Saudi Arabia to invest USD667 million in 23 airports

Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced plans to invest USD667 million in the development and expansion of 23 new and existing airports to handle nine million passengers p/a (Saudi Press Agency, 28-Feb-2010). Operation and maintenance of these airports will cost GACA up to USD120 million p/a. The projects include:

• New airports (Category I investment):
  • Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdul Aziz Airport in Al-Ula, which is expected to serve 100,000 passengers: USD42.1 million;
  • King Abdul Aziz Regional Airport in Jazan: USD3.5 million;
  • Taif Regional Airport: USD5.3 million;
• Upgrade of existing domestic airports (Category II investment);
  • Jazan Airport, expected for completion in 2011: USD80 million;
  • Tabuk Regional Airport, expected for completion in 2011: USD61.3 million;
• Urgent development projects (Category II investment);
  • Eight airports: Baha, Rafah, Sharoora, Al-Ahsa, Taif, Al-Wajh, Qassim and Hail: Total budget of USD16.5 million;
• Preparation of general plans (Category IV investment):
  • 13 domestic airports;
  • Design and architecture plans for Hail, Araar and Quraiat airports: USD6.1 million (Arab News, 28-Feb-2010).