English 
Spanish 
3 min read
0 comments
Saudi Arabia has announced an ambitious plan to transform global air transport: the new airport under construction, King Salman International Airport, located in Riyadh and designed to become one of the largest aviation infrastructures in the world. Scheduled to open in 2030, this development promises to create a profound impact not only for the country, but for the entire international air transport sector, connecting millions of passengers and stimulating regional development.
The construction project, which is already underway, will feature six runways and an initial capacity to handle 180 million passengers per year. At scale, this infrastructure will make Riyadh one of the world’s leading logistics hubs, capable of accommodating up to 185 million travelers by 2050. The goal is to strengthen Riyadh’s position on the global air transport map by promoting the development of residential and leisure areas across the 57 square kilometer complex, creating an environment that goes beyond the simple movement of passengers.
In addition, the new airport under construction will be designed by the renowned firm Foster + Partners, known for its innovative approach in airport infrastructure. Inspired by Saudi culture, the design will seek to create a travel experience that blends advanced technology and cultural elements. The project is part of the Saudi strategic vision, which already includes grand projects such as Mukaab, Epicon, Jeddah and The Line, reinforcing the country's ambition to lead the air transport sector and offer a cultural edge to passengers.
Economic and social implications of new airport construction
For the Saudi economy, the new airport under construction is a key part of the path to making Riyadh one of the ten most economically influential cities by 2030. The Saudi Press Agency highlighted that this expansion will contribute to the projected population growth, estimated to reach between 15 and 20 million inhabitants in the next decade. With the expectation of generating approximately 15 direct and indirect jobs, the airport is expected to catalyze the growth of other sectors, such as trade, services and tourism, and attract foreign investment.
- Government will invest MORE than R$15 BILLION to ease traffic congestion in one of the most populated regions of the Brazilian state
- America's new $1,5 billion tallest tower faces turmoil, construction delayed
- Elon Musk proposes $20 trillion alternative to tunnel that will connect New York and London in just 54 minutes
- Important highway (BR) will be renovated and selection to fill job vacancies on the project already has a start date
Infrastructure will also have a significant impact on global air transport by facilitating connections with international markets and increasing the flow of passengers and goods. In addition, the new airport will contribute to strengthening the country's transport infrastructure, as it will be a key element in boosting air transport and transforming Riyadh into a connecting point between East and West.
Other global air transport initiatives
Foster + Partners, the company leading the project under construction in Riyadh, is also leading other global initiatives focused on innovation and sustainability in airports. These include the Red Sea International Airport in Saudi Arabia and the new CPK airport in Poland. These projects reflect a global trend in which airports are increasingly becoming more than just transportation hubs, evolving into cultural and economic hubs, connecting regions and encouraging cultural exchange.
The construction of the new airport under construction in Saudi Arabia symbolizes a movement of innovation that is set to shape the future of air transport. The demand for airports that add cultural and economic value and promote a differentiated experience for passengers is on the rise, and Riyadh, with King Salman International Airport, seeks to assume a leading role in this global scenario. The combination of bold design, high capacity and strategic location makes this project fundamental to the evolution of air transport in the 21st century.
