Quantcast

Few flights at world's largest airport despite massive size

Ryanair scraps three Vienna routes, demands lower taxes and fees
US orders Delta and Aeromexico to dissolve their partnership over fairness concerns in Mexico
Southwest Airlines adds Sonoma County in California expansion - The Points Guy
Routes & Networks Latest: Rolling Daily Updates (W/C Sept. 8, 2025)
Delta Sees Record Premium Seats in '26, Main Cabin Flat or Down
Tycoon unveils £25 billion rival Heathrow expansion plan
Boeing and Airbus ground green plane projects
50 New Routes Launching In September 2025
Proposals for commercial planes to operate with one pilot shelved after critical EU report
Air Travel Fatalities Up 300% in 2024, According to Shocking Global Report
Aviation sector faces steeper losses in FY26; passenger growth slows amid headwinds: ICRA - The Times of India
Boeing Halts Strike Talks Amid $36 Billion Deal & Union Dispute
FAA’s Broader Runway Safety Push Builds on EMAS Legacy
Ryanair CEO says aviation sustainability targets are 'dying a death'
US FAA funds system to prevent accidents involving runaway airplanes
Exclusive: Korean Air makes airline's biggest-ever Boeing jet order amid Trump-Lee summit
Boeing Stock Jumps on Massive Korean Air Order
2025 Air Canada flight attendants strike - Wikipedia
FAA EMAS: Proven Safety Wins Since 1996
Air Canada flight attendants try to build on US gains on unpaid work
Cathay Pacific warns of declining fares and cargo uncertainty, shares fall
Clear intentions, cloudy path: aviation's ongoing ESG challenge
Turkish Airlines is preparing binding offer for Spain's Air Europa, executive says
Air Canada flight attendants approve strike mandate
US criticizes use of AI to personalize airline ticket prices, would investigate
Ethiopian Airlines' annual revenue rises as it draws more passengers, adds routes
Major strike action to hit 12 Spanish airports that have Ryanair flights
JetBlue, United partnership gets go-ahead from U.S. Transportation Department
United-JetBlue partnership gets US DOT approval
The aviation industry just got exactly what it wanted from Trump's EU deal
Few flights at world's largest airport despite massive size
Policy
Webp received 598041553152025
King Fahd International Airport | Wikipedia

King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, is the largest airport in the world by area, covering approximately 300 square miles. Despite its size, the airport sees relatively few flights compared to its capacity. Aviation analytics company Cirium reports that less than 3,400 flights are scheduled for February, with a peak of 3,841 flights expected in July. In 2024, King Fahd International handled around 12 million passengers, marking an increase from previous years but still falling short of other major airports.

"King Fahd International recently celebrated its quarter-centenary," highlighting its opening in late 1999. The airport was built on a large site to allow for future expansion as demand increased. It has been used mainly for oil and gas flights due to eastern Saudi Arabia's reliance on the oil industry. Despite this specialization, it remains only the third-busiest airport in Saudi Arabia.

The airport's main terminal spans six stories and covers 327,000 square meters. Additionally, there are two other terminals: one for VIPs and another operated by Aramco. Although not the largest based on terminal size alone, King Fahd's total site area surpasses even neighboring Bahrain.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

A key factor contributing to its underutilization is competition from other major Saudi airports like King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. These airports serve more populous cities and handle significantly more passengers annually.

Currently, low-cost carriers Flynas and Flyadeal use King Fahd International as a hub; however, Saudia has reduced its operations there. With Riyadh Air set to base itself out of Riyadh’s new King Salman International Airport once completed, King Fahd will likely continue focusing on budget airlines.

Under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan, King Fahd aims to increase connectivity with European and Asian destinations while expanding cargo operations. Recently awarded $26 million for cargo development by SAL Saudi Logistics Services, plans also include terminal modernization with new elevators and escalators installed by Kone.

As part of ongoing growth within Saudi aviation overall—Jeddah’s and Riyadh’s airports have also seen increases—the airport anticipates breaking passenger records this year following a reported 15% rise last year.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Dnata, a global provider of air and travel services, has entered into a joint venture with Azerbaijan’s Silk Way Group to launch ground handling and cargo operations at Alat International Airport, located in the Alat Free Economic Zone in Baku.

Oct 22, 2025

The Fair Work Commission has ruled that a former employee of dnata Airport Services was unfairly dismissed and awarded $36,468.39 in compensation.

Oct 22, 2025

The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced the closure of Terminal 5 to allow for a significant redevelopment.

Oct 22, 2025

The SFO Facility recently hosted a Breast Cancer Awareness Day, which was deemed a success by organizers.

Oct 22, 2025

Flying Food Group, Inc. recently held an appreciation event at its SFW facility to honor its employees.

Oct 22, 2025

Flying Food Group has announced that it contributes all of its taxable income annually to the Chicago-based Sue L. Gin Foundation Trust, which supports healthcare, education, legal aid, and immigration rights.

Oct 21, 2025