Türkiye has opened a fourth main runway at Istanbul Airport, with officials saying the new facility will reduce aircraft taxiing and airborne times while helping airlines save fuel.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan inaugurated the east-west runway on Friday, describing it as the airport’s first runway operating in that direction. The project involved an investment of €890 million, or more than $1 billion.

Istanbul Airport previously had three main and two reserve runways, all oriented north-south. The new facility brings the total number of runways to six, including four main runways.

The airport is ultimately planned to have nine runways, comprising six main and three reserve runways.

The new runway measures 2,820 metres in length and 45 metres in width. Its east-west orientation will allow aircraft to depart directly in that direction, reducing the need for additional manoeuvres after takeoff.

Erdoğan said the new configuration is expected to reduce taxiing and airborne times, generating savings in fuel and time. Its proximity to hangar facilities is also expected to support faster general aviation operations and reduce taxiing and waiting times on domestic and eastbound routes.

He added that the project would contribute to lower emissions while improving operational flexibility, takeoff and landing safety and on-time departure performance, including during adverse weather conditions.

Initially, the new runway will be used only for takeoffs. Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said it would particularly serve flights to Anatolia, Central Asia and the Arabian Peninsula.

Authorities also plan to introduce simultaneous four-runway operations at Istanbul Airport in the future. The airport began independent simultaneous triple-parallel runway operations in April 2025, becoming the first airport in Europe to do so.

Located along the Black Sea coast, Istanbul Airport became fully operational in April 2019 and has since developed into a major international transit hub.

Erdoğan called the airport one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects undertaken in Istanbul, saying it had strengthened Türkiye’s global brand.

According to a report by global travel intelligence provider OAG released Wednesday, Istanbul has overtaken London Heathrow as the world’s most internationally connected airport, with potential links to 337 destinations worldwide. Turkish Airlines operates around 80% of flights at the airport.

Istanbul Airport has also recently overtaken Heathrow as Europe’s busiest airport by passenger numbers.

The airport currently has an annual capacity of 90 million passengers, with its full development plan designed to eventually accommodate up to 200 million passengers a year.

Istanbul Airport handled a record 84.5 million passengers in 2025, ranking as Europe’s second-busiest airport after Heathrow and the eighth-busiest worldwide. It is targeting 90 million passengers this year.

Erdoğan said the airport handled 8.15 million passengers in July, making it Europe’s busiest aviation hub that month. On August 16, it recorded a daily passenger record for both Türkiye and Europe with 291,000 passengers. On August 30, the airport also set a new daily flight record with 1,787 movements.

Source: Daily Sabah

The mountain valleys of Saudi Arabia’s Jazan Region offer visitors a mix of rugged terrain, natural forests, rock formations and agricultural landscapes. Among these destinations, Wadi Qura in Baish Governorate stands out for its green farmland, scenic mountain views and rural atmosphere.

Agriculture remains central to the valley’s landscape and local heritage. Fertile soil has supported farming communities for generations, with cultivated fields stretching along the valley’s banks. Following rainfall, the surrounding land becomes greener, highlighting the area's natural beauty and its longstanding connection to agriculture.

The valley is particularly appealing to outdoor enthusiasts during the rainy season and periods of mild weather. Its open spaces and natural surroundings provide opportunities to explore the landscape, enjoy time outdoors and experience a quieter alternative to crowded urban destinations.

With its combination of agricultural heritage and mountain scenery, Wadi Qura offers visitors an opportunity to discover the rural character and natural attractions of the Jazan Region.

Source: SPA

The governorate features agricultural plains, valleys, traditional villages, coastal areas, heritage sites and local markets. These attractions, alongside ongoing development initiatives, offer a variety of recreational opportunities and contribute to Samtah’s growing prominence as a tourism destination within Jazan Region.

Jazan Municipality, through Samtah Municipality and the municipalities of Al-Suhay and Al-Qafal, has undertaken 156 completed and ongoing projects valued at a combined SAR1.628 billion. The initiatives aim to modernise infrastructure, improve urban aesthetics and raise the quality of municipal services.

Of the total, 89 projects have been completed at a cost of SAR822 million, while 67 projects worth SAR806 million remain underway.

The projects cover road construction and paving, sidewalk development, street lighting, rainwater and floodwater drainage systems, and improvements to gardens, parks and municipal facilities. Additional development and service initiatives are also included in the programme.

The investments are expected to improve the capacity of Samtah and the centres of Al-Suhay and Al-Qafal to accommodate tourists and holidaymakers. By upgrading public infrastructure and services, the projects also aim to create a more supportive environment for tourism and investment.

The initiative seeks to make better use of the governorate’s natural scenery, coastal locations and cultural heritage, further reinforcing its role in Jazan Region’s tourism development.

Source: SPA

Located about 80 kilometers from Jizan city, Wadi Dhahaya in the Balghazi Mountains of Al-Aydabi Governorate is emerging as a notable destination for rural tourism, known for its agricultural terraces, seasonal waterfalls and rich plant life.

The valley stretches through rugged mountain terrain, surrounded by green terraces, traditional stone-built settlements and streams that flow seasonally. During periods of rainfall, water cascading down the slopes combines with mist-covered peaks and terraced hills to create striking landscapes that attract eco-tourists and photographers.

The centuries-old agricultural terraces also reflect the traditional farming practices of local mountain communities. Farmers carved productive plots into steep slopes, creating cultivable land across otherwise challenging terrain.

Wadi Dhahaya is also an important habitat for wild Dhahyan trees, which support the production of the region’s prized Dhahyan honey. Sidr, acacia and juniper trees are also found throughout the area.

The combination of natural scenery, access to local beekeeping activities and the region’s agricultural heritage is helping strengthen Wadi Dhahaya’s potential as an agrotourism destination while supporting the wider development of rural tourism in the area.

Source: SPA

Saudi Arabia and Nicaragua have signed a bilateral air transport services agreement to strengthen cooperation and expand ties in the civil aviation sector.

The agreement was signed on Wednesday at the headquarters of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in Riyadh by GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej.

The agreement provides a legal and regulatory framework for air transport services between the two countries, with the aim of supporting safe, orderly and efficient operations while enhancing cooperation in civil aviation.

The accord forms part of GACA’s broader efforts to expand international aviation partnerships and develop regulatory frameworks governing air transport.

It also supports the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Program, which seeks to strengthen international air connectivity and improve the competitiveness of the Kingdom’s aviation sector in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Source: SPA

The Jeddah Corniche and ROSHN Waterfront have attracted visitors attending the 27th edition of the Gulf Cup, known as Khaleeji 27, providing fans with opportunities to unwind between matches while experiencing Jeddah’s Red Sea coastline.

ROSHN Waterfront has welcomed visitors from across the Gulf, offering a coastal promenade, open seating areas and dedicated routes for walking, jogging and cycling. Its sandy beaches and landscaped green spaces also provide areas for families and individuals to relax throughout the day.

Stretching for more than 4.5 kilometers along the Red Sea, the waterfront is among Jeddah’s prominent leisure and tourism destinations. It features seven entertainment zones, various public services and facilities, children’s areas, and spaces for sports and recreational activities.

The destination can accommodate more than 120,000 visitors at a time and includes extensive beaches and green areas designed for leisure and relaxation.

ROSHN Waterfront also holds a Guinness World Records title for the longest pavement painting. Covering 16,000 square meters, the artwork was produced by Saudi artists and volunteers through a joint initiative involving ROSHN Group, the Volunteering and Community Partnership Program “Lenobadir” and the Social Responsibility Association in Jeddah.

Visitors attending the tournament have highlighted the waterfront’s combination of modern facilities, entertainment and natural surroundings. Its views of the Red Sea and art installations along the promenade have also made it a popular location for photography and experiencing Jeddah’s coastal atmosphere.

Source: SPA