Saudi Arabia Targets 18 Million Passenger Capacity at Madinah Airport by October 2027

Civil Aviation Authority announces a target completion date for the airport expansion, covering terminal upgrades and operational facilities, while disclosures from the airport operator indicate that some works may continue into 2028.

Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced plans to complete the expansion of Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah by October 2027, increasing its annual passenger capacity to 18 million from a previous baseline capacity of eight million.

GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej announced the target date during the sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah on November 9, 2026, highlighting the importance of airport development projects in strengthening the aviation sector's readiness to serve pilgrims and visitors.

The announcement provides an updated timeline for an expansion project originally unveiled in March 2024, when TAV Airports, which operates the airport in partnership with Al Rajhi Group, announced an investment programme estimated at $275 million to increase passenger capacity.

The original development plan included constructing a new 40,000-square-metre domestic passenger terminal, upgrading the existing terminal, and improving access roads, parking facilities and supporting infrastructure.

The two companies have been involved in the airport's operations since 2012, under one of Saudi Arabia's private-sector participation projects in airport management.

Although GACA's president identified October 2027 as the target completion date for the expansion, TAV Airports has indicated in its disclosures that the new international terminal project is expected to be completed in 2028.

The available information does not establish whether the difference reflects separate construction phases or revisions to the project's implementation schedule.

October 2027 therefore remains the target announced by the aviation authority, while further clarification is needed regarding the precise scope of works scheduled for completion by that date.

Al-Duailej explained that Saudi Arabia's aviation sector is developing services for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims across six major airports, including the expanded use of smart passenger lanes and electronic gates to accelerate travel procedures.

He also reported that the Traveller Without a Bag programme has served approximately 4.5 million pilgrims since its launch, helping streamline baggage handling and departure procedures.

The Madinah airport expansion forms part of broader infrastructure development efforts supporting religious tourism and international air travel in the Kingdom.

Expanding Madinah Airport represents an important step towards accommodating future growth in Hajj, Umrah and visitor traffic.

Once completed and operational, the additional facilities could improve passenger handling capacity and the overall travel experience.

However, increasing annual capacity to 18 million passengers does not mean the airport will immediately handle that number of travellers.

The announcement also does not confirm the launch of new international routes or additional scheduled flights.

The actual opening dates of the new terminals, together with airlines' future network and capacity plans, will be critical in determining the expansion's impact on passenger traffic.