King Salman International Airport: Procurement Milestones and Project Highlights

The King Salman International Airport is a pivotal development project under Saudi Vision 2030, intended to transform Riyadh into a global logistics and aviation hub. As the project progresses, key milestones have been reached, particularly in procurement with renowned U.S. firms Bechtel and Parsons stepping in as delivery partners. This blog post covers the significant aspects of the project, including procurement milestones, design highlights, and the project's anticipated impact on Saudi Arabia's economy.

Overview of King Salman International Airport

The ambitious project to develop King Salman International Airport around the existing King Khalid International Airport aims to cover an impressive 57 square kilometres. Designed with six parallel runways, world-class terminals, and 12 square kilometers of support facilities, this airport will be a remarkable addition to Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure.

Artistic impression of King Salman International Airport

Procurement Milestones Achieved

In recent weeks, the King Salman International Airport Development Company (KSIADC) announced significant progress in its procurement process. After evaluating various bids, the organization has officially called for best offers for key construction packages. This move is crucial as it allows for the next phase of project execution, which has already garnered interest from top global engineering and construction firms.

One of the standout accomplishments is the partnership with Bechtel and Parsons, two highly respected firms known for their global construction expertise. They will be responsible for project management, design management, cost consulting, and procurement advice. This collaboration signifies confidence in the ability to deliver a project of monumental scale and complexity.

Architectural Design and Sustainability Initiatives

The architectural design of King Salman International Airport, created by the renowned Foster + Partners, harmonizes Saudi heritage with a futuristic aesthetic. The design features elements that reflect local culture and history while integrating cutting-edge technology for efficiency and sustainability.

Artistic impression of King Salman International Airport design

In a push for sustainability, the airport aims for LEED Platinum certification, which is the highest standard for sustainable building. The facility will be powered by renewable energy, further solidifying Saudi Arabia's commitment to environmentally-friendly practices despite its traditional energy-sector dominance.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The King Salman International Airport is positioned to significantly boost Saudi Arabia's non-oil GDP by approximately 27 billion SAR per year. Its development will not only enhance global connectivity but also create over 100,000 jobs, laying the foundation for economic diversification in the country.

The phased development aims to accommodate a capacity of 120 million passengers annually by 2030, scaling up to 185 million by 2050. This projection highlights the growing demand for air travel and the strategic importance of Riyadh as an aviation hub in the region.

Artistic impression of urban development around the airport

Future Development Plans

As construction is slated to begin in January 2025, the total budget for the project is estimated between $30 billion and $50 billion. The airport will not only serve as a gateway for international travelers but will also include residential, recreational, and retail spaces, thus fostering a vibrant community.

This ambitious undertaking aligns with the goals set out in Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to diversify the economy beyond oil dependency and create new avenues for growth. The airport project will be a cornerstone of the capital's development, supporting both logistics and tourism.

By leveraging advanced technologies and sustainable practices, the King Salman International Airport is set to be a landmark project celebrated both nationally and internationally.

Unlocking Potential Through Infrastructure

The King Salman International Airport embodies the essence of innovative infrastructure. It is more than just an airport; it is a comprehensive development that encompasses various facets of urban life. As the Saudi government invests heavily in this project, it reflects a broader goal of positioning the country as a leader in global trade and transportation.

This project stands as a symbol of resilience and transformation, proving that strategic investments in infrastructure can lead to groundbreaking changes in economic paradigms.

In moving forward, there is great anticipation surrounding the continued development of the King Salman International Airport. As procurement milestones are met and construction begins, this project will undoubtedly redefine Riyadh’s landscape and bolster the nation’s position in the world economy. With careful planning, sustainable practices, and a commitment to excellence, the future looks bright for both the airport and the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Project Summary

Key delivery partners & bidders

• Foster + Partners – master-planner & lead architect.

• Jacobs – engineering/runway design consultant.

• Mace – programme-wide delivery partner.

• Nera (Saudi) – air-space design consultancy.

• Bechtel – delivery partner for Iconic Terminal, Terminal 6 and private-aviation terminal.

• Parsons Corporation – delivery partner for airside assets (runways, taxiways) and landside infrastructure (roads, utilities, rail, tunnels).

• EPC “best-offer” packages now invited for:
– Iconic Terminal & Terminal 6 (early-contractor-involvement model).


– Third runway and associated taxiways.

Client & governance

• King Salman International Airport Development Company (KSIADC) – PIF-owned project SPV and contracting authority.

• Public Investment Fund (PIF) – sovereign-wealth sponsor providing capital and vendor-registration portal.

Project scope

• 57 km² green-field hub replacing/absorbing King Khalid International Airport.

• 6 parallel runways, multiple terminals, cargo village, aerotropolis real-estate zone.

• Target capacity: 120 million passengers by 2030, rising to 185 million by 2050; cargo 3.5 million t/yr.

• LEED Platinum sustainability goal; solar, smart-building and low-carbon materials embedded in design.

Economic & employment impact

• Expected to add SAR27 billion/year to non-oil GDP and create ≈103,000 direct/indirect jobs when fully operational.

Where to monitor job & supplier opportunities

• Parsons KSIA recruitment portal: jobs.parsons.com/projects/ksia

• LinkedIn Jobs – search “KSIA” or “King Salman Airport”, location = Riyadh.

• GulfTalent / Indeed – filter “Aviation/Infrastructure”, location = Saudi Arabia.

• PIF vendor-gate registration for prequalification: pif.gov.sa/en/vendor-gate.