands. It’s named after King Abdulaziz, the founder of Saudi Arabia. The Jeddah Airport is key for both domestic and international flights.
It’s especially important during Hajj season. The airport handles a huge influx of pilgrims travelling to nearby Mecca. This makes it vital to Saudi Arabia’s religious tourism.
The airport has won awards for its design. It received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1983. The American Institute of Architects also gave it the 25-Year Award in 2010.
Design and Architecture
The airport’s design blends modern function with Islamic style. Its most famous feature is the Hajj Terminal. This structure uses tent-like roofs to create a cool, shaded space.
The roofs are made of fiberglass fabric. They reflect heat and let in soft light. This design works well in the hot Saudi climate.
The airport covers a vast area of 105 square kilometers. This large space allows for future growth and expansion.
Terminals and Facilities: King Abdulaziz International Airport Saudi Arabia
King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) has several terminals:
- Hajj Terminal: Built for pilgrims during Hajj season
- North Terminal: Used for international flights
- Terminal 1: The main passenger terminal
The airport offers many facilities for travelers:
- Prayer rooms
- Duty-free shops
- Restaurants and cafes
- Car rental services
- Free Wi-Fi
It also has a special facility for Hajj pilgrims. This helps manage the large crowds during pilgrimage times.
Airport Services: King Abdulaziz International Airport Saudi Arabia
King Abdulaziz International Airport offers a wide range of services for travellers. These include convenient transport options and various commercial facilities to meet passenger needs.
Transport and Accessibility
The Haramain High Speed Railway connects the airport to Mecca and Medina. This fast train service makes travel between these important cities easy and quick.
The airport has ample parking spaces for those driving to catch their flights. Short-term and long-term parking options are available to suit different travel needs.
For passengers who prefer to rent a car, several car rental companies operate at the airport. This gives travelers flexibility in their transportation choices after landing.
Commercial Options
King Abdulaziz International Airport houses many dining options. Travellers can find a mix of local and international cuisine to satisfy their hunger before or after flights.
The airport features various shops selling duty-free goods, souvenirs, and travel essentials. These stores cater to last-minute shopping needs or gift purchases.
For those seeking comfort, the Plaza Premium Lounge provides a relaxing space. Here, passengers can unwind, enjoy refreshments, and use business facilities while waiting for their flights.
Currency exchange services and ATMs are readily available throughout the airport. This ensures travellers have easy access to local currency.
Airlines and Destinations
King Abdulaziz International Airport serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights. It handles a diverse range of airlines and routes, with a special focus on religious pilgrim traffic.
Major Carriers and Routes
King Abdulaziz International Airport connects to 171 destinations in 59 countries. Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, uses this airport as its primary hub.
Other major airlines operating here include Flynas and Flyadeal, both Saudi-based low-cost carriers. These airlines offer a mix of domestic and international routes.
International airlines like Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines also fly to Jeddah regularly. The airport serves as a gateway to many Middle Eastern, African, Asian, and European cities.
Handling Hajj and Umrah Traffic
King Abdulaziz International Airport plays a crucial role in managing religious pilgrim traffic. It has a dedicated Hajj Terminal to handle the large influx of pilgrims during the annual Hajj season.
This terminal can process up to 80,000 passengers at once. It helps streamline the arrival and departure of millions of pilgrims travelling to nearby Mecca for Hajj and Umrah.
Airlines often increase their flight frequencies during these peak religious periods. Many offer special Hajj and Umrah packages to cater to pilgrims’ needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
King Abdulaziz International Airport offers a range of facilities and services for travellers. The airport caters to various passenger needs, from transportation options to specific accommodations for Umrah pilgrims.
What are the facilities available at King Abdulaziz International Airport’s terminals?
King Abdulaziz International Airport has four terminals, with Terminal 1 being the largest and most modern.
The terminals feature prayer rooms, duty-free shops, and dining options. Lounges are available for premium passengers, and Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the airport.
Is there a list of airlines and destinations for flights from King Abdulaziz International Airport?
King Abdulaziz International Airport serves many airlines, including Saudia, Flynas, and Emirates.
These carriers offer flights to numerous domestic and international destinations. Travelers can find detailed flight information on the airport’s official website or through airline websites.
What transport options are available to and from King Abdulaziz International Airport?
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available at the airport. Public buses also connect the airport to Jeddah city centre.
Car rental services are offered by several companies at the airport. Many hotels in Jeddah provide shuttle services for their guests.
How do I check the status of arrivals and departures at King Abdulaziz International Airport?
The airport’s website provides real-time updates on flight arrivals and departures.
Passengers can also use airline mobile apps or third-party flight tracking websites. Flight information displays are located throughout the airport terminals.
What are the sleeping accommodations like at King Abdulaziz International Airport?
King Abdulaziz International Airport offers limited sleeping options within the terminals. Some seating areas may be suitable for short naps.
For more comfortable rest, travellers can book rooms at nearby hotels. Some hotels offer day-use rates for transit passengers.
What services are provided for passengers on Umrah at King Abdulaziz International Airport?
King Abdulaziz International Airport has a dedicated Hajj Terminal for pilgrims. This terminal features special services to assist Umrah passengers.
Prayer rooms and ablution facilities are available. The airport also provides guidance and support for pilgrims travelling to Makkah.
ASM Flight Support Services
For inquiries regarding Flight Support, Fuelling, Ground Handling and Flight Supervision services at King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) – Jeddah, contact – sales@asm.aero
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