Lagardère Travel Retail has expanded its operations in Saudi Arabia with new duty free and dining outlets at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. The additions, inaugurated in July 2025, are part of a broader strategy to support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative and significantly grow Lagardère’s presence across regional airports.
With these latest openings, the company is on track to more than double its Saudi footprint within one year — from 3 airports in 2024 to 10 by the end of 2025, and from 21 stores to 44. The expansion highlights Lagardère’s commitment to delivering world-class travel experiences while integrating local culture and supporting regional development.
First Duty Free Store Opens in Tabuk
Lagardère opened the first-ever duty free store at Tabuk’s Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport, a key regional hub in northern Saudi Arabia and a growing gateway to the NEOM megaproject. The Aelia Duty Free store marks the third opening in Cluster 2 airports after Taif and Qassim, with Hail and Abha scheduled to follow.
The company also plans to open a duty free logistics center in Tabuk, a first for a regional airport in the Kingdom. The store was officially inaugurated by Saad A. Alajlan, General Manager, Commercial Operations and Business Development at Cluster 2.
“These openings reflect the strong momentum we’re building across our airports, as we work to enhance commercial offerings and passenger services in a fast-evolving travel landscape,” said Saad A. Alajlan. “Partnering with Lagardère Travel Retail enables us to bring in innovative, high-quality concepts that respond to the expectations of today’s travelers while supporting regional growth.”
Seven New Openings at Madinah Airport
At Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Lagardère Travel Retail launched seven new locations in July. These include a 120 sqm Madinah Duty Free store in the international arrivals area and two 30 sqm dining outlets — So! Coffee and Trib’s — in international departures.
The retail mix features both international and local brands, including Eyewa, a Saudi eyewear company, and Mint City, which pays tribute to Madinah’s legacy as a mint-producing center. Lagardère holds the master concession for retail at Madinah Airport and plays an active role in sourcing and subleasing space to create a diverse commercial offering.
Strategic Growth in Line with Vision 2030
The expansion supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda to transform the travel and tourism sector and diversify the national economy. Lagardère Travel Retail’s multi-year contract and ongoing projects align with Tibah Airports’ development plans and the expected increase in airport passenger traffic, including Madinah’s projected 17.5 million travelers by 2027.
“We’re fully committed to supporting the transformation of airport retail across Saudi Arabia,” said Mélanie Guilldou, CEO, Lagardère Travel Retail Saudi Arabia. “Being present in key and growing cities throughout the country is both a strategic opportunity and a meaningful responsibility.”
Lagardère Travel Retail will continue to expand its presence through additional openings across Cluster 2 airports, contributing to a dynamic and locally rooted transformation of the passenger experience in the Kingdom.
