National carrier
Saudia
Hubs in Jeddah and Riyadh. Normal plan at Riyadh: international flights in Terminal 2, domestic in Terminals 3–4. Some flights run via Qassim or Dammam since October 2026.
What this guide covers
Fly in and out without surprises
The practical answers travellers search for, checked against official announcements and dated.
Terminals by airline
Riyadh’s 2026 terminal split and Jeddah’s new Terminal 4, airline by airline.
Riyadh airport guideRail to the city
The airport metro in Riyadh and the Haramain high-speed train from Jeddah.
Airport metro guideEntry rules, dated
Tourist eVisa, visa on arrival, the 96-hour stopover visa and customs limits.
Visa on arrivalWhere to fly
The closest airport for AlUla, Hegra, the Red Sea resorts and the mountains.
Plan your route Airport by airport
The airports you are most likely to use
Passenger numbers for 2025 from GASTAT. Open an airport for its terminals, transport and services.
Jeddah · Makkah Province
King Abdulaziz International Airport
The country’s busiest airport and the main gateway for Makkah. The Haramain high-speed train stops inside Terminal 1, and a new Terminal 4 has been opening in phases since 27 September 2026.
JED · OEJN
Riyadh · Riyadh Province
King Khalid International Airport
The capital’s airport has five terminals and its own metro line. Since late October 2026 only Terminals 1 and 2 are in use, and some flights leave from Qassim.
RUH · OERK
Dammam · Eastern Province
King Fahd International Airport
Serves Dammam, Khobar and Dhahran on the Gulf coast.
DMM · OEDF
Madinah · Madinah Province
Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport
Built for 8 million passengers a year and now running far above it. It was named Best Regional Airport in the Middle East at the 2026 Skytrax awards.
MED · OEMA
AlUla · Madinah Province
AlUla International Airport
The airport for Hegra and Elephant Rock. Its code is ULH, not “ALU”. An enlarged terminal opened on 15 January 2026.
ULH · OEAO
Abha · Asir Province
Abha International Airport
Gateway to the Asir mountains, the coolest region of the country in summer.
AHB · OEAB
All other airports, region by region
23 regional airports with scheduled flights, with their IATA and ICAO codes.
- RSIICAO OERS Red Sea International Airport Red Sea coast (Hanak) · Tabuk Province
- TUUICAO OETB Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport Tabuk · Tabuk Province
- NUMICAO OENN NEOM Bay Airport NEOM (Sharma) · Tabuk Province
- EJHICAO OEWJ Al-Wajh Airport Al-Wajh · Tabuk Province
- HASICAO OEHL Ha’il International Airport Ha’il · Ha’il Province
- AJFICAO OESK Al-Jouf International Airport Sakaka · Al-Jouf Province
- URYICAO OEGT Qurayyat Airport Qurayyat · Al-Jouf Province
- RAEICAO OERR Arar Airport Arar · Northern Borders
- TUIICAO OETR Turaif Airport Turaif · Northern Borders
- RAHICAO OERF Rafha Airport Rafha · Northern Borders
- TIFICAO OETF Taif International Airport Taif · Makkah Province
- YNBICAO OEYN Prince Abdul Mohsin bin Abdulaziz Airport Yanbu · Madinah Province
- ELQICAO OEGS Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport Buraidah (Qassim) · Al-Qassim Province
- WAEICAO OEWD Wadi Al-Dawasir Airport Wadi Al-Dawasir · Riyadh Province
- DWDICAO OEDM Dawadmi Airport Dawadmi · Riyadh Province
- HOFICAO OEAH Al-Ahsa International Airport Hofuf (Al-Ahsa) · Eastern Province
- AQIICAO OEPA Al-Qaisumah / Hafr Al-Batin Airport Hafr Al-Batin · Eastern Province
- KMCICAO OEKK King Khalid Military City Airport Hafr Al-Batin area · Eastern Province
- GIZICAO OEGN King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport Jazan · Jazan Province
- ABTICAO OEBA King Saud bin Abdulaziz Airport Al-Baha · Al-Baha Province
- BHHICAO OEBH Bisha Airport Bisha · Asir Province
- EAMICAO OENG Najran Airport Najran · Najran Province
- SHWICAO OESH Sharurah Airport Sharurah · Najran Province
Side by side
The four main airports compared
Traffic, rail links and operators of Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam and Madinah, from 2025 official statistics.
n/p: not
published
| Airport | Passengers 2025 | Growth | Flights 2025 | Rail to the city | Operator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JEDJeddah | 53.5M | +9% | 314,400 | Haramain high-speed train (Terminal 1) | Jeddah Airports Company |
| RUHRiyadh | 40.8M | +8.7% | 296,800 | Riyadh Metro Yellow Line, 3 stations | Riyadh Airports Company |
| DMMDammam | 13.7M | +7% | 108,500 | No rail link: taxi or app | Dammam Airports Company |
| MEDMadinah | ≈11.8M | n/p | n/p | No: Haramain station is in the city | Tibah Airports Operation Company |
The 22 regional airports run by Cluster2 Airports handled over 19.9 million passengers and more than 164,000 flights in 2025.
Plan your route
Which airport should you fly into?
The most practical airport for the places travellers head to, and how to reach them once you land.
Tap a card for
the full guide
Makkah
No airport in Makkah. Fly to Jeddah, then about 45 min by Haramain train from Terminal 1.
Read the guide
Madinah
Fly direct to Madinah, or land in Jeddah and take the Haramain train (about 1 h 45).
Read the guide
Riyadh & Diriyah
King Khalid International, linked to the city by the Riyadh Metro Yellow Line.
Read the guide
AlUla & Hegra
AlUla International, the airport for Hegra and Elephant Rock.
Read the guide
Red Sea resorts
Red Sea International, built for the Red Sea Global destination.
Read the guide
Dammam & Khobar
King Fahd International, the gateway to the Eastern Province.
Read the guide Abha & Asir
Abha International, for the mountains of the south-west.
Read the guide
Al-Ahsa oasis
Al-Ahsa International at Hofuf. The oasis is a UNESCO site since 2018.
Read the guide The network in numbers
How Saudi Arabia’s airports fit together
Two airports carry most of the traffic: Jeddah and Riyadh handled 94.3 million of the country’s 140.9 million passengers in 2025, according to GASTAT.
140.9M Passengers in 2025 +9.6% on 2024
54% International share 75.8M international · 65.1M domestic
67% Through Jeddah + Riyadh Two passengers in three
176 Destinations served About 980,000 flights in 2025
Jeddah (JED) is the busiest airport and the gateway to the west coast, Makkah and the Red Sea. Riyadh (RUH) serves the capital, Dammam (DMM) the Gulf coast, and Madinah (MED) is the other main airport for pilgrims.
New airports and terminals to know about
- Jeddah Terminal 4: opening in phases since 27 September 2026.
- AlUla (ULH): an enlarged terminal opened on 15 January 2026.
- Red Sea International (RSI): the airport for the Red Sea Global resorts.
- King Salman International, Riyadh: under construction; reports give 2029 to 2030, with no official date yet.
Main and featured airports Regional airports
2025 traffic
Where the 140.9 million passengers flew
BusiestOthersMillions of passengers, GASTAT
Departures & arrivals
Which terminal, which airline
Live times change by the minute, so we do not copy them. Here is what stays useful: where each airline flies from.
Confirm on
your boarding pass
Riyadh · RUH Checked 15 Nov 2026
Normal plan of February 2026. Since late October 2026, only Terminals 1 and 2 are in use.
1Terminal 1 Terminal 1flynas and flyadeal international flights International
2Terminal 2 Terminal 2Saudia and Riyadh Air international flights International
3·4Terminals 3 and 4 Terminals 3 and 4Domestic flights of Saudia, flynas and flyadeal Domestic
5Terminal 5 Terminal 5Foreign airlines (international flights)Reported as not physically connected to Terminals 1–4: allow extra time. International
Temporary changes since late October 2026: flynas says the airport is running through Terminal 1 (domestic) and Terminal 2 (international) only, and some flynas and Riyadh Air flights leave from Qassim airport (ELQ) with a road transfer. The board shows the normal plan of February 2026.
Riyadh or Qassim?
Check whether your booking leaves from Riyadh (RUH) or from Qassim (ELQ), and which terminal, in the airline app before you travel.
Metro to the terminals
The Riyadh Metro Yellow Line serves the airport, with stations for Terminals 1–2, Terminals 3–4 and Terminal 5.
Check your terminal twice
Your terminal depends on the airline and on whether the flight is domestic or international. It is printed on the boarding pass.
Jeddah · JED Checked 15 Nov 2026
1Terminal 1 Terminal 1Main terminal, with the Haramain railway stationGuides place Saudia, flynas and flyadeal here. Confirm with your airline while Terminal 4 opens. Mixed
4Terminal 4 Terminal 4Phased opening from 27 Sep 2026: first Wizz Air, AJet and SalamAir, then Fly Jinnah, Nesma, Akasa Air, SyrianAir, Pegasus, Azerbaijan Airlines and TunisairAbout 97,000 m² for up to 15 million passengers a year. Opening
NNorth Terminal North TerminalSeveral foreign airlinesAllocations changed in October 2026. International
HHajj & Umrah Terminal Hajj & Umrah TerminalPilgrimage flights and some foreign airlinesSeasonal and changing: check with your airline. Mixed
King Abdulaziz International is in the middle of a terminal move: Terminal 4 has been opening airline by airline since 27 September 2026.
Train from Terminal 1
Haramain high-speed trains leave from the station inside Terminal 1 for Makkah and Madinah.
Terminal changes in progress
More airlines are due to move to Terminal 4. Check your airline’s notice in the days before you fly.
Dammam · DMM Checked 15 Nov 2026
Passengers 2025 Passengers 202513.7 million (+7%) 2025
Flights 2025 Flights 2025About 108,500 2025
Serves ServesDammam, Khobar, Dhahran and the wider Eastern Province Area
King Fahd International handled 13.7 million passengers and about 108,500 flights in 2025, up 7% on 2024.
Getting to the city
Taxis and licensed ride-hailing apps are the usual way into Dammam and Khobar. Sources disagree on bus services, so we do not list one yet.
Madinah · MED Checked 15 Nov 2026
Passengers 2025 Passengers 2025About 11.7 to 11.9 million (sources differ) 2025
Design capacity Design capacity8 million passengers a year, used at more than 137% 2025
Award AwardBest Regional Airport in the Middle East, Skytrax 2026 Award
Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International is run by Tibah Airports Operation Company and is one of the main arrival points for pilgrims.
No train at the airport
The Haramain railway does not stop at Madinah airport. Its Madinah station is in the city, so you need a road transfer to reach it.
Saudi airlines
The four Saudi airlines you will meet
Who flies from where at Riyadh after the 2026 terminal change, and what is new.
Low-cost
flynas
Normal plan at Riyadh: international flights in Terminal 1, domestic in Terminals 3–4. Some flights leave from Qassim (ELQ) since October 2026. It also issues the 96-hour stopover visa.
Low-cost
flyadeal
Part of the Saudia group. At Riyadh, its international flights use Terminal 1 and domestic flights Terminals 3–4.
New in 2026
Riyadh Air
First scheduled flight on 10 June 2026, Riyadh to London Heathrow, from Terminal 2. Several of its routes run via Qassim (ELQ) since late October 2026.
Getting to the city RUH City centre JED Makkah · Madinah All airports Anywhere
Metro, high-speed train or licensed taxi
Saudi Arabia’s two largest airports now have rail links. Elsewhere, the road is the only option.
Riyadh Metro, Yellow Line
Open since 1 December 2024, with three airport stations: Terminals 1–2, Terminals 3–4 and Terminal 5. Check your terminal before you board.
Metro guideHaramain high-speed railway
The station is inside Terminal 1 (pictured). Saudi state media gave about 45 minutes to Makkah and about 1 hour 45 minutes to Madinah in May 2026.
Train guideLicensed taxis and apps
Uber, Careem, Bolt and Jeeny are on the Transport General Authority’s list of licensed apps. Avoid unofficial drivers: unlicensed passenger transport is fined.
What changed
Saudi airports: what changed since 2024
The changes that affect travellers, in date order. Older guides and forums often miss them.
Updated
15 Nov 2026
-
Metro reaches Riyadh airport
The Riyadh Metro Yellow Line opens with three stations at King Khalid International.
Read more -
Bigger terminal at AlUla
The enlarged terminal of AlUla International (ULH) is inaugurated.
Read more -
NEOM Bay goes domestic
Saudia ends international flights from NEOM Bay and keeps domestic routes.
-
Riyadh reshuffles its terminals
Terminals are now split by airline and by domestic or international flight.
Read more -
Umrah visas resume
Umrah visa issuance restarts after the Hajj-season restrictions on entering Makkah.
-
Riyadh Air takes off
The new national airline flies its first scheduled route, Riyadh to London Heathrow.
-
Temporary changes at Riyadh
King Khalid International runs through Terminals 1 and 2, and some flynas and Riyadh Air flights move to Qassim airport (ELQ) with a bus from Riyadh.
Read more -
Jeddah opens Terminal 4
Airlines move in by phases, starting with Wizz Air, AJet and SalamAir.
Read more -
More nationalities get visas on arrival
Kosovo and Guyana in October, then Mexico, North Macedonia and others in November.
Read more
Places to visit
Where to fly for the places people come to see
Each place shows its nearest airport. Five of these sites are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Hegra, AlUla
Fly to ULHMore than a hundred Nabataean tombs carved into sandstone, the first Saudi site on the World Heritage List.
Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad)
Fly to JEDCoral-stone houses with carved wooden rawashin balconies in the old merchant quarter.
At-Turaif, Diriyah
Fly to RUHThe mud-brick district of Diriyah, on the north-western edge of Riyadh.
Elephant Rock
Fly to ULHA sandstone arch shaped like an elephant, in the desert near AlUla.
Jeddah Corniche
Fly to JEDThe long seafront of Jeddah, with piers, parks and walking paths.
Masmak Fortress
Fly to RUHA clay and mud-brick fort in the old centre of Riyadh, now a museum.
Red Sea coast, Umluj
Fly to EJHRocky coves and clear water on the northern coast, between Al-Wajh (EJH) and Yanbu (YNB).
Al-Ahsa Oasis
Fly to HOFOne of the largest oases in the world, with palm groves, springs and the caves of Jabal Al-Qarah.
Abha and the Asir mountains
Fly to AHBA highland city in the south-west, far higher and cooler than the coast and the capital.
Umrah and Hajj travel
Flying in for Umrah or Hajj
Most pilgrims land in Jeddah or Madinah. Rules on visas and on entering Makkah are set season by season, so check them before you book.
Makkah has no airport
Pilgrims fly into Jeddah (JED) or Madinah (MED). From Jeddah, the Haramain train leaves from Terminal 1.
A terminal for pilgrims
Jeddah has a dedicated Hajj & Umrah Terminal. Several foreign airlines also use it outside the season, and allocations change.
Umrah on a tourist eVisa
eVisa holders may perform Umrah outside the Hajj season after booking a permit in the official Nusuk app.
Hajj season restrictions
In 2026, visit-visa holders could not enter Makkah from mid-April, and Umrah visas resumed on 31 May. Rules are set each season.
Only Muslims may enter Makkah. Permits for Umrah are issued through the official Nusuk platform.
Before you fly
Visas and entry, in plain terms
Rules change often, and several changed in October and November 2026. Use these as a starting point, then confirm on the official portal.
Tourist eVisa
Applied for online before travel by nationals of the eligible countries. The fee includes compulsory health insurance.
Visa on arrival
Eligible travellers can get their visa at the airport. Kosovo and Guyana were added in October 2026, and more countries in November.
96-hour stopover visa
Issued with Saudia and flynas tickets since January 2023, for a stay of up to 96 hours during a connection.
Customs
Cash, cheques, gold and other valuables worth SAR 60,000 or more must be declared when you arrive or leave.
Declare from SAR 60,000
- UTC+3 all yearArabia Standard Time, no clock change
- Saudi riyal (SAR)Pegged at 3.75 to the US dollar
- Friday–SaturdayThe Saudi weekend
- 999 · 997 · 998Police · ambulance · civil defence
Read the full guides
Airport, transport and visa guides
Each guide answers one question in depth, with dated facts and the official places to check them.
First time landing in Saudi Arabia?
- Check your terminal on the boarding pass: Riyadh and Jeddah both changed terminals in 2026.
- Sort your visa first on visa.visitsaudi.com, or check that your nationality can get one on arrival.
- Declare SAR 60,000 or more in cash or valuables at customs.
- Use licensed taxis or apps such as Uber, Careem, Bolt or Jeeny from the arrivals hall.
- Set your watch to UTC+3: Saudi Arabia does not change the clocks.
Questions travellers ask
Saudi airports: quick answers
Chosen from the questions people actually type into search engines about Saudi airports.
Can’t find your answer?
Write to the desk. We reply to every question and correct the guide when something has changed.
Contact usWhich is the busiest airport in Saudi Arabia?
King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah (JED), with about 53.5 million passengers in 2025. King Khalid International in Riyadh (RUH) came second with 40.8 million. Together, the two airports handled two out of every three passengers in the country.
Does Riyadh airport have a metro station?
Yes. The Riyadh Metro Yellow Line serves King Khalid International Airport. It opened on 1 December 2024 and has three airport stations: Terminals 1–2, Terminals 3–4 and Terminal 5.
Which terminal do flynas, flyadeal and Saudia use in Riyadh?
Under the February 2026 plan, flynas and flyadeal international flights use Terminal 1, Saudia and Riyadh Air international flights use Terminal 2, domestic flights use Terminals 3 and 4, and foreign airlines use Terminal 5. Since late October 2026 the airport has been running temporarily through Terminals 1 and 2 only, and some flynas and Riyadh Air flights leave from Qassim airport (ELQ). Check your airline app before you travel.
Is there a train from Jeddah airport to Makkah and Madinah?
Yes. The Haramain high-speed railway has a station inside Terminal 1 of Jeddah airport. Saudi state media gave journey times of about 45 minutes to Makkah and about 1 hour 45 minutes to Madinah in May 2026.
What is the airport code for AlUla?
AlUla International Airport is ULH (ICAO: OEAO). “ALU” is often searched but it is not AlUla’s code.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia?
Nationals of the countries eligible for the tourist eVisa can usually also get a visa on arrival. The list keeps growing: Kosovo and Guyana were added in October 2026. Check your nationality on the official portal, visa.visitsaudi.com, before you travel.
What is the Saudi 96-hour stopover visa?
A transit visa launched in January 2023 and issued with Saudia and flynas tickets. It allows a stay of up to 96 hours. Sources disagree on whether it is entirely free, so check the conditions with the airline when you book.
Are Uber and Careem allowed at Saudi airports?
Uber, Careem, Bolt and Jeeny are on the Transport General Authority’s list of licensed apps. Pick-up points differ by airport. Only use licensed taxis and apps: unlicensed passenger transport is fined.
Which airport is closest to Makkah?
Makkah has no airport of its own. Most travellers fly into King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah (JED) and take the Haramain high-speed train from the station inside Terminal 1, which Saudi state media put at about 45 minutes to Makkah.
Which airport serves the Red Sea resorts?
Red Sea International Airport (RSI) was built for the Red Sea Global destination on the north-west coast. AlUla has its own airport, AlUla International (ULH).
Is Riyadh Air flying yet?
Yes. Riyadh Air operated its first scheduled flight, from Riyadh to London Heathrow, on 10 June 2026. At Riyadh airport, its international flights use Terminal 2.
What time zone is Saudi Arabia in?
Arabia Standard Time, UTC+3, all year. Saudi Arabia does not change the clocks in summer.
Why travellers use this guide
Independent, checked and dated
No airport, airline or booking site pays for this guide. We write it for people about to land, and we correct it the day a rule changes.
How we check factsIndependent
Not an airport, an airline or a booking site. We sell nothing and take no commissions.
Checked
Every figure comes from an official source or an established news outlet, and we say when sources disagree.
Dated
Terminals, visas and transport are reviewed regularly. This page was last reviewed on 15 November 2026.
- Airports covered
- 29
- Sources checked
- 310
- Commissions taken
- 0
- Last full review
- Nov 2026