King Fahd International Airport (KFIA)
Quick Key Facts
- Airport Size: 776 square kilometers ( 299.62 square miles or 191754 acres)
- CODE: DMM
- Number of Runways: 2 parallel runaways
- Terminal Buildings: 3 terminal building ( the main terminal, the royal terminal and the Aramco terminal.
Exploring King Fahd International Airport: Facts, Stats, and Why It’s One of the World’s Largest Airports
Why King Fahd International Airport is the Biggest Airport in the World
King Fahd International Airport (KFIA) is currently the worlds largest airport in terms of area sitting at 776 square kilometers. This is by far the largest amount of land taken up by any airport in the world, which is why KFIA has been named the worlds biggest airport. KFIA is not just a gateway to Saudi Arabia but a symbol of the country’s modern infrastructure and rapid development. Located in Dammam, Eastern Province, this airport serves the entire Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia and the growing urban complex of Dammam. Here’s everything you need to know about this monumental airport.
Location and Accessibility
King Fahd International Airport is located approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) northwest of Dammam, the capital of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. The airport is strategically positioned to serve both domestic and international flights, acting as a major hub for passengers traveling between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. King Fahd International Airport (KFIA) serves five key cities in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, with travel times ranging from 25 to 60 minutes by car.
If travelling to the airport by personal car isn’t an option there is plenty of other public transportation. There are Airport Approved Taxi service that are only allowed to access the airport, SAPTCO bus service that operate to and from the airport to popular nearby cities, like Dammam and Khobar.
Address:
King Fahd International Airport, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Parking at Dammam Airport (KFIA)
There is plenty of parking at Dammam Airport. There is a multi story, 5000 car space building that is close to the airport which is easy access via a walkway. There is also the long term parking and overflow parking area. These parking areas are serviced with a free shuttle bus that can transport you to the terminal. Shuttle buses run frequently to ensure quick access to the airport.
Massive Land Area: Why Is KFIA So Big?
One of the standout features of King Fahd International Airport is its vast land area. Spanning approximately 776 square kilometers (300 square miles), KFIA is the largest airport by land area in the world. This colossal space allows for 2 x 4000m runways in parallel, terminals, and future expansions, ensuring that the airport can accommodate growing passenger numbers and cargo traffic.
King Fahd International Airport is Class E which is designed for accommodating the large aircrafts. Aircrafts like the 747-400 and A340-600. Even though the A380 aircraft could land at KFIA, its not recommended as the entire airport needs to be Class F to accommodate this size aircraft. At King Fahd International Airport, the runaways are classified F however the terminal gates and the taxiways are classified E.
Want to know more about Airport Classifications? CLICK HERE
The reason for such an immense land area is rooted in the airport’s ambitious vision. Saudi Arabia planned for KFIA to be a futuristic hub capable of handling millions of passengers annually and serving as an essential gateway for the Kingdom’s expanding economy.
Construction Cost and Development Timeline
The airport was originally conceived in the early 1980s, with construction beginning in 1983. The first phase of the project was completed and the airport officially opened in 1999. The total construction cost of King Fahd International Airport was a staggering $1.2 billion USD. The project was a collaboration of local and international companies, and its completion marked a milestone in the country’s infrastructure development.
Passenger Numbers and Capacity
King Fahd International Airport has seen rapid growth in passenger numbers since its inception. As of the most recent data, KFIA handles around 10 million passengers annually. This number is steadily increasing as both domestic and international demand for flights in the region grows.
The airport has the capacity to handle over 20 million passengers per year, and its design allows for further expansions to accommodate future traffic. This is crucial as Saudi Arabia continues to develop its tourism and business sectors.
Airport Terminals and Facilities
KFIA features a modern terminal system with state-of-the-art facilities for passengers, including:
- Passenger Terminals: The airport has two main terminals—one for international flights and one for domestic operations. This building is 6 stories high. It provides all thats required to make your journey easy and relaxing. These facilities include
- Baggage Claims
- Prayer Rooms
- Telecom Services
- Toilets
- Travel Agencies
- Banks/ATM
- Help Desk
- Dining: There is plenty of dining options to choose from. Here is a quick list of food outlets. Note the location and access area of each outlet
- Arrivals/Departures (before security)
- Baskin Robbins (arrivals level)
- Brioche Doree (arrivals level)
- Coffee Talk (arrivals level)
- Krispy Kreme (arrivals level)
- Subway (arrivals level)
- McDonalds (departures level)
- Mc Cafe (arrivals level
- Root 98 (departures level)
- Starbucks (departures level)
- Tim Hortons (departures level)
- Domestic Gate (after security)
- Baskin Robbins
- Coffee Talk
- Palma
- Starbucks
- Tim Hortons
- Burger King
- International Gate (after security)
- Popeye’s
- Starbucks
- Zn Cafe
- Arrivals/Departures (before security)
- Duty-Free Shops: A wide range of international brands and local products are available for travelers. Below are some brands available
- Hugo Boss
- D&G – Dolce & Gabbana
- Giorgio Armani
- Givenchy
- Gucci
- Guerlain
- Lancome
- Toblerone
- Tom Ford
- Calvin Klein
- Ray Band
- Versace
- ………And more……
- Lounges: Premium passengers can enjoy luxury lounges equipped with the best amenities. These lounges are
- Plaza Premium Lounge
- Alfursan Golden Lounges
- NaSmile Lounges
- Cargo Terminal: As a major hub for cargo, KFIA has an efficient and expansive cargo terminal capable of handling large volumes of goods.
- Parking: There is also plenty of parking in the multi story car park.
The airport’s terminals are equipped with advanced technology and have been designed to handle both passengers and freight with efficiency. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, the airport ensures a smooth and comfortable experience.
Why Is King Fahd International Airport So Big?
KFIA’s size is a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s vision for the future. The airport was designed not only to meet the needs of today but to anticipate the demands of tomorrow. Here are some of the key reasons why the airport is so vast:
- Strategic Location: Situated between Europe, Asia, and Africa, it serves as an important transit hub for international flights.
- Future Expansion: The massive land area allows the airport to expand and develop new facilities as passenger numbers increase.
- Economic Vision: The airport is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to boost its economy by enhancing its position in global trade and tourism, especially as the country seeks to diversify its economy under Vision 2030.
King Fahd International Airport’s Role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
The airport is key to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a global investment powerhouse and a premier destination for tourists. As part of this vision, the airport has received significant upgrades and improvements, including new terminals, expanded passenger services, and more direct flight connections to key destinations around the world.
Conclusion
King Fahd International Airport stands as a monumental achievement in both size and capacity, helping position Saudi Arabia as a leader in aviation and global connectivity. Its strategic location, vast land area, and modern facilities make it a crucial gateway for international travelers, and its role in the Kingdom’s economic plans makes it even more significant.
As passenger numbers continue to rise, KFIA will remain a key player in global aviation, poised for future growth and expansion.