Riyadh: Hail International Airport is set for a major expansion that will boost its annual passenger capacity to over 2.2 million, the Saudi Ministry of Transport and Logistics has announced. The development forms a key part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to modernize air transport infrastructure in the northern region.
Speaking at the Hail Forum during a session on “Investment Opportunities in the Transport and Logistics Sector,” Saud Al-Arifi, Director General of the General Administration of Privatization at the ministry, emphasized that the expansion supports the Kingdom’s goal of transforming Hail into a fully integrated logistics hub.
Currently serving as the main airport for the Hail Province, the facility is used by airlines such as Air Arabia, flynas, and flyadeal. The airport’s strategic location—within 60 minutes of 11 Arab capitals and 200 minutes from Central Europe—makes it an ideal candidate for further development.
In addition to the airport upgrade, the Ministry, in cooperation with the Hail Region Development Authority, is developing a massive logistics centre covering more than 374,000 square meters. This facility will enhance supply chain efficiency and boost cargo movement across Saudi Arabia.
A separate initiative to upgrade roadside services across the region is also underway, aimed at improving road safety and enhancing travel amenities.
Vision 2030: Saudi Arabia’s Aviation and Logistics Overhaul
The Hail airport expansion is part of Saudi Arabia’s larger Vision 2030, a national plan to diversify the economy beyond oil and position the Kingdom as a global leader in logistics, aviation, and tourism.
Key goals under the Saudi Aviation Strategy include:
- Passenger Growth: Increase total passenger traffic to 330 million annually by 2030, up from 112 million in 2023.
- Cargo Expansion: Grow air cargo volume to 4.5 million tonnes annually.
- Global Connectivity: Connect Saudi airports to over 250 international destinations.
- Infrastructure Investment: Modernize airports across the Kingdom, including the upcoming King Salman International Airport in Riyadh and the new Abha International Airport.
- Airline Development: Launch new carriers like Riyadh Air and NEOM Airlines, joining existing players like Saudia and flynas.
Riyadh Air, backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is expected to launch in Q3 2025. Its fleet will include 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft and up to 72 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with further discussions ongoing for additional wide-body aircraft, including the Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 777X.
These developments underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to transforming its aviation and logistics sectors into global benchmarks, anchoring the Kingdom’s vision for a diversified and connected future.
