
Jeddah Saudi Arabia Airport is a major international airport serving the city of Jeddah and the surrounding region. It's located about 19 kilometers north of the city center.
The airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with Terminal 1 being the main terminal for international flights. Terminal 1 is a large terminal with a capacity to handle over 30 million passengers per year.
Getting to the airport is relatively easy, with a variety of transportation options available. The airport is connected to the city center by a highway, and there are also several taxi and bus services that operate from the airport to the city.
Jeddah Airport is a major hub for Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia, and offers flights to many destinations around the world.
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Airport Terminals
King Abdulaziz International Airport has three main terminals: Terminal 1, the South Terminal, and the North Terminal.
Terminal 1 is one of the largest airport terminals in the world, covering an area of 810,000 m and handling 30 million passengers annually. It features a massive aquarium with one million liters of seawater from the Red Sea, home to two thousand marine organisms. The terminal also has a transport center linking the terminal building to the parking area and the Airport–Jeddah station of the Haramain High Speed Railway.
The South Terminal, opened in 1981, was initially exclusively used by Saudia, but later low-cost carriers Flynas and Sama, as well as Garuda Indonesia and Flyadeal, were given permission to use it. Unfortunately, the South Terminal was closed in 2020 and its operations transferred to Terminal 1.
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Terminal 1

Terminal 1 is one of the largest airport terminals in the world, covering an area of 810,000 m and spanning 8,700,000 sq ft.
It has the capacity to handle 30 million passengers annually, with plans to eventually accommodate 80 million passengers per year.
The terminal features a 18,000 m central garden, providing a peaceful oasis for travelers.
A 14-metre tall aquarium is also located within the terminal, housing one million liters of seawater from the Red Sea and home to two thousand marine organisms.
The aquarium is a unique feature, with twenty-six daylight and nighttime lighting fixtures simulating natural daylight.
The terminal has undergone significant developments, with a soft opening in May 2018 and a complete transfer of Saudia's domestic operations in March 2019.
In August 2019, Saudia started moving international operations to the new terminal, and the terminal was officially named Terminal 1 and inaugurated by King Salman in September 2019.

Etihad became the first non-Saudi airline to move to the new facility in November 2019.
Terminal 1 has a mosque with a capacity of 3,732 worshippers, catering to the diverse needs of passengers.
The terminal is connected to the parking area and the Airport–Jeddah station of the Haramain High Speed Railway via a transport center.
As of November 2024, Terminal 1 handles most of the flight operations coming into Jeddah, serving approximately 19 airlines, including British Airways, Emirates, and Thai Airways International.
The terminal's design reflects the identity of Jeddah as a coastal city, with a massive glass aquarium situated in the center of the airport's terminals.
North Terminal
The North Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport is mainly used by non-Saudi airlines. This is a notable distinction from the South Terminal, which has historically been used by Saudi airlines.
The North Terminal's user base is comprised of international airlines that are not based in Saudi Arabia. This is a deliberate design choice, reflecting the airport's efforts to cater to a diverse range of travelers.
In contrast to the South Terminal, which was closed in 2020 after 40 years of service, the North Terminal continues to operate and serve passengers. Its future plans and developments are not mentioned in the available information.
The North Terminal's user base is comprised of international airlines that are not based in Saudi Arabia, making it a key hub for global air travel in the region.
King Abdulaziz Airport
King Abdulaziz Airport is a major international airport located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It was established in 1981 during the reign of King Khalid Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The airport has undergone significant expansions and renovations over the years. The new terminal, Terminal 1, occupies an area of 810,000 m and serves over thirty million passengers annually. This terminal is a game-changer for the airport, providing a more efficient and comfortable travel experience for passengers.
One of the most impressive features of Terminal 1 is its air traffic control tower, which stands at a height of 136 m, making it the world's second-tallest. The terminal also boasts forty-six gates for domestic and international flights, eight of which are dual-purpose.

The airport has a comprehensive transportation system in place, including a free internal transportation station. This station is the Kingdom's first internal train station in airports and connects the airport buildings, making it easy for passengers to get around. The train travels a route of one thousand m between points A and E, and the transfer time between the two points is a mere eighty-five seconds.
King Abdulaziz Airport has a total of ninety-four air bridges and provides parking spaces for over twenty-one thousand vehicles. The airport can accommodate 16,800 bags per hour on its conveyor belts, making it a highly efficient and organized airport.
King Abdulaziz International
King Abdulaziz International Airport has a rich history, with its first branch established in 1981 during the reign of King Khalid Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. This marked the beginning of a new era for air travel in Jeddah.
The airport's South Terminal was one of the first passenger terminals, opening in 1981 and initially used exclusively by Saudia, the national flag carrier. It was designed to resemble Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C.
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The South Terminal was equipped with separate departure and arrival lounges, and gates with jet bridges. In 2007, Saudi low-cost carriers Flynas and Sama were given permission to use the terminal, followed by Garuda Indonesia and Flyadeal.
The North Terminal, on the other hand, is mainly used by non-Saudi airlines. This is a significant distinction, highlighting the airport's ability to cater to diverse international travelers.
After 40 years of service, the South Terminal was closed in 2020 and its operations were transferred to the newly-built Terminal 1. This marked a significant milestone in the airport's development.
The new headquarters of the airport, inaugurated in 2019, houses the fourth-largest passenger terminal in the world, covering an area of 510,000 m. This impressive structure reflects the airport's commitment to modernization and expansion.
Airport Information
Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport is a massive hub that serves over thirty million passengers annually. The airport's new terminal, Terminal 1, occupies a whopping 810,000 square meters.

The airport's air traffic control tower stands at an impressive 136 meters tall, making it the second-tallest in the world. The terminal features forty-six gates for domestic and international flights, with eight of them being dual-purpose.
You can easily navigate the airport's buildings using the free internal transportation station, which is the Kingdom's first internal train station in airports. The train travels a route of one thousand meters between points A and E.
The internal train consists of ten cars with a capacity of ninety-six thousand passengers per day, making it a convenient option for travelers. The transfer time between the two points is a speedy eighty-five seconds.
The airport can accommodate a staggering 16,800 bags per hour on its conveyor belts, ensuring a smooth baggage handling process.
Airport Facilities
Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport is a massive facility that can accommodate a whopping 16,800 bags per hour on its conveyor belts. The airport's new terminal, Terminal 1, covers an area of 810,000 square meters.

The airport boasts the world's second-tallest air traffic control tower, standing at an impressive 136 meters high. This towering structure is a striking feature of the airport's landscape.
The airport has forty-six gates for domestic and international flights, with eight of them being dual-purpose. This allows for greater flexibility and efficiency in handling flights.
You can park your vehicle at one of the over 21,000 parking spaces available at the airport. The airport's free internal transportation station, which is the Kingdom's first internal train station in airports, connects the airport buildings.
The internal train travels a route of 1,000 meters between points A and E and can transport up to 96,000 passengers per day. The transfer time between the two points is a speedy 85 seconds.
Airport Operations
The airport's air traffic control tower is a marvel, standing at an impressive 136 meters tall, making it the world's second-tallest.
The airport's capacity to handle baggage is impressive, with the ability to accommodate 16,800 bags per hour on its conveyor belts.

King Abdulaziz International Airport has a vast parking capacity, with over 21,000 parking spaces available for visitors.
The airport's internal transportation system is a game-changer, with a free internal train station that connects the airport buildings, making it a convenient option for passengers.
The train travels a route of 1,000 meters between points A and E, taking a mere 85 seconds to complete the journey.
Each train car has a capacity of 9,600 passengers per day, making it a reliable and efficient way to get around the airport.
Reviews
Reviews of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, are generally positive, with many travelers praising its modern facilities and efficient services.
The airport has a 5-star rating from Skytrax, a well-known airline and airport review website.
Travelers can expect to find a wide range of dining options, including international and local cuisine, at the airport's restaurants and cafes.
Jeddah Airport is also known for its comfortable and well-equipped lounges, offering passengers a relaxing atmosphere before their flights.
Many reviewers have praised the airport's staff for their friendly and helpful service, making the travel experience even smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jeddah a big airport?
Jeddah Airport is one of the busiest in the Middle East, covering a significant land area. Its large size and high traffic make it a major transportation hub.
Is there a place to sleep in Jeddah Airport?
Yes, Aerotel Jeddah offers 120 spacious rooms for rest and relaxation in the airport's secured area. You can rejuvenate yourself pre or post flight in this convenient oasis at Jeddah Airport.
How long does it take to clear immigration at Jeddah Airport?
Clearing immigration at Jeddah Airport can take around 4-5 hours due to high volumes. Be prepared for a potentially long wait.
Is Jed a good airport?
King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah has an average rating of 7.2/10, indicating good service, but below the average rating of other airports. Ratings have been stable over the last 12 months.
What is the new name of Jeddah Airport?
King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) is the new name of Jeddah Airport, officially renamed in honor of the founder of Saudi Arabia.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Abdulaziz_International_Airport
- https://www.world-airport-codes.com/saudi-arabia/king-abdulaziz-international-3273.html
- https://aviation-airport.fandom.com/wiki/King_Abdulaziz_International_Airport
- https://www.travelmath.com/nearest-airport/Jeddah,+Saudi+Arabia
- https://saudipedia.com/en/article/183/government-and-politics/transport/king-abdulaziz-international-airport
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