All About Riyadh Airport(KKIA), Saudi Arabia

Table of Contents

1. Riyadh Airport The Vision and Ambition
2. The Economics and Passenger and Flight traffic
3. Riyadh Airport Provides Sleeping Pods for Passengers
4. Transfer Between Terminals
5. Services available at all Terminals 1-5
6. Riyadh Airport Terminal 1 
   • Ticketing and Check-In
   • Welcome Lounges
7. Riyadh Airport Terminal 2 
   • Ticketing and Check-In
   • Welcome Lounges
8. Riyadh Airport Terminal 3
9. Riyadh Airport Terminal 4
10. Riyadh Airport Terminal 5,
    • Ticketing and Check-In
    • Welcome Lounges
    • Saudia Al-Fursan Golden Lounge
11. Riyadh Airport Terminal 6

As a business traveler, I chanced upon His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman’s announcement to make Riyadh Airport(KKIA) one of the world’s largest airports.

So, I have decided to review where Riyadh Airport stands in terms of its facilities, traveler experience, and business volume.

First, it’s the second-largest airport in Saudi Arabia, with the universal paraphernalia of parking, Car Rental, and Hotels near the airport. There are 6 terminals in the King Khalid International Airport Riyadh.

It has a separate Royal Terminal for VVIPs and five passenger terminals.

Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH) is the 2nd largest airport in Saudi Arabia. The largest airport after the Jeddah airport, although Riyadh is the capital and largest city in Saudi Arabia.

The airport is the hub for Saudia and Flynas.

Riyadh Airport The Vision and Ambition

The King Salman International Airport, 35 kilometers (22 mi) north of the city, will significantly boost the Kingdom’s ambition to become a dominant global trade and tourism destination by 2030.

The Economics and Passenger and Flight traffic

The project incorporates the increasing annual passenger traffic, which is expected to rise from 29 million to 120 million by 2030 and reach 185 million by 2050. Riyadh Airport(KKIA) will contribute $7.18 billion, SR27 billion annually, to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP. 

The Kingdom expects its flight traffic to increase from 211,000 flights annually to more than 1 million.

Riyadh Airport Provides Sleeping Pods for Passengers

Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport now provides sleeping pods for travelers seeking a quick pre-flight nap, per a recent report by the Saudi Press Agency.

These pods, available to 300 passengers daily, feature amenities such as air conditioning, comfortable hotel-style beds, interactive screens, and secure lockers.

Terminal Layout 

• Terminals 1 & 2: These terminals are used for international flights. Terminal 1 is used for international flights from the majority of airlines while Terminal 2 is reserved for Saudi and Flynas international flights.
• Terminal 3 & 4: These two terminals are currently undergoing renovations and are not being used. After the renovations are complete they are expected to make up for increased passenger traffic.
• Terminal 5: Terminal 5 is the most modern and state of the art terminal and it serves domestic flights.
• Royal Terminal: This terminal is reserved for royal family members, government officials and foreign dignitaries. It is not open to the general public.

Transfer Between Terminals

Moving walkways and a shuttle bus service for Terminal 5 connect the 5 public terminals at Riyadh Airport(KKIA).

Terminals 1 to 4 are inter-connected within the same terminal complex, allowing for easy transfers.

Transferring to Terminal 5 from another terminal requires taking a shuttle bus. The free shuttle service operates at 10-minute intervals.

Services available at all Terminals 1-5

• ATMs
• Sleeping pods for passengers
• Banking services
• Information desk
• Luggage wrapping
• Barber Shop
• Free Wi-Fi
• Airlines offices
• Food and retail outlets, Café, restaurants, bars
• Duty-free shops

Riyadh Airport Terminal 1 

This terminal operates all international arrivals and departures, except Air France, Saudia NasAir, and Middle East airlines.

Ticketing and Check-In

Ground level: Ticketing security check, etc

Upper level: Boarding gates from 11 to 18.

Welcome Lounges

Plaza Premium Lounge on the Mezzanine floor is close to the Departures Hall. Open 24 hours. Its services include Premium food, Snacks, Wi-Fi, Showers, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Internet terminals, and a Smoking area.

Travelers are required to pay an Access fee.

Airside, on the mezzanine floor, is Open 24 hours. Services available include showers, Premium food, Snacks, Wi-Fi, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, a Children’s area, and a Smoking area.

The spa is available upon payment.

Riyadh Airport Terminal 2 

Operates all international flights of Air France, Saudia, Nas Air, and Middle East airlines.

Ticketing and Check-In

Ground level: Ticketing security check, etc

Upper level: Boarding gates from 21 to 28.

Welcome Lounges

Airside, on the second floor, is Open 24 hours. Services available: showers, Premium food, Snacks, Wi-Fi, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, a Children’s area, and a Smoking area.

Spa is available upon payment.

Saudia Al-Fursan Golden Business Lounge, close to Gate 21. Open 24 hours. Services provided include Snacks, Wi-Fi, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Internet terminals, Printers, Copiers, and Telephones. Please note that it is a non-smoking facility. There is both a ‘smoking’ and a ‘non-smoking’ version.

Riyadh Airport Terminal 3

It is reopened in late 2022. Terminal 3 operates international flights from Flynas, Flyadeal, and the Sky team. 

Terminal 3, with its expanded passenger handling capacity, has 95 counters and 12 self-service machines.  

Riyadh Airport Terminal 4

This is also reopened in late 2022 after several months of renovations. Along with terminals 1-3, this is another International flight terminal. It, too, was expanded to have 22 travel gates, 95 counters, and 12 self-service machines. 

Riyadh Airport Terminal 5,

It was built in 2016 and operates all domestic flights within Saudi Arabia. It handles over 12 million passengers annually and is a shuttle drive away from terminals 1-4. 

From Terminal 5, Saudi Airlines, Flynas, Saudi Golf, Flyadeal, and Nessma fly to five destinations within Saudi Arabia.

Ticketing and Check-In

Terminal 5 at the Riyadh Airport has 36 check-in counters. Thirty are for Economy Class, and the remaining 6 are for First and Business Class. There are also 60 baggage and check-in counters, along with 20 self-check-in counters.

Terminal 5 is connected to the Metro and has a parking area with space to park over 3,700 cars.

Welcome Lounges

naSmiles Lounge is non-smoking and is open 24 hours a day. Services include Premium food, Snacks, Wi-Fi, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, and TV. 

Saudia Al-Fursan Golden Lounge

It is close to Gate 508A and is open 24 hours. Services include Premium food, Snacks, Wi-Fi, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Internet terminals, Printers, Copiers, and Telephones. This lounge is a non-smoking facility.

Riyadh Airport Terminal 6

This terminal is reserved for Heads of State, VIPs, and other dignitaries. It has a sprawling garden and a mosque attached.

Navigating the Airport from Arrival to Departure

1. Arriving at the Airport:

• Car or Taxi: If you are driving to the airport then you can easily reach it via the King Salman Road. There is always plenty of parking available for both short and long-term stays near each of the terminals. Taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber and Careem are also allowed into these parking spaces near the terminals.
• Public Transport: There are currently very few public transportation options available but work on a metro line which will connect the airport to Riyadh’s downtown area is under progress.

2. Entering the Correct Terminal:

• Check Your Ticket: Check the flight information and terminal number on your ticket or boarding pass before reaching the airport.
• Signs and Information Desks: There are signs throughout the airport inorder to help passengers to get to their assigned terminals. Information desks are also present in all terminals to provide any needed assistance.

3. Check-In Process:

• Automated Check-Ins: To speed up the process passengers can utilize the self-servicing booths provided in Terminal 5 for domestic flights. Most airlines also offer online check-in options that eliminate the need for traditional check-in counters.
• Check-In Counters: The check-in counters for international flights can be found on the ground floors of Terminals 1 and 2. Passengers are advised to arrive at least three hours before the departure time so they can calmly complete the check-in and security procedures.

4. Security and Immigration:

• Security Screening: After the check-in, there is the security screening section.
• Immigration: Those who are boarding international flights must go through immigration checkpoints and have their passport, visa and boarding pass ready for checking. Passengers should expect time delays in this section especially during busy seasons.

5. Navigating Between Terminals:

• Inter-Terminal Shuttle: There is a shuttle bus that runs every 10 minutes making stops at Terminals 1 through 4 and then Terminal 5. 
• Walking Routes: Terminals 1 to 4 are linked by walkways which allows for easy access between them. 

6. Airport Facilities:

• Lounges: All the terminals have exclusive lounges with comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, free Wi-Fi and charging ports among other facilities. The Plaza Premium Lounge and Saudia Al-Fursan Lounge are often the most liked by passengers.
• Dining and Shopping: The airport itself contains a variety of dining choices ranging from fast-food to fine dining. Duty-free shops are also present in the international terminals for some last moment shopping.

• Sleeping Pods: There are sleeping pods available for rent in terminal 5 that are ideal for those passengers with long layovers or early morning flights.
• Prayer Rooms: There are separate prayer rooms for men and women in all of the terminals.

8. Boarding and Departure:

• Boarding Gate: You can check the flight information screens for your gate number and boarding time.
• Final Security Check: Some gates have additional security checks so make sure you have your boarding pass and identification ready.

Special Assistance and Tips for a Smooth Experience

• 1. Assistance for Special Needs: Passengers with special needs have the option to request assistance in advance. There are also wheelchairs, priority lanes, and other facilities available to ensure a comfortable travel experience
• Baggage Services: Services like baggage wrapping, storage and porter services are all available. Please make sure your luggage meets the airline’s weight and size guidlines.
• Stay Updated: You can download the KKIA app from playstore and Apple store or visit the official airport website for real time flight information, terminal maps, and additional services. 

Getting around King Khalid International Airport is very easy if you have the necessary information. By keeping these suggestions in mind you can guarantee yourself a hassle free experience.

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