King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA)
Jeddah’s airport is located about 20 km in the northeast of the city and is the largest in the country. KAIA is currently undergoing a major redevelopment to bring service levels up to modern international standards and expand its capacity. The airport serves as a connection to a number of flight routes, particularly to Arab, Asian, African and, increasingly, European countries. KAIA is currently undergoing extensive renovation and expansion. Terminal 1, which went into operation in 2018, is a hub for the Saudi state airline Saudia and is served by all international (‘classic’, i.e. ‘non-budget’) airlines. The North Terminal, which is very far from Terminal 1, is mainly served by foreign budget airlines. The airport train station of the Haramain High Speed Railway is also located in this terminal.
Royal Terminal
The Royal Terminal is a special terminal reserved for VIPs, foreign royalty and presidents, and the Saudi Royal Family. Considering that Jeddah hosts many government activities, many state government conferences at the highest level, this terminal is briskly used.
Hajj Terminal
The airport is the most important traffic hub for the millions of pilgrims on their way to and from Mecca. Thus, a special terminal is available for pilgrims. It is the Western Hajj Terminal of KAIA , which has been a special gateway to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah since its opening in 1981. This terminal, which is only open during the six-week Hajj, is considered architecturally noteworthy. https://www.jeddah-airport.
For more information about the “Airport” you can read my ebook SAUDI ARABIA – JEDDAH TAIF AL BAHAH, which is available on Apple Books and on Amazon.
