King Fahd International Airport Dammam Saudi Arabia Overview and Details

Located on the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam is a major transportation hub.

The airport serves as a key gateway to the country's oil-rich region. It's a significant entry point for international travelers and cargo.

King Fahd International Airport spans an area of approximately 780 square kilometers, making it one of the largest airports in the world by land area.

Its strategic location allows for easy access to the nearby cities of Dammam, Dhahran, and Al Khobar.

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King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia was named after King Fahd, who ruled from 1982 to 2005.

The airport's design began in 1976, and construction started in 1983, with the basic infrastructure complete by 1990. This allowed the airport to be used by U.S.-led coalition forces during the Gulf War in 1991.

The airport was inaugurated by the General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia on November 28, 1999, and all airlines transferred their operations from Dhahran International Airport, which was then converted for military usage and became the King Abdulaziz Air Base.

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King Fahd International Airport was corporatized in July 2017 under the Dammam Airports Company (DACO), which operates and maintains the airport as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic flights were suspended until May 31, 2020, and international flights were suspended until May 18, 2021, when they were finally resumed.

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The main terminal building at King Fahd International Airport is quite impressive, with a total area of 327,000 square meters.

The airport has a six-story main terminal building, with three levels dedicated to passenger processing. The third level is for arrivals, the sixth level is for departures, and the fourth level is for boarding.

You'll find several customer counters at the airport, with 66 allocated to Saudia, 44 to foreign airlines, and the rest for customs and immigration. This is quite a large number of counters, making it easier for passengers to check in and process their travel documents.

The airport's original design included 31 fixed boarding bridges, but currently, 11 bridges serve 15 gates. This is a significant reduction, but it's still a convenient and efficient way for passengers to board their flights.

The Royal Terminal is a luxurious and exclusive area reserved for the Saudi Royal Family, government officials, and official guests. It's built on an area of 16,400 square meters and has four bridges connecting the terminal to aircraft.

The terminals at this facility are quite impressive. The main terminal building spans six stories and has a total area of 327,000 square meters, which is equivalent to about 3,520,000 square feet.

The terminal's design includes a mix of fixed and partial levels, with three levels dedicated to passenger processing. The third level is for arrivals, the sixth level is for departures, and the fourth level is for boarding.

You can find several customer counters throughout the terminal, with Saudia and flynas (or Nas Air, depending on the source) having the most allocated counters. There are 66 counters for these airlines, 44 for foreign airlines, and the rest are for customs and immigration.

The terminal has a total of 11 fixed passenger boarding bridges, serving 15 gates, which is less than the original design capacity of 31 bridges. This might be due to a phased construction approach, where only a portion of the planned capacity was completed in the first phase.

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The Royal Terminal is reserved for the Saudi Royal Family, government personnel, and official guests. It's located at the airport, but it's rarely used by the royal family, who prefer to use a similar special terminal at King Abdulaziz Air Base.

The terminal covers an area of 16,400 m² (176,528 ft²), which is quite spacious. It has four bridges connecting the terminal and aircraft, making it convenient for guests to board their flights.

The Royal Terminal is luxuriously furnished and decorated, giving it a high-end feel. It also features extensively landscaped exteriors and grounds, making it a pleasant place to be.

If you're a smoker, you'll be pleased to know that the airport has a smoking room in the Departure area. However, smoking is not allowed in the airport, and you'll be fined SR200 if you're caught breaking the rule.

The check-in process at this airport is quite straightforward. The check-in counters are located on the departure level, making it easy to find your way around.

There are three counters for Saudi and domestic carriers, and another three for foreign carriers. This means you can expect a relatively short wait in line.

A self-service check-in counter is available for Saudi Arabian Airlines, which is great for those who prefer to check-in on their own.

Centralised security screening is conducted at both the international and domestic departure areas, so you can get through security quickly and easily.

King Fahd International Airport's infrastructure is designed to support a large volume of air traffic. The airport has two parallel runways that are 4,000m long and 60m wide, making them suitable for larger aircraft like the Airbus A340-600 and Boeing 747-400.

In 2009, the airport handled a significant amount of air traffic, with 4.1 million passengers and 41,079 aircraft movements. The two runways are also linked by a cross taxiway, allowing for simultaneous take-off and landing.

The airport's master plan aims to increase its passenger handling capacity to 16 million per year by 2038. This expansion will involve upgrading the airport's terminals and facilities to meet international standards.

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King Fahd International Airport boasts two parallel runways, each measuring 4,000 meters in length. These runways are designed to accommodate large aircraft, including the Boeing 747-400 and Airbus A340-600.

The airport's runways are separated by a distance of 2,146 meters, allowing for simultaneous takeoff and landing operations. This is a significant feature, as it enables the airport to handle a high volume of air traffic efficiently.

The runways are 60 meters wide, with a width of 7.5 meters for the runway shoulders. This provides a safe and stable surface for aircraft to take off and land.

Here's a breakdown of the airport's runway infrastructure:

The airport's runways are designed to accommodate a wide range of aircraft, including large cargo planes. In fact, the Antonov 225, the world's largest aircraft, has landed at the airport, carrying equipment for oil drilling and exploration.

The cargo facility is a two-story building that covers an area of 39,500 m².

It has a massive capacity of 94,000 metric tons of incoming and outgoing cargo, which is equivalent to 103,617 tons.

The terminal's design is flexible and allows for transforming the operation system to a fully automatic system.

This automatic system will include multi-level racks and a container stacking system, making the process more efficient.

The facility's capacity will increase to 176,000 metric tons per year when it becomes fully automatic, which is equivalent to 194,007 tons.

The masterplan for this airport was a long-term project that took two years to complete, from April 2008 to October 2009.

The master plan was designed to meet international requirements, aiming to increase the passenger handling capacity of the airport to a significant 16 million per year.

Bechtel was contracted by the Ministry of Defense and Aviation from 1970-1999 for a massive project worth $1.4bn, overseeing master planning, project management, construction management, and engineering design of the airport.

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The company was responsible for managing a huge project that spanned nearly three decades.

GACA appointed Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO) to develop a master plan for the expansion of airport facilities, which involved collaboration with other consultancy businesses.

NACO worked alongside Royal HaskoningDHV and InterVISTAS to conduct non-technical studies, including analyzing ways to increase non-aeronautical revenues and assessing environmental and financial-economic impacts.

The construction of the terminal building, concourse building, administration building, and other facilities was handled by Joannou & Paraskevaides, a construction company that also installed modern equipment like moving sidewalks and escalators.

The value of Joannou & Paraskevaides' contract was a significant $296m.

Changi Airports International was awarded a $42.8m management contract in 2008 to provide operations management services at the KFIA, with a tenure of six years.

Zahran Maintenance and Operation Company signed a five-year contract with DACO in 2021 for the operation and maintenance of airfield services at the airport.

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To get to King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, you can take Route 605, a secondary expressway that connects the cities of Khobar and Dammam in the south, and Qatif in the north.

There are also bus connections available from Khobar and Dammam to the airport, courtesy of SAPTCO.

Taxis are readily available at fixed prices to every major city and town in the kingdom, and you can even use private companies like Careem, a subsidiary of Uber, for similar services.

If you're driving, the signs for the airport terminal are clearly marked from central Dammam along King Fahd Road.

If you'd rather rent a car, you can find Avis, Budget, and Hertz car rental counters in the arrivals area, along with some local Saudi operators.

The airport has several duty-free stores and a separate area for shops specializing in the sale of gifts and all passenger related goods.

You'll also find restaurants, cafeterias, and banks on the arrivals level, making it easy to grab a bite or take care of some last-minute tasks.

Smoking is not allowed in the airport, but there is a fine of SR200 for breaking the rule. However, there is a designated smoking room in the Departure area.

The airport Mosque is a beautiful feature, located on the roof of the car park and accommodating up to two thousand worshipers.

King Fahd International Airport offers a variety of services and amenities to make your travel experience more enjoyable.

The airport has several duty-free stores where you can shop for a range of products without paying taxes.

You'll also find a separate area for shops specializing in the sale of gifts and all passenger-related goods, including restaurants, cafeterias, and banks, located on the arrivals level.

Smoking is not allowed in the airport, and breaking this rule will result in a fine of SR200.

However, if you need to smoke, you can head to the smoking room in the Departure area.

The airport Mosque is a beautiful place to worship, with a capacity to accommodate two thousand people, and can be easily accessed from the passenger terminal through air-conditioned bridges.

In addition to these amenities, the airport has a multi-storey car park for your convenience.

Currency exchange shops and ATMs are available in both the arrival and departure areas, making it easy to exchange your money or withdraw cash.

The parking facilities at this location are quite impressive, with a total area of 176,752 m², accommodating 4,930 cars. This is a significant amount of parking space.

Cars enter the car park through a roadway that leads to the second floor, which might take some getting used to, but it's definitely convenient. There is direct access to the passenger terminal from the parking on the first floor.

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Parking charges are a flat rate of 1 Saudi Riyal per hour, regardless of how long you stay. This is a great option for those who need to park for an extended period.

There are no special long-term parking rates, so you won't have to worry about incurring additional fees. Two open parking areas are available beside the rental car parking area to accommodate additional cars.

The Mosque is an impressive structure that can accommodate up to 2,000 worshippers.

It's located on the roof of the car park and in the middle of a landscaped area of 46,200 m².

The architecture of the mosque is a unique blend of modern and traditional Islamic styles.

Access to the mosque is convenient, with two enclosed, air-conditioned bridges equipped with moving belts, and a third open bridge that connects it to the passenger terminal.

Traveling with luggage can be a hassle, but many places have services to make it easier.

Porters are available to help you carry your luggage, so you can focus on other things.

Lost property facilities are also available, so if you lose something, you can try to retrieve it.

Left-luggage facilities are a convenient option if you need to store your luggage for a short time.

King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia is a bustling hub that serves millions of passengers every year. Around 9.7 million passengers use the airport annually.

The airport has seen significant growth over the years, with a notable increase in passenger numbers. In 2001, the airport handled 2,542,000 passengers, which increased to 2,578,000 in 2002.

The growth rate has been steady, with a 1.4% increase in 2002 and 1.4% in 2003. However, the growth rate picked up in 2004, with a 6.5% increase in passenger numbers.

Here's a breakdown of the airport's statistics over the years:

King Fahd International Airport is designed to handle a significant volume of passengers and cargo each year, with a capacity for roughly 12 million passengers and 125,000t of cargo annually.

The airport's buildings occupy an impressive area of 43km², which is 5.6% of the total airport size.

A residential community within the airport accommodates 3,000 people, providing a convenient and secure living space for those who work at the airport.

The airport's mosque is a notable feature, designed with a combination of modern and Islamic style architecture, and situated in a 46,200m² landscaped area.

The King Fahd International Airport is located approximately 22km northwest of Dammam.

It's well connected by major highways, including the Dammam-Riyadh Highway and Abu Hadriyah Highway.

The airport is also easily accessible via the main King Fahd Road, which is connected by two major highways, one with three lanes and the other with two lanes.

King Fahd International Airport is designed to handle a significant volume of passengers and cargo, with a capacity for roughly 12 million passengers and 125,000t of cargo per year.

The airport's buildings occupy an impressive area of 43km², which is 5.6% of the total airport size.

A residential community is built into the airport, providing a home for 3,000 people.

The airport's mosque is a notable feature, accommodating 2,000 worshippers and situated above the car parking facility.

The mosque is easily accessible from the passenger terminal via two air-conditioned bridges with moving belts, and a third open bridge.

Safari O&M is responsible for the airport's overall maintenance and operation.

The control tower at King Fahd International Airport is a vital part of airport operations. It stands at an impressive 85.5 meters (281 feet) high.

This height allows for visibility of all parts of the airport operations area. The control tower's total floor area is 7,960 m² (85,681 ft²), making it a significant structure.

The control tower is divided into three main sections. These sections include the air traffic control level, mezzanine level one for support equipment, and mezzanine level two for a kitchen and toilets.

The control tower is a crucial part of airport operations, standing at an impressive 85.5 meters (281 feet) high, allowing for visibility of all parts of the airport operations area.

This height also enables the control tower to accommodate a significant amount of floor space, with a total area of 7,960 m² (85,681 ft²).

The control tower has three main sections: air traffic control level, mezzanine level one for support equipment, and mezzanine level two for a kitchen and toilets.

These sections work together to ensure smooth airport operations, providing a comfortable and functional space for air traffic controllers and other personnel.

The control tower's design allows for efficient use of space, with each section serving a specific purpose.

Here are the three main sections of the control tower:

Airport operations are a complex and multifaceted process, but even with the best planning and preparation, accidents and incidents can still occur.

A notable incident happened on 29 August 2013, when a Saudia Airbus A321-200 suffered multiple bird strikes during approach, but safely landed at King Fahd International Airport with no injuries reported.

Bird strikes are a common hazard for aircraft, and pilots must be vigilant to avoid them.

On 22 August 2016, a Qatar Airways Airbus A330-200 experienced a hydraulic leak upon landing, but no injuries were reported.

Incidents like these highlight the importance of regular maintenance and inspection of aircraft systems.

In 2017, a Saudia Airbus A330-300 diverted to King Fahd International Airport after the pilots received indication of a landing gear malfunction, but all 127 people on board were safely evacuated.

Pilots and air traffic controllers must work together seamlessly to ensure safe landings and take-offs.

A Saudia Boeing 747-400F suffered a tail strike during take-off on 1 February 2020, but safely landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport three hours later.

In 2023, an Egyptair Boeing 737-800 diverted to King Fahd International Airport due to a cracked window, and all 120 people on board were safely evacuated.

Aircraft safety is a top priority, and incidents like these are a reminder of the importance of strict safety protocols and regular maintenance.

Here are some notable incidents at airports in Saudi Arabia:

King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia is a major hub for travel to the Eastern Province. Located about 19 kilometers northeast of the city center, it's a convenient option for visitors.

The airport has a wide range of amenities to make your travel experience smoother. You can find plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops to grab a bite or pick up some last-minute essentials.

If you're planning to travel to Dammam for business or leisure, King Fahd International Airport is a great option.

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Reviews from travelers and locals alike have been pouring in, and they're worth checking out. The highest rating of 5 stars was given by a traveler who stayed at the Hotel Europa, a 3-star hotel located in the heart of the city.

The hotel's excellent location and friendly staff were major contributors to its high rating. On the other hand, a 2-star hotel called the Budget Inn received a rating of 3 stars from a traveler who appreciated its affordability but found the rooms to be small.

The traveler who stayed at the Hotel Europa also mentioned that the hotel's restaurant served delicious food at reasonable prices. In contrast, a reviewer for the Budget Inn mentioned that the hotel's breakfast options were limited.

A reviewer for the Hotel Europa noted that the hotel's staff went above and beyond to help them with their luggage. On the other hand, a reviewer for the Budget Inn mentioned that the hotel's front desk staff seemed overwhelmed and took a long time to check them in.

King Fahd International Airport offers a wide range of destinations to choose from. You can fly to 48 different locations from this airport.

One of the most popular destinations is Dubai International, which is served by airlines such as Emirates, Fly Dubai, Qantas, and Saudi Arabian Airlines. You can also fly to Abu Dhabi International, which is served by Jet Airways, Etihad Airways, and Nas Air.

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If you're looking for a more exotic destination, you might consider flying to Addis Ababa Bole International, which is served by Ethiopian Airlines. Alternatively, you could fly to Al Maktoum International, which is served by Fly Dubai.

Some destinations are served by multiple airlines, such as Kuwait International, which is served by Air France, Delta Air Lines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Lufthansa, and Saudi Arabian Airlines. Others are served by a single airline, such as Ninoy Aquino International, which is served by Philippine Airlines and Saudi Arabian Airlines.

Here is a list of some of the destinations listed in the King Fahd International Airport Destinations List:

Keep in mind that the airlines and routes listed are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check with the airport or the airlines for the most up-to-date information.