Riyadh: King Khalid International Airport (KKIA), operated and managed by Riyadh Airports Company (RAC), will begin implementing its first major strategic transformation plan since opening over 40 years ago during the first quarter of 2026, in alignment with the rapid development taking place in Riyadh.
According to Saudi Press Agency, this plan is one of KKIA's most prominent development projects, designed to advance the strategic vision for airports, given its comprehensive operational and organizational scope for RAC.
The plan includes reorganizing operations across the existing terminals, whose original designs have been updated to reflect their identities since KKIA's opening. Under the new arrangement, Terminal 5 will be designated for international flights operated by foreign airlines, while Terminals 3 and 4 will be allocated for domestic flights. Meanwhile, Terminals 1 and 2 will continue to serve international flights operated by national airlines.
This major reorganization is expected to increase terminal capacity, improve ease of movement between terminals, and reduce waiting times between flights, enhancing the traveler experience and service quality. The actual date of the reorganization will be announced once all airport sectors and airlines have confirmed operational readiness.
RAC, in coordination with the General Authority of Civil Aviation and MATARAT Holding, affirmed that this move is part of an ambitious strategy to improve the passenger experience at KKIA, including a package of development initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and the quality of services provided to travelers.
The major transformation plan for KKIA aims to support national aspirations and strategic objectives for the Saudi aviation sector, strengthen its regional and international leadership, and align with Saudi Vision 2030 by developing the air transport sector and reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub connecting three continents through advanced infrastructure and a world-class travel experience.