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The Ultimate Guide to Riyadh International Airport 2025

Writer's picture: AlmosaferAlmosafer

Updated: 22 hours ago

King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) is the main international gateway to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Located 35 kilometres north of the city, it is one of the largest airports by land area in the world.

The Ultimate Guide to Riyadh International Airport 2025
Riyadh City

Information

Details

Airlines Code

IATA: RUH, ICAO: OERK

Location

35 km north of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

King Khalid International Airport Official Website

Customer Support Number

+966 9200 20090

Number of Terminals

5 (including the Royal Terminal)

Main Airlines

Saudia, Flynas, Flyadeal

King Khalid Airport’s email


Riyadh Airport Layout and Terminals


King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) consists of five terminals:

  • Terminal 1

Primarily for international flights.

  • Terminal 2

Also serves international flights.

  • Terminal 3

Used for some domestic flights.

  • Terminal 4

Currently not in use.

  • Terminal 5

The newest terminal is dedicated to domestic flights.

  • Royal Terminal

Exclusive for VIPs and government officials.


Terminals 1-3 are interconnected, and free shuttle services are available for Terminal 5 and the Royal Terminal​


Hotels Near Riyadh International Airport

If you have a long layover or need some rest, here are some nearby hotels:



Lounge in Riyadh Airport

Riyadh Airport offers several lounges across its terminals, including:


  • Al Fursan Lounge: Available in Terminal 1 and 2, accessible to first-class and business-class passengers.

  • Plaza Premium Lounge: Located in Terminal 1, offering a range of amenities.

  • smiles Lounge: Situated in Terminal 5, available for domestic travellers


Important Routes from Riyadh Airport

Riyadh Airport connects to numerous global destinations. Here's a snapshot of some key routes:

Destination

Airlines

Dubai

Saudia, Emirates, Flydubai

London

British Airways, Saudia

New York

Saudia, Delta

Cairo

EgyptAir, Saudia

Jeddah

Saudia, Flynas

Airports in Riyadh

Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, is served by several airports catering to different types of flights including international, domestic, and private aviation. Here's a table summarising the main airports:

Airport Name

Type

Remarks

King Khalid International Airport

International

The primary airport, serving most commercial flights.

Riyadh Air Base

Military

Used by the Royal Saudi Air Force, not for public use.

King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Airport

Domestic

Also known as Dawadmi Airport, serving domestic routes.

Al Thumamah Airport

General Aviation

A smaller airport for private flights and general aviation.

Riyadh King Khalid Military City

Military

A military airbase located near Riyadh.

  • King Khalid International Airport is the largest and most significant, handling a majority of the passenger traffic, 

  • while other facilities like Riyadh Air Base and King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Airport support specific types of operations.


How to Reach Riyadh Airports

There are several options to get to Riyadh International Airport:

  1. By Car 

Easily accessible via the Northern Ring Road.

  1. Public Transport

Buses and taxis are readily available; the new metro line (under construction) will also connect to the airport.

  1. Shuttle Services

 Many hotels offer shuttle services to and from the airport.

Facilities and Services at Riyadh Airport

Riyadh International Airport offers a wide range of facilities to ensure a comfortable travel experience:

  1. Wi-Fi: Free internet access is available throughout the airport.

  2. Dining: A wide variety of restaurants offering international and local cuisine.

  3. Shopping: Duty-free stores and retail outlets.

  4. Prayer Rooms: Available in all terminals.

  5. Medical Services: Clinics and pharmacies are present for emergency needs.

  6. Currency Exchange: Multiple counters are available for travellers.

  7. Car Rentals: Various international and local car rental services are available at the airport


FAQs About Riyadh Airport


Q1 How to navigate through Riyadh Airport?

To navigate through Riyadh Airport, check your terminal and gate information, follow signs, and use shuttles or walkways between terminals.


Q2 How many terminals are there in Riyadh airport?

Riyadh Airport has five terminals: T1, T2, T3, T5, and the Royal Terminal, with T3 currently closed.


Q3 What should you do at Riyadh Airport during a layover?

During a layover at Riyadh Airport, you can relax in lounges, dine at various restaurants, shop, or use Wi-Fi.​


Q4 What is Riyadh's main airline?

Saudia is Riyadh's main airline.


Q5 How many gates are there at Riyadh Airport?

The airport has multiple gates across its terminals, with specific numbers varying by terminal.​


Q6 How do I connect to free wifi at Riyadh Airport?

Connect to free Wi-Fi by registering with your phone number to receive an SMS for access.​


Q7 Is there free Wi-Fi at the Riyadh airport?

Yes, Riyadh Airport offers free Wi-Fi.​


Q8 Can I leave the Saudi airport during the layover?

Leaving the airport during a layover requires a visa and sufficient layover time.​


Q9 What should you do at Riyadh airport during a layover?

Activities include shopping, dining, relaxing in lounges, or exploring local Saudi cuisine at various eateries.​



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