Airport privatization plans in Saudi Arabia took another step forward in mid-January when the government launched an expression of interest (EOI) phase for Abha International Airport (AHB) in the mountainous Aseer region of the Kingdom, with final RFPs expected to be issued in July this year.

The Saudi Civil Aviation Holding Company (referred to as Matarat) launched the EOI for the proposed PPP project located in Abha City in collaboration with the National Center for Privatization & PPP (NCP)—created to deliver on the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 Plan in which privatization plays a key role.

The airport will have a radical redesign that shakes up the traditional view of what an airport terminal should look like (more images below).

The development of AHB falls within the framework of Saudi Arabia’s National Transportation and Logistics Strategy, National Aviation Strategy, and Aseer Economic Development Strategy. The airport is expected to be a focal point for growth in the region and therefore a vital piece of infrastructure.

The ultimate winner in the bidding process will be engaged in long-term agreements under a PPP model. They will specifically encompass the construction of a new terminal and associated facilities, as well the operation of the airport for 30 years (including construction phases).

The project will be implemented based on a new master plan for AHB announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. On the design side, the plan sets out an architectural identity aligned with the heritage of the Aseer region, with the aim of making AHB a prominent landmark in the country.

Some key goals of the project include the following:

• to be ready by 2028, with construction taking place in two to three phases
• expected to accommodate up to eight million passengers by 2030 and exceeding 13 million passengers by 2054
• a new aircraft apron to serve the new passenger terminal
• to have a rapid-exit taxiway, scheduled for construction on the current runway between 2030 and 2040
• extra access roads to the terminal, a new car park area, and support facilities such as an electrical substation and sewage treatment plant.

Below, AirportIR has pulled together everything we currently know about the bidding process, including the timetable, and further details about AHB itself.

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