King Khalid International Airport, designed by the US-based architecture-engineering company Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum (HOK), is located 35 kilometers north of Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.
This airport consists of eight aerobridges, a mosque, indoor and outdoor parking for 11.600 cars, an additional Royal Terminal (for use by guests of the kingdom, heads of government and the Saudi royal family), a central control tower (one of the tallest in the world), and two parallel runways each 4.260 meters (13.980 ft) long. Terminal 5, which was recently built at the airport, is used by private aircraft charter services.
Built in 1983, the aerodrome replaced Riyadh Airport, which is the base of the Royal Saudi Air Force. The port is the second largest airport in the country after King Fahd International Airport, which is the largest airport in the world.
Riyadh private jet charter prices
Although Riyadh air charter fees depend on variables such as the number of passengers, departure airport, flight time, aircraft position, flight date, the prices for private jet charter from Istanbul → Riyadh are as follows.
| Light Jet | 25.450 EUR |
| Midsize Jet | 31.350 EUR |
| Heavy Jet | 37.550 EUR |
These prices are average amounts and you can contact us on our flight reservation screen or by phone for the most accurate price information.
History of King Khalid Airport, the country’s second largest airport
King Khalid International Airport was put into service by King Fahd on November 16, 1983 and started scheduled flights on December 5 of the same year.
Due to the increased traffic in 2015, modernization works were started for Terminals 3 and 4 at the airport. The joint venture of Hochtief, Shapoorji Pallonji Mideast and Nahdat Al Emaar was selected as the technical and commercial leader of the expansion project in June 2015. The $1,45 billion contract included the redesign, modernization and expansion of Terminals 3 and 4, as well as demolition and renovation. The prepared project was completed in 2019 without delay.
Terminal 5 was added to the airport, which was opened in 1983 with 4 terminals. Terminal 5, which was initially thought of with a modern design, was later built in harmony with the other 4 terminals without breaking the traditional line.
Terminal Buildings
There are five main passenger terminals at the airport, four of which were built when the airport became operational in 1983, and terminal 5 was put into service in 2016.
- Terminal 1 is used for all international flights (except those operated by Skyteam members, Flynas, Saudia and Middle East Airlines).
- Terminal 2 is used by all international flights for SkyTeam members, including Saudia and Flynas.
- Terminal 3 is closed for renovations. Until Terminal 5 is operational, it is used to serve all Saudia and Flynas domestic flights.
- Terminal 4 is out of use as it has never been used since construction and there are no aerobridges.
- Terminal 5 is the newest terminal, which was opened in 2016 and currently used by Saudia and Flynas for domestic flights.
Royal Terminal
Heads of state and other high-ranking VIP visitors of the kingdom are welcomed at the Royal Pavilion. The Royal Pavilion has open spaces, garden areas and fountains. A ceremonial hall 12,5 meters (41 ft) wide and 390 meters (1.280 ft) long connects it to the mosque. The design and geometry of the building is similar to that of other terminals in terms of architecture and aesthetics.
General aviation terminal
To the north of runway 1, a general aviation complex has been built for the use of private planes. It is accessed by a private access road that runs north of the aerodrome access highway. The general aviation facility includes a passenger terminal, aircraft parking and maintenance facilities, taxiways, parking for visitors, tenants and staff.
Places to visit and nightlife in Riyadh
In Riyadh, where Ottoman influences are intensely encountered, Masmak Castle, which has become the symbol of the city, Deera Square, known as Justice Square, Riyadh History and Archeology Museum, which exhibits every period of the Arab kingdoms, Murabba Palace, which reflects traditional Arab architecture, King Abdullah Park, the largest park of the Kingdom, and the National Museum of Saudi Arabia are among the top tourist attractions.
Riyadh nightlife is one of the most interesting topics for many tourists. Riyadh nightlife is quite different compared to the nightlife structure in western countries. According to the laws of Saudi Arabia, only cafes and restaurants are open at night and mostly families are served. It is not possible to find entertainment clubs selling alcoholic beverages in Riyadh and throughout the country. Tahria Street is the area where nightlife is most intense. Shops are open until late hours.
Transportation from Riyadh Airport to the city center
There are several options for transportation from Riyadh Airport to any destination, but public transportation is almost non-existent.
The only means of public transport to reach the center of Riyadh are the metros departing from Terminal 5, but this metro line often has problems and services can stop. In general, the service most frequently used by passengers is to use the shuttles of the hotels reserved.
There are taxis outside the airport, and it is possible to reach the city center in about 30 minutes with these taxis. Another alternative is the car rental services within the aerodrome.
Passengers who want to reach Riyadh by private car can reach the city center in approximately 30 minutes via the Airport Road/Road 539 or in 35 minutes via the route King Salman Road and King Fahd Road/Road 65.
