According to sources, South terminal of the KAIA (King Abdul-Aziz International Airport), Jeddah is going to be relocated to the new airport on an experimental basis before the end of this year.
SAAs’ (Saudi Arabian Airline) domestic terminal will also be shifted to the new airport.
Arrangements are in process for carrying out familiarization training for airline companies and concerned public sectors.
With the relocation of the south terminal, the traffic cramming and overcrowding at terminal lounges, particularly during holiday seasons, will end.
The new airport is in its finishing stages. Testing is being done on the electric shuttle, conveyor belts and lightings on bridges leading to the airport.
Medina road that joins from the west side to Haramain and Nuzha road will be redirected for the continuous smooth traffic flow.
Sulaiman Al-Hamdan, Head of the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) and Minister of Transport, lately visited the new airport to examine the progress of work.
Spread over an area of 105km2, the new airport is considered to be one of the most significant modern landmarks in the city.
At the 8th Annual Global Infrastructure Leadership Forum (2015), it was awarded for the world’s best airport engineering project, in terms of modern technology and specifications.
Its ATC (Air Traffic Control) tower is the highest in the world with a height of 136m.
A big mosque is built on the terminal and can accommodate 3,000 worshipers. In addition to 80 self-service machines, there are 220 counters to assist passengers. An electric shuttle is provided to transport passengers between terminals.
An advanced system of luggage delivery, with a total length of 33km of the conveyor belts, is also installed.
The 4-level parking space can house 8,200 vehicles and the long-term parking space can house more than 4,300 vehicles in them.