King Abdulaziz International Airport

King Abdulaziz International Airport (IATA: JED, ICAO: OEJN) is the primary international airport serving the city of Jeddah, in the Makkah Province of Saudi Arabia. Named after King Abdulaziz Al Saud, the founder of the modern Saudi state, the airport is one of the busiest in the Middle East and serves as a major gateway for millions of pilgrims traveling for Hajj and Umrah.

Operated by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the airport began operations in 1981 and has since undergone major expansions, including the opening of the ultra-modern Terminal 1, one of the largest airport terminals in the world.

---

History

The development of King Abdulaziz International Airport started in the early 1970s in response to Jeddah’s rapid growth and the increasing number of pilgrims visiting Makkah and Madinah. The airport was officially inaugurated in May 1981.

A major milestone occurred in 2019 with the opening of Terminal 1, offering advanced facilities, increased capacity, and improved passenger flow. The airport is now designed to handle up to 80 million passengers annually.

---

Location

King Abdulaziz International Airport is situated:

• 19 km north of Jeddah city center
• 90 km west of Makkah
• Approximately 420 km south of Madinah

Its strategic location makes it a major transit point for both domestic travelers and international pilgrims.

---

Terminal Information

Terminal 1 (Main Terminal)

• Handles most domestic and international flights
• Features a large central concourse, modern check-in counters, automated immigration gates, and smart security systems
• Offers diverse retail outlets, dining options, airport lounges, and prayer facilities
• Connected to transportation hubs including taxis, ride-hailing, and the Haramain High-Speed Railway

Hajj Terminal

• A dedicated terminal designed to accommodate millions of Hajj pilgrims annually
• Covers an area of 510,000 m²
• Features open-air canopy structures and large holding areas capable of handling massive passenger flows during the pilgrimage season

North Terminal

• Previously used by select international airlines
• Currently operating with reduced capacity as airlines transition to Terminal 1

---

Airlines and Destinations

King Abdulaziz International Airport is a major hub for:

• Saudia (flag carrier of Saudi Arabia)
• Flynas
• Flyadeal

Many international airlines operate from JED, offering connections to major global destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. Popular airlines include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, British Airways, Air India, Singapore Airlines, EgyptAir, and many more.

---

Airport Facilities

Passenger Services

• Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
• 24/7 customer service desks
• Baggage wrapping, storage, and trolleys
• Currency exchange and banking services
• Medical clinics and emergency care
• Spacious prayer rooms for men and women
• Baby care rooms and family facilities

Shopping and Dining

• Duty-free outlets
• International and local restaurants
• Cafés, fast food, and dessert shops
• Retail stores selling electronics, souvenirs, clothing, and essentials

Airport Lounges

• Saudia Alfursan Lounge
• Premium lounges for First and Business Class passengers
• Pay-per-use lounges for travellers seeking comfort and privacy

---

Transportation to and from the Airport

By Car

The airport is accessible via Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah Road and Haramain Expressway. Ample paid parking, short-term and long-term options, and valet services are available.

By Taxi

Metered taxis operate 24/7 and are available outside the terminal. Fares depend on distance and time.

By Ride-Hailing

Services such as Uber, Careem, and Bolt offer convenient pickups from designated airport zones.

By Bus

The SAPTCO public bus system provides affordable connections between the airport and key areas of Jeddah.

By Train

The Haramain High-Speed Railway links the airport directly to:

• Makkah
• Jeddah City Center
• King Abdullah Economic City
• Madinah

This high-speed train service is one of the fastest ways to travel between holy cities.

---

Runways

King Abdulaziz International Airport has two parallel runways:

• Runway 16L/34R – 3,300 meters
• Runway 16R/34L – 3,700 meters

The runways support wide-body aircraft including the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747.

---

Future Developments

Upcoming expansion plans include:

• Increasing airport capacity to support future demand
• Enhancing passenger amenities and leisure zones
• Extending smart technology systems for seamless immigration and security
• Expanding Terminal 1 services and transportation links

---

Importance

King Abdulaziz International Airport plays a critical role in the economic, religious, and tourism sectors of Saudi Arabia. As the primary gateway for pilgrims attending Hajj and Umrah, it remains one of the most significant airports globally in terms of passenger movement and cultural importance.

Conclusion

King Abdulaziz International Airport stands as one of the most important aviation gateways in the Middle East, serving millions of passengers every year for business, tourism, and religious travel. With its modern Terminal 1, dedicated Hajj Terminal, advanced facilities, and extensive global connectivity, the airport provides efficient and comfortable services for both domestic and international travellers. As Saudi Arabia continues to expand its aviation infrastructure and enhance the pilgrimage experience, King Abdulaziz International Airport remains a vital hub supporting the Kingdom’s economic growth, tourism vision, and global accessibility.