King Khalid International Airport (RUH) is 35 km north of Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. It is the country’s biggest airport and a major hub for air travel in the region.
The airport handles over 35 million travellers each year, linking more than 50 airlines to over 100 destinations worldwide.
The airport has five passenger terminals, a royal terminal, and a big mosque. Its central control tower helps manage the busy air traffic.
King Khalid International Airport keeps growing and adding new airlines to serve more people.
Travellers can find many helpful services at the airport.
There are car rental options for those who want to explore Riyadh on their own.
The airport also has shops, restaurants, and other amenities to make waiting for flights more comfortable.
Overview
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 35 kilometers (22 miles) north of Riyadh |
| IATA Code | RUH |
| ICAO Code | OERK |
| Coordinates | Latitude: 24°57′28″N, Longitude: 46°42′26″E |
| Elevation | 2,049 feet (625 meters) above mean sea level |
| Runways | 2 parallel runways (15L/33R and 15R/33L) |
| Runway Dimensions | 4,205 meters × 60 meters (13,796 feet × 197 feet) |
| Terminals | 5 terminals (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5) |
| Passenger Capacity | Over 25 million passengers per year |
| Cargo Capacity | 156,940 tonnes per year |
| Airport Type | Civil |
| Time Zone | UTC+3 (Arabia Standard Time) |
Airport Infrastructure
King Khalid International Airport boasts modern facilities to handle millions of passengers annually. It features multiple terminals and runways to support both domestic and international flights.
Terminals and Capacity
King Khalid International Airport has five main passenger terminals.
Terminals 1, 2, and 5 serve international flights, while Terminals 3 and 4 handle domestic travel. The airport can process over 35 million passengers per year.
Terminal 1 and 2 each have 14 gates with aero-bridges. Terminal 5 is the newest, opened in 2016 for international carriers. The Royal Terminal serves VIP guests and government officials.
KKIA offers ample car parking facilities near each terminal. The airport uses modern technology for efficient check-in and security processes.
Runways and Air Traffic Control
The airport has two parallel runways, each 4,205 meters long. This setup allows for simultaneous takeoffs and landings, increasing air traffic capacity.
A central control tower oversees all flight operations. It uses advanced radar and communication systems to manage air traffic safely.
The runways can handle all types of commercial aircraft, including large wide-body planes. This capability makes RUH a major hub for long-haul international flights.
Ground crews maintain the runways regularly to ensure they meet international safety standards. The airport operates 24/7, supporting flights at all hours.
Airline Operations: King Khalid International Airport (RUH)
King Khalid International Airport serves as a major hub for several airlines, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights. The airport’s operations focus on efficiency and passenger convenience.
Major Carriers and Routes
Saudia is the primary carrier at King Khalid International Airport, operating numerous domestic and international routes.
Flynas and Flyadeal also have a significant presence, providing low-cost options for travelers.
The airport connects Riyadh to major cities worldwide.
Popular international destinations include:
- Jeddah
- Dubai
- Istanbul
- Mumbai
- Frankfurt
- Abu Dhabi
Domestic flights link Riyadh to other Saudi cities like Dammam and Jeddah. The upcoming Riyadh Air is expected to expand the airport’s route network further.
Operational Efficiency
The Riyadh Airports Company manages King Khalid International Airport, focusing on smooth operations and passenger satisfaction.
The airport has five terminals, allowing for efficient handling of both domestic and international flights.
To improve efficiency, the airport uses modern technology for check-in, security, and baggage handling. This helps reduce wait times and enhance the overall passenger experience.
The airport’s cargo village can handle 600,000 tons of cargo annually, supporting the region’s trade and commerce.
With 40 passenger boarding bridges, the airport can efficiently manage multiple aircraft simultaneously.
Passenger Services: King Khalid International Airport (RUH)
King Khalid International Airport offers a wide range of services to make travel comfortable and convenient. Passengers can enjoy shopping, dining, and relaxation options throughout the terminals.
Shopping and Dining
The airport features numerous shopping and dining options for travellers.
Duty-free shops sell perfumes, electronics, and local souvenirs. Restaurants serve both international cuisine and Saudi specialities.
Cafes provide quick snacks and beverages. Several fast-food chains have outlets in the food courts. Sit-down restaurants offer more leisurely dining experiences.
Convenience stores stock travel essentials and reading materials. Fashion boutiques carry clothing and accessories from popular brands.
Relaxation and Comfort
Passengers can unwind in several lounges at King Khalid International Airport.
The Nasmiles Lounge caters to frequent flyers and offers complimentary refreshments.
The Plaza Premium Lounge provides a tranquil space with comfortable seating and shower facilities. Business travellers can use workstations and meeting rooms.
For extended layovers, airport hotels offer rooms by the hour. These provide a place to rest and freshen up between flights.
Prayer rooms are available throughout the terminals for spiritual needs. Quiet areas allow passengers to relax away from the bustle of the main concourses.
Access and Transportation
King Khalid International Airport offers many options to get to and from the airport. Travelers can choose from parking, car rentals, taxis, and buses.
Parking and Car Rentals
The airport has ample parking facilities for both short-term and long-term stays.
Short-term parking is available near the terminals for quick pick-ups and drop-offs. Long-term parking lots are located further away but offer shuttle services to the terminals.
Car rental agencies have counters inside the airport. Major companies like Hertz, Avis, and Budget operate here. Travellers can easily rent a vehicle upon arrival.
Public and Private Transport Services
Taxis are readily available outside all terminals.
They offer fixed rates to popular destinations in Riyadh.
Uber also operates at the airport, providing a convenient ride-hailing option.
Public buses connect the airport to Riyadh city centre. They are an affordable choice for budget travelers, and the buses run frequently throughout the day.
Airport shuttles provide free transportation between terminals. They depart every 10 minutes from outside each terminal building.
Private car services can be pre-booked for a more luxurious travel experience. These offer door-to-door service to hotels or other destinations in Riyadh.
Frequently Asked Questions
King Khalid International Airport offers many services and facilities for travellers. Passengers can easily check flight statuses, follow departure procedures, and access various amenities at the airport.
How can I check the status of arrivals at King Khalid International Airport?
Travelers can check arrival statuses at King Khalid International Airport through several methods.
The airport’s official website provides real-time flight information. Passengers can also use the airport’s customer service Twitter account for updates.
What are the departure procedures at King Khalid International Airport?
Departure procedures at King Khalid International Airport involve standard security checks and passport control.
Passengers should arrive at least 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights. Check-in counters typically close 1 hour before departure.
Where is King Khalid International Airport located?
King Khalid International Airport is situated in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia.
It is approximately 27.5 km from downtown Riyadh, making it easily accessible for travelers.
Can you provide the postal address for King Khalid International Airport?
The postal address for King Khalid International Airport is:
King Khalid International Airport P.O. Box 22616 Riyadh 11416 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
What facilities are available in Terminal 2 of King Khalid International Airport?
Terminal 2 at King Khalid International Airport offers various facilities for passengers.
These include restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, prayer rooms, and lounges. Saudia Airlines operates its flights from Terminal 2.
What airlines operate from Terminal 4 of King Khalid International Airport?
Terminal 4 of King Khalid International Airport is not currently in use. The airport mainly operates from Terminals 1, 2, and 5.
Terminal 1 handles international flights from most airlines, while Terminal 5 serves domestic flights.
ASM Flight Support Services
For inquiries regarding Flight Support, Fuelling, Ground Handling and Flight Supervision services at King Khalid International Airport (RUH)- Riyadh, contact – sales@asm.aero
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