Saudi Government Invites Proposals for Abha International Airport Concession

The Saudi Arabian government has extended an invitation to potential investors and airport operating companies to participate in the concession and redevelopment of Abha International Airport (AHB). Located in the far southwest of Saudi Arabia near the Yemeni border, AHB is set for a substantial expansion and upgrade.

The ambitious project entails the construction of a new passenger terminal, with a targeted completion date in 2028. Additionally, it encompasses the management of the airport over a 30-year period. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their proposals by January 31st.

The existing passenger terminal at AHB covers an area of 10,500 square meters (113,000 square feet). The planned new terminal, on the other hand, is designed to span an initial area of 69,400 square meters, eventually expanding to 73,200 square meters. The revitalized airport will boast 20 gates and 41 check-in counters.

Presently, the airport has the capacity to handle 1.5 million passengers annually. According to Matarat Holding, a component of Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation regulator, AHB is projected to accommodate 8 million passengers by 2030 and 13 million by 2054.

The comprehensive project also entails the construction of a new aircraft apron, a taxiway, access roads leading to the new terminal, and a passenger automobile parking area.

Saudi Arabia envisions a substantial increase in the number of passengers using its airports annually, with a rise from approximately 100 million passengers at present to an ambitious target of 330 million passengers by 2030.