Yanbu Airport authorised for international traffic

The step was taken to boost the region’s economic development and strengthen the Kingdom’s air transport industry, GACA said. “We have also taken this decision considering the growing passenger traffic to Yanbu,”

King Abdullah opened the newly expanded Prince Abdul Mohsen Airport in the industrial city in July 2009.

Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, signed a SR188 million contract in June 2006 with a national company to carry out the expansion project.

The new airport building has two levels, each with an area of 10,000 sq. mt., and has jetways to facilitate boarding of passengers. It also features an advanced control tower and a weather forecast center.

Other facilities at the 600,000 passenger capacity airporty include a royal lounge, a separate building for air cargo, a power station and a desalination plant. The  runway has been extended to enable it to receive large aircraft. The Yanbu airport will receive Haj flights during the season.

Economic analysts believe that the new airport will be a shot in the arm for the city in the promotion of its industrial and economic development.

King Abdullah, when he laid the cornerstone for Yanbu-2, said it offered tremendous opportunities for both Saudi and foreign investors. The new mega-industrial city on the Red Sea is expected to attract investments worth SR115 billion.