A gateway to the Middle East, Saudi Arabia boasts an impressive network of domestic and international airports that connect millions of passengers annually to global destinations. Whether travelling for business, family, solo excursion, or pilgrimage, the knowledge of the country's domestic and international airports can help create a well-crafted travel itinerary.
Let's discover some prominent facts about the major airports in Saudi Arabia.
International Airports in Saudi Arabia
- King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED)
This international airport in Saudi Arabia is located 25.7 km from Jeddah and is the busiest in Saudi Arabia. It services millions of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims annually. The airport has three major terminals: New Terminal 1 for domestic operation, the famous Hajj Terminal for pilgrimage traffic, and the North Terminal for airlines such as Saudia and Flynas.
Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Airport Code: JED
- King Khalid International Airport (RUH)
This airport is 35 km from Riyadh and is spread over 315 square kilometres, making it one of the largest globally by area. It has five terminals, with Terminals 1 and 2 serving international flights and Terminal 5 handling domestic flights.
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Airport Code: RUH
- King Fahd International Airport (DMM)
As the world's biggest airport by land area, 776 square kilometres, this facility has a passenger terminal, a royal terminal, and an Aramco Terminal for state oil company employees. It is situated 35.6 kilometres from Dammam.
Location: Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Airport Code: DMM
- Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED)
This is an eco-airport located 20.8 km from Medina, comprising 12 modernised terminals focusing on Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. Opened in 1950, this is one of the international airports in Saudi Arabia serving as a gateway to regional destinations such as Cairo, Dubai, Istanbul, and Kuwait City. It also handles charter flights during the Hajj and Umrah seasons, making it one of the two entry points for pilgrims, alongside Jeddah Airport.
Location: Medina, Saudi Arabia
Airport Code: MED
- Taif International Airport (TIF)
Located 30 km from Taif and 70 km from Mecca, this airport is both domestic and international. Established in 1976, it has a single terminal. The airport also goes down in history as the place where the very first aeroplane landed on Saudi Arabian soil. It is highly recognized as one of the most easily navigated and user-friendly international airports in Saudi Arabia.
Location: Taif, Saudi Arabia
Airport Code: TIF
- Tabuk Airport (TUU)
This is an international route airport that opened in 2011 to Egypt and the UAE, as well as other domestic destinations. It stands 5 km from Tabuk and has only one terminal.
Location: Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
Airport Code: TUU
- Ha'il Regional Airport (HAS)
Located 10 km from Ha'il, this airport was first opened in 1978 and serves domestic flights and restricted international sectors, such as Cairo.
Location: Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
Airport Code: HAS
- Al Ahsa Airport (HOF)
Al Ahsa Airport lies 17.6 km from the city and serves domestic flights and international destinations like Dubai and Cairo. As it is close to the majority of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, this is a very nice stop for travellers exploring the region.
Location: Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
Airport Code: HOF
- Jizan Airport (GIZ)
Located 4.7 km from Jizan, this airport handles domestic and international traffic to Cairo and Dubai. It has two terminals with all necessary facilities and is called the gateway to the southern region.
Location: Jizan, Saudi Arabia
Airport Code: GIZ
- Hafr Al Batin Airport (AQI)
It is located 20 km southeast of Hafar al-Batin, Saudi Arabia. Operating since 1962, it initially originated as a runway for Saudi Aramco and features a 3,000-metre asphalt runway, passenger terminal, and modern facilities today.
Location: Hafar Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia
Airport Code: AQI
Domestic Airports in Saudi Arabia
- Al Baha Domestic Airport (ABT)
Al Baha Airport is situated 20 km from Al Baha city, a region that has gained popularity due to its picturesque scenery and calm climate. It was opened for operation on June 1, 1983, and serves as a domestic gateway for routes between Al Baha and Riyadh, Jeddah, as well as Bahrain.
Location: Al Baha, Saudi Arabia
Airport Code: ABT
- Najran Domestic Airport (EAM)
Najran Airport opened for operations on September 20, 2011, and is located 26 km from Najran city. Known for its proximity to archaeological landmarks, this is one of the domestic airports in Saudi Arabia that offers flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam via airlines such as Flynas, Saudia, and Flyadeal.
Location: Najran, Saudi Arabia
Airport Code: EAM
- Gurayat Domestic Airport (URY)
This medium-sized airport in the Al Jawf Province has been in use since 1974. Gurayat Airport has one runway (3,046 metres) and is within 15 km of the city. The airport is well connected to principal Saudi cities, allowing quick travel within the country.
Location: Gurayat, Saudi Arabia
Airport Code: URY
- Arar Domestic Airport (RAE)
One of the northern domestic airports in Saudi Arabia, Arar offers much-needed access to remote areas. Opened on June 1, 1981, Arar Airport is located in the Northern Borders Province and mainly caters to domestic flights to Riyadh and Dammam.
Location: Arar, Saudi Arabia
Airport Code: RAE
- Dawadmi Domestic Airport (DWD)
Dawadmi Domestic Airport opened in April 2003. The airport is 30 km west of Dawadmi city centre in the Najd region.
Location: Dawadmi, Saudi Arabia
Airport Code: DWD
- Turaif Domestic Airport (TUI)
Turaif Airport, also known as Air Minum Kemasan Airport, is one of the small airports in Saudi Arabia. Turaif Airport has non-stop passenger flights scheduled to Riyadh only, which take around 1 hour and 55 minutes.
Location: Turaif, Saudi Arabia
Airport Code: TU
Conclusion
When planning to book air tickets for Saudi Arabia, it is advisable to buy comprehensive travel insurance. A travel insurance plan provides financial protection against unforeseen circumstances like medical emergencies, baggage loss, or trip cancellations.
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