King Fahd International Airport (KFIA) in Dammam — officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest airport by land area — has introduced an advanced Category III Instrument Landing System (ILS), becoming the first airport in Saudi Arabia to implement such cutting-edge navigation technology.

The new system allows aircraft to land automatically even in heavy fog and low-visibility conditions, improving flight reliability, safety, and overall operational efficiency, Impact Newswire’s Faustine Ngila reported.

The upgrade is part of a massive USD 426.5 million investment package covering 77 infrastructure projects designed to elevate the airport’s capacity and service standards. Passenger demand has been rising rapidly — by the end of 2024, KFIA recorded a 35% increase in travelers compared to 2022. The airport’s master plan aims to handle over 19.3 million passengers annually by 2030, nearly double its 2022 figures.

Eastern Province Governor Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz presided over the inauguration of the new ILS system and the General Aviation Terminal earlier this week. The launch marks a significant advancement in the airport’s modernization program and aligns with the Kingdom’s broader aviation development goals.

The newly opened General Aviation Terminal, covering more than 23,000 square meters, is designed to enhance passenger convenience and streamline services for private and business aviation. It features dedicated aircraft parking for four jets across a 12,415-square-meter area, as well as 6,665 square meters of parking and support space for ground operations — all aimed at providing a seamless travel experience that meets international standards.

The airport’s western runway also underwent a major transformation — now stretching 4,000 meters with an equal-length taxiway — and is outfitted with more than 3,200 high-tech lighting units integrated into a single control system. These improvements expand KFIA’s ability to accommodate larger aircraft and higher traffic volumes, supporting Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy.

Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), said the new systems and facilities reflect the ambitious goals of Vision 2030, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s status as a global logistics hub that connects three continents and as a top destination for business and tourism. He noted that GACA continues to strengthen the sector by reforming regulations to attract global operators such as Universal Aviation, which now manages the general aviation terminals at both KFIA and Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport.

Mohammed bin Ali Al-Hassany, CEO of Dammam Airports Company (DACO), described the projects as “a transformative leap for Saudi aviation,” crediting the collaboration between GACA, Saudi Airports Holding Company, DACO, the National Center for Meteorology, and Saudi Air Navigation Services for ensuring full operational readiness from day one.

DACO oversees three airports in the Eastern Province — King Fahd International, Al-Ahsa International, and Qaisumah Airport in Hafar Al-Batin.

Gregory Evans, Chairman of Universal Weather and Aviation, said the new General Aviation Terminal introduces the Kingdom’s first dedicated, climate-controlled private hangars, providing secure storage for business jets. He added that similar facilities are under development in Riyadh and Jeddah, noting that Dammam’s rapid project execution made it the first to open.

“The team at Dammam worked incredibly fast,” Evans said. “We’re running three projects simultaneously — in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam — but Dammam finished first.”

These developments feed into Saudi Arabia’s National Aviation Strategy, which aims to raise KFIA’s aircraft movement capacity to 77 per hour and its passenger throughput to 32 million annually. Air cargo operations are also projected to surge to 600,000 tons per year — a tenfold jump — positioning KFIA as a leading logistics gateway for the region. The airport recorded a 16.2% increase in passenger traffic in 2023 alone, highlighting the strong momentum behind its growth.

Together, the new ILS system, expanded terminals, and upgraded runways mark a decisive step toward the Kingdom’s goal of building a world-class aviation network that supports economic growth, trade, and global connectivity under Vision 2030.

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind Saudi Arabia’s regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has completed the modernisation of AlWajh International Airport in the country’s northwest.

The airport has now resumed operations, with Saudia operating three weekly flights from Riyadh and two from Jeddah. International services are expected to begin in the near future.

The project represents the first infrastructure delivery completed by RSG under its broadened mandate beyond destination development, reflecting its expanding role in enhancing connectivity, public services, and wider economic growth.

RSG Group CEO John Pagano said the redevelopment goes beyond aviation infrastructure, describing it as a strategic gateway designed to improve mobility, stimulate economic activity, and create new opportunities for communities in the region. He added that residents of Tabuk now have access to an upgraded international-standard airport with improved links across Saudi Arabia and beyond.

The upgraded facility is now capable of accommodating a wide range of commercial aircraft, including Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families, as well as seaplanes. Its annual passenger capacity has increased to 500,000, up from 100,000 previously, with the ability to handle up to 330 passengers per hour across four gates during peak periods.

According to the company, the expansion is expected to support rising demand, strengthen tourism development, and contribute to job creation and broader economic activity across the Tabuk region.

Abdulaziz Al-Abdan, Executive Director of Aviation and Airport Operations at Red Sea Global, said the improvements significantly expand capacity for larger aircraft and higher passenger volumes. He added that discussions are already underway with airline partners and regulators to further develop future route networks in line with expected demand growth.

The airport is also set to function as a key entry point for AMAALA, the luxury wellness destination located about 45 minutes away by electric vehicle and roughly 20 minutes by seaplane.

Architectural design elements of the renovated terminal draw on the heritage of AlWajh’s historic town and the broader Tabuk coastline, aiming to reflect the region’s cultural identity.

Additional upgrades include enhanced passenger facilities such as premium lounges, cafés, a mini-market, automated banking services, car rental desks, and expanded parking. The terminal has also been equipped to support seaplane and helicopter operations as part of future transport links to AMAALA.

Source: ZAWYA

China added 80 new international air cargo routes during the first five months of 2026, according to data released by the Air Logistics Committee of the China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing (CFLP) as of May 31.

The expansion was largely focused on Europe and Asia. Of the newly established routes, 35 connect China with destinations across Europe, while 33 serve Asian markets. Ten routes were launched to North America, with one route each linking China to South America and Africa.

In May alone, 11 new international air cargo routes entered service, including seven connecting China with other Asian countries, three serving European destinations, and one linking to North America.

The new routes are primarily used to transport cross-border e-commerce shipments, advanced manufactured products, high-value goods, and fresh agricultural produce.

Industry experts say the continued growth of China's international air freight network is helping diversify transportation options and support export-driven industries. Peng Chun, Deputy Director of the Department of Logistics Management at Beijing Jiaotong University, noted that the expanded network helps reduce pressure on maritime and rail freight services while providing faster logistics solutions for high-value exports.

Peng added that the increase in international cargo routes also strengthens China's transportation resilience and contributes to greater supply chain security by enhancing independent logistics capabilities.

Source: CGTN

Bahrain International Airport has confirmed that the kingdom’s airspace remains open and that flight operations continue as normal, reaffirming Bahrain’s connectivity with destinations worldwide.

In a statement shared on X, the airport said its team remains focused on providing a smooth travel experience for passengers while maintaining regular flight services.

The update came after an Air India Express flight scheduled to operate from Kochi to Bahrain was cancelled on Thursday morning. The cancellation left 122 passengers stranded in Kochi.

Because the aircraft did not arrive in Bahrain, the return service from Bahrain to Kochi, scheduled to depart at 3pm, was also cancelled. The disruption affected an additional 178 passengers.

According to an airline official quoted by the Gulf Daily News (GDN), affected travelers were offered the choice of receiving a full refund or being rebooked on the next available flight.

Airport authorities have not reported any restrictions to Bahrain’s airspace, and flight operations continue across the kingdom’s aviation network.

Source: ZAWYA

Kuwait International Airport has activated its emergency response plan after Terminal One was struck by missiles and drones reportedly launched from Iran, causing injuries and damage to airport facilities, officials confirmed.

Abdullah Al-Rajhi, spokesperson for the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA), said authorities immediately implemented established emergency protocols to protect passengers, staff, and airport infrastructure.

Air traffic has been suspended, and inbound and outbound flights have been diverted to nearby airports until further notice, Al-Rajhi added.

Technical teams are currently assessing the extent of the damage to facilities before repair operations begin. Security and contingency measures remain in place to ensure the safe resumption of airport operations.

The incident underscores ongoing regional tensions and highlights the importance of airport emergency preparedness in safeguarding travelers and aviation infrastructure.

Kuwait’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said on Thursday that Arab and international airlines will gradually resume operations at Terminal 1 of Kuwait International Airport beginning June 1, as the country moves toward restoring full air traffic activity after recent disruptions.

Chairman of the Authority, Sheikh Engineer Hamoud Mubarak Al-Humoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, credited Kuwait’s leadership for its continued support of the aviation sector. He expressed appreciation to His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah; His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah; and His Highness the Prime Minister, Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, for backing efforts to strengthen and modernize the country’s aviation infrastructure.

According to Sheikh Hamoud, flight operations will resume in stages under a structured implementation plan intended to confirm technical preparedness and logistical efficiency. He said the phased approach is designed to maintain orderly air traffic movement and uphold strict passenger safety standards, with ongoing assessments at each phase before reaching full operating capacity.

The return of Arab and foreign carriers follows the completion of extensive repair, rehabilitation and development work at major airport facilities. Authorities said the upgrades included improvements to infrastructure, systems and broader operational readiness across Kuwait International Airport.

GACA also confirmed that all required enhancements at Terminal 1 have now been finalized. The main passenger terminal has undergone redesign measures intended to improve passenger movement while preserving high security and safety standards.

Sheikh Hamoud pointed to a recent inspection visit by Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who reviewed progress at Terminal 1 and examined the latest completed developments. The visit was attended by Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Salem Al-Sabah and senior officials from the Civil Aviation Authority.

During the visit, officials delivered a detailed briefing covering repair, rehabilitation and modernization projects carried out by the Authority, particularly following recent Iranian attacks targeting Kuwait International Airport. The presentation also addressed the proposed operational roadmap for the return of foreign airlines, as well as preparations linked to this year’s Hajj flight schedule.

In his closing remarks, Sheikh Hamoud praised the cooperation of government agencies working at the airport, including the Ministry of Interior and the General Administration of Customs. He also commended aviation authority staff for maintaining airport operations during what he described as exceptional circumstances.

Source: ZAWYA