New Madinah Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport adds momentum to Saudi Airport privatisation

The gradual liberalisation and infrastructure improvement in the Saudi Arabian aviation sector continues to build momentum, with the opening of Madinah Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport new privatised terminal at the beginning of Jul-2015.

The completion of the Madinah Airport project in western Saudi Arabia represents another milestone in the ongoing privatisation in Saudi's aviation sector. By looking to private partners for solutions, Saudi Arabia is accelerating the development of aviation infrastructure which has held back the growth of its airline sector, and of the wider economy.

The construction of new airports, alongside the development of existing facilities such as this new terminal, is needed for the country to support long-term plans to turn aviation into an economic driver in the kingdom. As oil prices remain depressed, the Saudi economy is increasingly looking to its non-oil sectors to ensure growth continues. Private participation will only take on an increasing level of importance, in aviation and elsewhere.