Saudi Arabia Issues RFP for New Abha International Airport Expansion Project

RIYADH, Dec. 26 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Saudi Civil Aviation Holding Company (Matarat) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to pre-qualified bidders for the privatisation, expansion, and improvement of the New Abha International Airport in the Aseer region.

The project, expected to be completed by 2028, will be executed in two or three phases. Abha International Airport, currently the fifth-largest airport in Saudi Arabia by passenger traffic, aims to increase its capacity from 1.5 million passengers annually to 13 million by 2054.

Four pre-qualified bidders are in contention for the project:

1. GMR Airports Limited – An Indian company renowned for its development and operations of airports in New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Goa.

2. Mada TAV – A consortium of Turkey’s MADA Holding International and TAV Havalimanlari Holding.

3. Vision Asyada daa – A consortium of Vision International Investment, Asyad Holding, and daa International Limited.

4. Touwaik Alliance – A consortium of Skilled Engineers Contracting, Limak Insaat Sanayi Ve Ticaret AS, Incheon International Airport Corporation, Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners), and Obermeyer Middle East GmbH.

The expansion will significantly enlarge the terminal area from its current 10,500 square meters to 69,400 square meters in the first phase and 73,200 square meters in the second phase. The new terminal will feature 20 gates and a design inspired by the Aseer region’s architectural heritage, drawing influence from the UNESCO-listed Rijal Almaa village.

Under a 30-year public-private partnership, the selected company will oversee the airport's development and operations, contributing to the Kingdom’s aviation growth under Vision 2030. The project aims to enhance connectivity, improve passenger experience, and support the region’s economic development.

Matarat’s announcement underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to modernizing its infrastructure and fostering private sector involvement in strategic projects.