Construction of Runway Project commences at King Salman Airport, the world's largest airport.
The King Salman International Airport (KSIA) is set to undergo a significant expansion, with the third and fourth runways currently in advanced planning and procurement stages. The King Salman International Airport Development Company (KSIADC) has received best and final offers (BAFOs) for a design-and-build contract to develop the third runway, with contract finalization expected soon as of July 2025[1][2][4].
The third and fourth runways will supplement the existing two runways at King Khalid International Airport, integrating into KSIA's mega expansion project[1][3]. The airport itself is a massive project covering about 57 square kilometers, designed to accommodate six parallel runways in total and serve as a major global hub with capacity to handle up to 185 million passengers annually in the long term[3][5].
The project involves comprehensive construction packages. KSIADC has prequalified firms for various components including the main engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts, early enabling works, specialist systems and integration, materials and equipment supply, engineering and design services, and health, safety, security, environment and wellbeing services. It also covers modular installation and prefabrication, local content provisions, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) related services[1].
Notable figures in the project include Foster + Partners, who will be responsible for designing Terminal 6, the private aviation terminal, hangars, central runway, and temporary apron at King Salman International Airport. Additionally, US-based Jacobs was selected to provide specialist consultancy services for the masterplan and the design of new runways at King Salman International Airport[6].
The KSIA expansion is one of the largest and most ambitious airport development projects globally, with a strong emphasis on modular construction, local content, and sustainability elements integrated into the scope. The phased development plan aims to expand the existing airport infrastructure, making KSIA a key player in the global aviation industry.
[1] King Salman International Airport Development Company (KSIADC). (2023). Expansion of King Salman International Airport (KSIA). Retrieved from https://ksiadc.com/en/ksia-expansion
[2] Arab News. (2023). KSIADC receives best and final offers for King Salman International Airport expansion project. Retrieved from https://www.arabnews.com/node/2022421/business-economy
[3] Airports Council International. (2022). King Salman International Airport. Retrieved from https://www.aci.aero/airport-network/king-salman-international-airport
[4] Saudi Gazette. (2023). KSIADC to award King Salman International Airport expansion project soon. Retrieved from https://www.saudigazette.com.sa/article/600952/SAUDI-ARABIA/KSIADC-to-award-King-Salman-International-Airport-expansion-project-soon
[5] Gulf Business. (2022). King Salman International Airport to handle 185 million passengers annually by 2050. Retrieved from https://gulfbusiness.com/king-salman-international-airport-to-handle-185-million-passengers-annually-by-2050/
[6] Construction Week Online. (2023). Foster + Partners wins design contract for King Salman International Airport. Retrieved from https://www.constructionweekonline.com/projects/foster-partners-wins-design-contract-for-king-salman-international-airport-643-10367561
- The expansion of King Salman International Airport (KSIA) will involve significant development not only in construction but also in engineering and finance, as it prepares to serve as a major global hub with a capacity to handle up to 185 million passengers annually.
- The KSIA project, one of the largest and most ambitious airport developments globally, will encompass various aspects of real estate and transportation, including comprehensive construction packages and the implementation of sustainability elements.
- To oversee the design of Terminal 6, the private aviation terminal, hangars, central runway, and temporary apron at KSIA, the project has enlisted the services of notable engineering firms such as Foster + Partners and Jacobs, emphasizing the importance of professional expertise in multiple industries for the successful execution of this grand undertaking.
