King Fahd International Airport (KFIA) in Dammam — officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest airport by land area — has introduced an advanced Category III Instrument Landing System (ILS), becoming the first airport in Saudi Arabia to implement such cutting-edge navigation technology.
The new system allows aircraft to land automatically even in heavy fog and low-visibility conditions, improving flight reliability, safety, and overall operational efficiency, Impact Newswire’s Faustine Ngila reported.
The upgrade is part of a massive USD 426.5 million investment package covering 77 infrastructure projects designed to elevate the airport’s capacity and service standards. Passenger demand has been rising rapidly — by the end of 2024, KFIA recorded a 35% increase in travelers compared to 2022. The airport’s master plan aims to handle over 19.3 million passengers annually by 2030, nearly double its 2022 figures.
Eastern Province Governor Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz presided over the inauguration of the new ILS system and the General Aviation Terminal earlier this week. The launch marks a significant advancement in the airport’s modernization program and aligns with the Kingdom’s broader aviation development goals.
The newly opened General Aviation Terminal, covering more than 23,000 square meters, is designed to enhance passenger convenience and streamline services for private and business aviation. It features dedicated aircraft parking for four jets across a 12,415-square-meter area, as well as 6,665 square meters of parking and support space for ground operations — all aimed at providing a seamless travel experience that meets international standards.
The airport’s western runway also underwent a major transformation — now stretching 4,000 meters with an equal-length taxiway — and is outfitted with more than 3,200 high-tech lighting units integrated into a single control system. These improvements expand KFIA’s ability to accommodate larger aircraft and higher traffic volumes, supporting Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy.
Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), said the new systems and facilities reflect the ambitious goals of Vision 2030, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s status as a global logistics hub that connects three continents and as a top destination for business and tourism. He noted that GACA continues to strengthen the sector by reforming regulations to attract global operators such as Universal Aviation, which now manages the general aviation terminals at both KFIA and Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport.
Mohammed bin Ali Al-Hassany, CEO of Dammam Airports Company (DACO), described the projects as “a transformative leap for Saudi aviation,” crediting the collaboration between GACA, Saudi Airports Holding Company, DACO, the National Center for Meteorology, and Saudi Air Navigation Services for ensuring full operational readiness from day one.
DACO oversees three airports in the Eastern Province — King Fahd International, Al-Ahsa International, and Qaisumah Airport in Hafar Al-Batin.
Gregory Evans, Chairman of Universal Weather and Aviation, said the new General Aviation Terminal introduces the Kingdom’s first dedicated, climate-controlled private hangars, providing secure storage for business jets. He added that similar facilities are under development in Riyadh and Jeddah, noting that Dammam’s rapid project execution made it the first to open.
“The team at Dammam worked incredibly fast,” Evans said. “We’re running three projects simultaneously — in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam — but Dammam finished first.”
These developments feed into Saudi Arabia’s National Aviation Strategy, which aims to raise KFIA’s aircraft movement capacity to 77 per hour and its passenger throughput to 32 million annually. Air cargo operations are also projected to surge to 600,000 tons per year — a tenfold jump — positioning KFIA as a leading logistics gateway for the region. The airport recorded a 16.2% increase in passenger traffic in 2023 alone, highlighting the strong momentum behind its growth.
Together, the new ILS system, expanded terminals, and upgraded runways mark a decisive step toward the Kingdom’s goal of building a world-class aviation network that supports economic growth, trade, and global connectivity under Vision 2030.
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