About

King Abdulaziz International Airport

Explore a world of convenience at the King Abdulaziz International Airport, bringing a new standard of experiences, services, and support to the future of travel in Saudi Arabia.

Connecting the World to the Kingdom

King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah is the Kingdom’s second-largest and among the most visited airports globally. As the primary global gateway to the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah, we welcome millions of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, alongside travelers from around the world.

Named after the founding monarch of Saudi Arabia, the King Abdulaziz International Airport reflects the Kingdom’s vision of hospitality, cultural heritage, and connectivity.

Performance

In the first quarter of 2025…

  • Passengers Served

    0
    + 15% than Oct. 2023
  • Aircraft Movements

    0
    + 10% than Oct. 2023
  • Bags handled

    0
    + 10% than Oct. 2023
  • Highest operational day

    0
    145 k passengers
Benefits

Award-Winning Airport Services

Baggage & Security

Experience faster movement through checkpoints. Our advanced systems let you track your baggage from drop-off to arrival, while biometric gates and smart checkpoints reduce wait times at every step.

Retail & Dining

Discover global luxury brands, world-class retail outlets, and dining options across the airport. Take a moment to unwind, explore, and enjoy grabbing a quick bite or having relaxed meals during extended layovers.

Haramain High-Speed Railway

Make your pilgrimage easy. The Haramain Railway station at the airport links you directly to Makkah and Madinah, offering fast and comfortable travel to the Holy Cities without the need for additional transfers.

Your Guide to Terminals at King Abdulaziz International Airport

Terminal 1

Start your journey at Terminal 1, the main hub for international and domestic flights at King Abdulaziz International Airport. With 46 gates and thoughtfully designed spaces, KAIA Terminal 1 features a mosque accommodating 3,000 worshippers, a peaceful outdoor courtyard, and a 4-star transit hotel for rest between flights. 

Check in with ease, follow directions with clear signage throughout the terminal, and find everything you need within reach. The terminal also connects directly to the Haramain Express Train, with a four-level car park nearby for short and long stays.

North Terminal

Experience streamlined travel in a terminal made for simple, stress-free movement. With 14 gates, 54 check-in desks, and 55 immigration counters, the North Terminal supports a seamless flow at every mile. During peak travel times, self-service kiosks save time and speed up processes for travelers who value simplicity and efficiency.

Hajj and Umrah Complex

Begin your pilgrimage at King Abdulaziz Airport’s Hajj and Umrah Complex. Spanning over half a million square meters, the Complex offers everything you need to start your spiritual journey with focus and peace. 

Stay overnight at the on-site hotel, or take a quiet moment in the open plaza before continuing your journey. 

Terminal 1

Start your journey at Terminal 1, the main hub for international and domestic flights at King Abdulaziz International Airport. With 46 gates and thoughtfully designed spaces, KAIA Terminal 1 features a mosque accommodating 3,000 worshippers, a peaceful outdoor courtyard, and a 4-star transit hotel for rest between flights. 

Check in with ease, follow directions with clear signage throughout the terminal, and find everything you need within reach. The terminal also connects directly to the Haramain Express Train, with a four-level car park nearby for short and long stays.

North Terminal

Experience streamlined travel in a terminal made for simple, stress-free movement. With 14 gates, 54 check-in desks, and 55 immigration counters, the North Terminal supports a seamless flow at every mile. During peak travel times, self-service kiosks save time and speed up processes for travelers who value simplicity and efficiency.

Hajj and Umrah Complex

Begin your pilgrimage at King Abdulaziz Airport’s Hajj and Umrah Complex. Spanning over half a million square meters, the Complex offers everything you need to start your spiritual journey with focus and peace. 

Stay overnight at the on-site hotel, or take a quiet moment in the open plaza before continuing your journey. 

Our Achievements

King Abdulaziz International Airport continues to set new standards for passenger service and airport excellence. Discover KAIA's achievements in pioneering global travel experiences for millions of travelers annually.

Strategic Cultural Sponsor of the Islamic Arts Biennale

King Abdulaziz International Airport successfully hosted the Islamic Arts Biennale, attracting over 600,000 visitors from around the globe. The event highlighted KAIA’s terminal capacity and cultural significance as a world-class venue for international art and heritage events.

Recognized for Service Excellence by GACA

The airport was ranked second in Saudi Arabia for overall service quality and operational performance. The award by GACA reflects consistent passenger satisfaction and premium airport services at King Abdulaziz International Airport, and our efforts towards enhancing the travel experience across all terminals.

SKYTRAX 4-Star Rating

King Abdulaziz International Airport received a prestigious 4-star rating from SKYTRAX for excellence across the entire passenger journey. The evaluation criteria included service quality, operations, and facilities for departures, transits, and arrivals at KAIA.

Ranked Third for Global Connectivity

In 2025, King Abdulaziz International Airport was ranked third in the Middle East for air connectivity by Airports Council International (ACI). The award acknowledges KAIA’s regional and international connectivity and growing strategic importance with an expanding international route network.

KAIA’s Record Passenger Numbers

King Abdulaziz International Airport recorded its highest annual passenger volume in 2024. The airport welcomed over 49 million passengers, marking a significant milestone in KAIA's passenger statistics and reflecting its significant role in regional and global air travel.

KAIA Flight Operations Growth

KAIA’s flight operations reached a historic milestone in 2024, with over 278,000 flight movements across domestic and international routes. This reflects the growing role of King Abdulaziz International Airport as a gateway to the Kingdom and its emergence as a leading aviation hub in Saudi Arabia.

Smart Operations & Infrastructure

In 2024, King Abdulaziz International Airport processed over 47 million bags, recording a 21% increase from the previous year. The achievement showcases our dedication to operational excellence, enhanced by smart infrastructure and advanced baggage handling systems.

Leading through Innovation

King Abdulaziz International Airport continues to lead airport innovation with biometric verification, automated e-gates, and contactless systems. We are streamlining passenger journeys, reducing queue wait times, and enhancing Terminal 1 operations and experiences for millions of passengers.

History of KAIA

1981

King Abdulaziz International Airport opens its doors, establishing Jeddah as a key gateway to the Kingdom and the Holy Cities.

2007

King Abdulaziz International Airport launches a large-scale expansion project to modernize its infrastructure and increase capacity.

2020-2024

Increase in operational performance across King Abdulaziz International Airport, with significant growth in passenger numbers and infrastructure capacity at Terminal 1.

1981–2000s

The airport witnesses a growing volume of passengers and cargo traffic, marking a milestone in Saudi Arabia’s aviation history as KAIA welcomes international carriers from around the world.

2019

Terminal 1 at King Abdulaziz International Airport opens with enhanced facilities and improved passenger services, setting new standards for the airport experience in the region.

2025

This marks a historic year in KAIA awards and recognitions. King Abdulaziz International Airport introduces 70 advanced e-gates, earns a prestigious 4-Star Skytrax rating, and ranks third in the Middle East for air connectivity. 

Creating a Sustainable Airport Experience

Sustainability is the foundation of King Abdulaziz International Airport’s daily operations. Every choice from how energy is used to how spaces are managed reflects our commitment to reducing impact and caring for the planet while serving our passengers. 

  • Reduced Carbon Emissions

    Lowering our footprint to protect what surrounds us.

  • Use of Electric Vehicles

    Keeping movement efficient while cutting down on emissions.

  • Recycling Water

    Saving water by giving it a second use where it matters.

  • Switching to Cleaner Fuel

    Improving air travel by integrating lower-emission fuel alternatives.

Our Partners