New terminal opens at Prince Mohammed Bin Abdul Aziz International Airport

This major project consists of a new terminal of 156,940 square metres of terminal space on three floors, 16 aircraft stands served by passenger boarding bridges and 20 remote apron stands.

The project also includes the implementation of a widened and extended runway, with 10 km of taxiways capable of accommodating A380 size aircraft linking the runway to the terminal building and ensuring the fast and efficient movement of aircraft.

This Public Private Partnership (PPP) and fast track Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) project was completed in 30 months and is the first USGBC LEED GOLD Certified airport terminal outside of the USA and is also the first in the MENA region. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), as Grantor, has contracted with Tibah, as Investor, through a Build Operate and Transfer Agreement which is the first airport privatisation in Saudi Arabia. The Tibah Consortium, which comprises TAV Airports with Al Rajhi and Saudi Oger, appointed a Contractor Consortium comprising TAV Airports and ACC to design and construct Phase 1 facilities. The value of the contract was approximately $1.2 billion.

The new terminal and airfield is built to the highest international standards and allows for an initial operating capacity of eight million passengers per year. The terminal is modular to allow for expansion in Phase 2 to suit the expected future increases in passenger and aircraft traffic, with state-of-the-art facilities affirming PMIA's current and future role as a major gateway for scheduled passengers, as well as Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims to the Holy City of Madinah and the greater Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The project includes a mosque for 1,000 worshippers, and 20 support buildings including dedicated Hajj facilities for Hajj passengers, and a new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Building.

CH2M, a global engineering consultancy with over 40 years of transportation infrastructure experience in the Saudi Arabia, was appointed jointly by GACA and Tibah to be the Independent Engineer for the Project. Using experts from the UK, USA and the Middle East, CH2M reviewed the design and provided a team on site to monitor that the facilities were in accordance with the agreed technical requirements.

Joe Stratford, CH2M's Project Director, said: "This iconic infrastructure project will facilitate increasing growth in passenger numbers and aircraft movements through provision of world-class modern airport airfield, passenger terminal and landside infrastructure. We are proud to have had the opportunity to play a significant role in the successful and timely delivery of these new facilities."