Bechtel to Deliver World-Class Terminals at King Salman International Airport in Saudi Arabia
In a landmark move set to reshape the Middle East’s aviation landscape, Bechtel has inked a strategic agreement with the King Salman International Airport Development Company to serve as the delivery partner for three major terminals at the upcoming King Salman International Airport (KSIA) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The mega-airport is poised to become one of the largest and most ambitious air travel hubs in the world, with designs that look well beyond the horizon of traditional airport infrastructure.
Under the deal, Bechtel will be responsible for managing the delivery of three key passenger terminals: a main terminal for commercial airlines, Terminal 6 tailored for low-cost carriers, and a state-of-the-art private aviation terminal complete with its own hangars. Once operational, these terminals will effectively absorb and replace the existing King Khalid International Airport infrastructure.
A six-runway aviation superhub
King Salman International Airport is not just another expansion project—it’s a full-scale reinvention of Riyadh’s global connectivity strategy. By 2050, the airport is expected to handle up to 185 million passengers annually, supported by a staggering six parallel runways. In terms of cargo, the airport is designed to process 3.5 million tonnes each year, turning the Saudi capital into a pivotal logistics hub.
This scale of development puts KSIA in the same league as the world’s busiest international airports, rivalling names like Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson and Dubai International. But what sets it apart is its integration of smart design, cutting-edge technology, and an unrelenting focus on passenger experience.
A focus on sustainability and certification
“We are honoured to partner with the King Salman International Airport Development Company to shape the future of air travel in the Kingdom,” said Thomas Nilsson, General Manager at Bechtel Infrastructure. “Our shared commitment to sustainable innovation will ensure that these terminals reflect the highest standards of environmental stewardship.”
Sustainability is baked into the bones of the KSIA project. Bechtel and its partners aim to achieve LEED Platinum certification for all three terminals. This commitment involves embedding environmentally responsible practices in both design and construction phases, from energy-efficient systems and water conservation strategies to waste reduction and smart building management.
LEED Platinum, the highest level of recognition by the U.S. Green Building Council, is rarely seen in airport construction on this scale. If achieved, it will place KSIA among the most environmentally advanced airports globally.
Supporting Vision 2030 and economic diversification
Saudi Arabia’s mega-airport aligns squarely with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, an ambitious roadmap to diversify the economy away from oil dependence and position the country as a global logistics and tourism powerhouse. With KSIA, Riyadh aims to become a central node for international transit, enabling connections between Asia, Africa, and Europe like never before.
The economic ripple effects are expected to be significant:
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Job creation in construction, engineering, aviation, and tourism
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Increased tourism revenue from a boost in passenger throughput
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Enhanced trade efficiency with improved cargo handling facilities
More than just a transport facility, the airport is seen as a future-proof urban catalyst that will drive development in Riyadh and the surrounding region.
Bechtel’s track record in aviation megaprojects
Bechtel is no stranger to large-scale infrastructure delivery. With more than 120 years under its belt, the American engineering and construction giant has delivered over 80 aviation projects globally. These include expansions at London City Airport, Doha’s Hamad International, and Hong Kong International Airport, to name just a few.
Their integrated delivery approach is what sets them apart—combining engineering expertise, cutting-edge digital project controls, and a laser focus on stakeholder alignment. As delivery partner, Bechtel will oversee the planning, procurement, and execution of all terminal-related activities, ensuring seamless delivery through every phase of construction.
Technology meets passenger experience
King Salman International Airport is more than steel and concrete; it’s being imagined as a seamless digital experience. Expect smart navigation systems, AI-driven logistics management, biometric security processes, and real-time passenger tracking. From check-in to take-off, the airport is expected to redefine how travellers interact with infrastructure.
This vision reflects a broader industry trend towards Airport 4.0—where IoT, data analytics, and automation converge to create hyper-efficient, user-friendly environments. With Bechtel at the helm, the project is likely to set benchmarks not only in scale, but in smart airport implementation.
An architectural gateway to the future
While the technical specifications are grabbing headlines, the airport’s architecture is no less visionary. The design aims to showcase Saudi Arabia’s culture and ambition, blending traditional motifs with ultramodern aesthetics. The terminals will act as symbolic gateways, designed to impress both in functionality and form.
Architectural integration with the Riyadh skyline and future mobility hubs—including high-speed rail links and autonomous ground transport systems—is already part of the planning blueprint. The airport is not being built in isolation but as a vital cog in a larger urban mobility ecosystem.
A step closer to take-off
With this agreement in place, preparatory work on site mobilisation, early-stage design, and resource planning is already in motion. The first wave of tenders is expected to be issued soon, attracting a global mix of suppliers and subcontractors.
The sheer size and ambition of the King Salman International Airport project has already made it a magnet for international investment and technical talent. As it rises from the desert floor, it promises to become one of the defining global infrastructure stories of the next quarter century.
Taking off with confidence
Saudi Arabia isn’t just dreaming big—it’s building big. With Bechtel steering delivery of the terminal construction at King Salman International Airport, the Kingdom is laying down the runway for a more connected, diversified, and forward-looking future.
From sustainability and technology to regional development and international prestige, this project has it all. As the countdown to completion begins, the eyes of the aviation world will undoubtedly stay fixed on Riyadh.
