In Saudi’s ongoing efforts to promote international tourism, the Kingdom this week announced plans to build a new airport, which promises to be one of the largest in the world.
The new airport, to be built in the capital Riyadh, will be called King Salman Airport in honor of the 86-year-old King Salman, and will be built on top of King Khalid International Airport in the city. According to Middle East Eye, the announcement was made on Monday by the aging king’s son, who is also the head of the kingdom, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
With an area of more than 22 square miles, King Salman Airport will feature six parallel runways and aims to handle 120 million passengers annually by 2023. It also wants to see this volume increase by 50% in the next two decades, thus being able to accommodate 185 million people by 2050, and plans to have the capacity to handle 3.5 million tons of cargo by the same mid-century mark CNN. reported.
The project is expected to be designed by renowned firm Foster + Partners, who have dubbed it the future “aerotropolis” that will include 7.5 miles of airport support infrastructure, residential and entertainment facilities, retail and other applications. real estate. “The company said that the new airport will be powered by renewable energy and certified as a LEED Platinum facility, with leading green initiatives being incorporated into its design.
“Looking to the future, the new King Salman International Airport reimagines the traditional terminal building as a single loop, served by multiple gates,” said Luke Fox, Director of Films, Foster + Partners , said in a press release. “The port is well-maintained and connects travelers with the sensory experience of the city, with natural elements, warm light and modern facilities.”
