Construction of Runway Project Begins at King Salman Airport, the World's Largest Aviation Hub
The development of the third and fourth runways at King Salman International Airport (KSIA) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is progressing towards contract award, with bids received and the selection process nearing completion. These new runways will augment the existing two at King Khalid International Airport, eventually becoming part of the broader KSIA complex.
The King Salman International Airport Development Company (KSIADC) has received best and final offers (BAFOs) for the design-and-build contract for the third runway and taxiways as of July 2025, and the contract award is expected imminently. The construction scheme for this mega project is divided into eight assets, including the development of a new terminal, hangars, runways, cargo buildings, real estate, and landside transport.
KSIADC appointed UK-based Foster + Partners to design the airport's masterplan, encompassing terminals, six runways, and a multi-asset real estate area. Meanwhile, US-based Jacobs was selected to provide specialist consultancy services for the masterplan and the design of new runways around the same time as Foster + Partners' appointment.
Bechtel has also signed an agreement for the delivery partner role for three new terminals at King Salman International Airport. The masterplan includes the construction of a central runway and temporary apron. Firms had submitted prequalification documents for a contract to develop the third runway and taxiways at KSIA in February.
The exact identities of the design-build firms for these runways have not been disclosed yet. However, previous phases and related contracts at King Khalid International Airport have involved large international and regional construction firms, such as Germany’s Hochtief, Indian firm Shapoorji Pallonji Mideast, and Saudi Arabian company Nahdat Al Emaar, for expansions tied to this airport complex.
The $30 billion mega project aims to create one of the world’s largest airports, covering approximately 57 square kilometers with a capacity projected to reach 120 million passengers by 2030 and up to 185 million by 2050. KSIA itself is currently undergoing the implementation of runway projects, including the development of a third runway at the King Salman International Airport in Riyadh.
The entire project is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, with the ultimate goal of establishing King Salman International Airport as a world-leading aviation hub, serving enormous passenger volumes by 2030 and beyond.
- The design-build contract for the third runway and taxiways at King Salman International Airport (KSIA) is anticipated to be awarded soon, following the submission of best and final offers (BAFOs) in July 2025.
- The construction project at KSIA is divided into eight assets, including the development of real estate, cargo buildings, and runways, as well as a new terminal and landside transport.
- Foster + Partners was appointed to design the airport's masterplan, while Jacobs was selected to provide consultancy services for the masterplan and the design of new runways at KSIA.
- Construction firms like Germany’s Hochtief, Indian firm Shapoorji Pallonji Mideast, and Saudi Arabian company Nahdat Al Emaar have previously been involved in related contracts at King Khalid International Airport, suggesting their potential involvement in the development of the third runway at KSIA.
