TAV Airports has announced plans to increase the capacity of the existing terminal at Medina Airport and construct a new terminal for domestic flights.
The announcement was made at a ceremony attended by key figures including the Minister of Transport for Saudi Arabia, Salih bin-Nasir al-Jasser, the President of the Civil Aviation Authority (GACA), Abdulaziz al-Duailej, and executives from TAV Airports.
Serkan Kaptan, the CEO of TAV Airports, emphasized the importance of Medina Airport as the gateway to the Holy Lands.
“For 12 years, we have successfully managed Medina Airport, Saudi Arabia’s first airport privatization, in partnership. We take great pride in welcoming our citizens coming to perform Hajj and Umrah. With this investment, to be completed within three years, we aim to significantly increase capacity and provide the best travel experience for our passengers,” said Kaptan.
Medina Airport to be Operated by TAV Until 2041
The consortium formed by TAV Airports and Al-Rajhi Holding has the operational rights of Medina Airport until May 2041. Following the lifting of pandemic-related travel bans, Medina Airport served 9.4 million passengers in 2023, reaching its highest level in history. This represents a 49% increase from the previous year and a 12% increase from pre-pandemic levels.
A $275 million investment will fund the construction of a new 40,000 square meter terminal for domestic flights, while the existing terminal will be expanded to serve international flights exclusively. This comprehensive investment, including new access roads and parking facilities, is expected to increase the airport’s capacity to approximately 18 million passengers.
Since starting operations in Medina in June 2012, TAV Airports opened a new passenger terminal in April 2015. This terminal was the first in the Middle East and North Africa to receive a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
Medina Airport also boasts the title of “Best Airport in the Middle East,” awarded by Skytrax based on passenger evaluations.
