Global Contractors Vie for King Salman Airport Runway Contracts

The runway construction bids are being tendered in phases, reflecting KSIA’s enormous scale. KSIADC issued design-and-build tenders for the airport’s third and fourth runways in April 2025, following a global prequalification process. Initially, firms were invited to prequalify by January 2025, but strong interest prompted the client to extend deadlines to ensure robust competition. By May 2025, bid submissions for the third runway were due by May 12 (extended from an earlier April 21 deadline), with the fourth runway’s bid deadline close behind on May 15.

This bidding process is critical to the airport’s overall development timeline. The runways will form the backbone of KSIA’s airside infrastructure, enabling the ambitious passenger and cargo capacities envisioned for 2030 and beyond. KSIADC has divided the entire scheme into eight major asset packages, and the runway contracts are among the first heavy construction packages to move forward. Their timely execution will set the pace for subsequent works on terminals, aprons, and support facilities. In essence, getting the runways built on schedule is foundational for Riyadh’s goal of opening this mega-airport by the end of the decade.

Key Firms Expected to Bid and What’s at Stake

Given the prestige and scale of KSIA, it’s no surprise that many of the world’s largest contractors—often in partnership with local Saudi firms—are vying for the runway projects. One prominent consortium already formed involves Saudi Arabia’s Nesma & Partners, which has signed a joint venture agreement with Samsung C&T of South Korea, Limak of Turkey, and local firm Al-Ayuni Investment & Contracting. This powerhouse team combines Nesma’s leading role in Saudi construction (including delivering major airport works), Samsung C&T’s global megaproject experience, and Limak/Al-Ayuni’s track record in airport builds across international and local markets. Their collaboration underscores what’s at stake: the runway contracts are not just lucrative, but also a gateway into the broader KSIA program. Winning a runway package could position a firm for additional contracts in terminals, cargo facilities, or other assets as the development unfolds.

Industry experts anticipate several other bidding groups to challenge the Nesma-led JV. These likely include consortia led by major Saudi contractors known for infrastructure delivery. For example, Almabani General Contractors—a firm with specialized airport experience—is a strong contender, having recently built the Red Sea International Airport’s runways in Saudi Arabia. Almabani could team up with international players (such as European or Chinese construction giants) to bolster its technical edge. Likewise, Saudi Binladin Group (renowned for airport projects historically) may seek a comeback via partnership, given its past delivery of large Saudi terminals and runways.

In all cases, bidders are emphasizing their technical capabilities: experience with 4 km-long Code F runways, advanced pavement and lighting systems, and fast-track delivery under extreme climate conditions. The scope of work for each runway package is massive—including not just the runway strip itself, but taxiways, aprons, lighting and navigation aids, fuel and drainage systems, and associated airfield facilities. This means only firms with depth in heavy civil engineering, project management, and supply chain muscle can credibly compete.

For the winners, the rewards go beyond contract value. The KSIA project is a high-profile centerpiece of Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure ambitions. Successful delivery will burnish a contractor’s reputation on the global stage. It also secures a foothold in Riyadh’s booming construction market, where upcoming mega-projects (from Neom to new railways) are plentiful. In short, the runway tenders carry strategic importance: they are a chance to align with Saudi’s Vision 2030 trajectory and to participate in building a landmark aviation hub for the region. Little wonder that competition is intense, with bidders likely sharpening their prices and forming alliances to meet KSIADC’s exacting requirements.

Strategic and Competitive Implications

Strategically, the runway contracts are crucial early building blocks for KSIA and come with tight timelines. Riyadh is targeting an operational launch by 2030 to align with international events and growth plans. This creates pressure on contractors: those bidding must demonstrate not only technical know-how but also robust project management and risk mitigation plans to ensure on-time delivery. Firms are expected to propose innovative solutions, for example, using modular pre-fabrication where possible or deploying advanced construction technology, to accelerate the build while maintaining quality.

From a competitive standpoint, the tenders illustrate Saudi Arabia’s approach of pairing local capacity with international expertise. KSIADC has emphasized local content and knowledge transfer in the prequalification stage. Consortia like Nesma’s embody this, uniting Saudi contractors with foreign companies. This approach not only satisfies localization goals but also heightens competition, as global firms that might normally bid alone are encouraged to partner locally. Pricing will be closely watched, with multiple heavyweight teams in the fray, KSIADC stands to receive aggressive bids, potentially saving costs. However, bidders must balance competitiveness with realism: the sheer scale of two 4,000-meter runways, built concurrently with other airport elements, carries execution risks (from supply chain delays to workforce management). The strategic calculus for each bidder is how to offer the best value proposition, often by leveraging unique strengths. For instance, a company might highlight a stellar safety record on similar airfield jobs, or propose a design tweak to simplify maintenance long-term, thereby adding value beyond just a low price.

There is also a wider strategic implication: these runway contracts will effectively kick-start full construction at KSIA. How smoothly they progress will influence investor and airline confidence in the overall project. A well-managed, on-schedule runway build could attract airlines (like the new national carrier Riyadh Air) to ramp up plans, whereas delays would send negative signals. In this sense, the contractors selected are not just building pavements; they are partners in delivering Saudi Arabia’s vision of a global aviation hub. The competitive spirit among bidders is therefore matched by a spirit of partnership, with KSIADC expecting contractors to work closely with its delivery teams to ensure the runways integrate seamlessly into the broader airport development.

Key Organizations Involved

• King Salman International Airport Development Co. (KSIADC) – Project developer and client, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). Responsible for overall delivery of KSIA.

• Public Investment Fund (PIF) – Saudi sovereign fund financing the project; driving Vision 2030 infrastructure investments.

• Nesma & Partners – Leading Saudi construction contractor heading a major bidding JV for runways. Brought experience from projects like Red Sea Airport.

• Samsung C&T – South Korean engineering & construction firm in Nesma’s JV, known for mega-projects worldwide (e.g. airports, metros).

• Limak – Turkish contractor (partnered via Al-Ayuni Limak JV) in Nesma’s team. Built large airports including in Istanbul and Kuwait.

• Al-Ayuni Investment & Contracting – Saudi infrastructure firm in Nesma’s JV, providing local project resources and civil works expertise.

• Almabani General Contractors – Saudi contractor with specialty in airport construction (likely bidder), delivered Jeddah and Red Sea airport projects.

• Saudi Binladin Group (SBG) – Major Saudi construction firm with historic airport projects (potential bidder, possibly through a restructured entity).

• Bechtel – U.S. engineering firm appointed as Delivery Partner for KSIA’s terminals (Terminals 4, 5, 6 and private aviation terminal). Overseeing design and construction of key vertical infrastructure.

• Parsons – U.S. firm serving as Delivery Partner for airfield and landside infrastructure (including runways, taxiways, roads and utilities). Providing project management across design, procurement, and construction phases.

• Jacobs Engineering – U.S. engineering consultancy designing the new runways and taxiways and advising on master plan development. Key to ensuring the runway design meets global standards and integrates with existing facilities.

• Foster + Partners – UK-based architectural firm master-planning the entire airport, including terminal architecture and layout of all six runways.

• Mace – UK engineering firm acting as a delivery partner/program manager for the overall project, supporting KSIADC in project controls and contractor coordination.

• Nera – Saudi consultancy specializing in airspace design, contracted to design flight paths and air traffic procedures for the expanded airport.

Each of these organizations plays a vital role. The client (KSIADC/PIF) sets the vision and funding, the designers and delivery partners ensure that technical plans and management structures are in place, and the bidding contractors will execute the physical construction.

Together, they form a collaborative network aiming to transform Riyadh’s aviation landscape with King Salman International Airport.

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