Saudi Railway authorities have announced that the test runs have been successfully completed at the New King Abdulaziz International Airport station under the Haramain High Speed Rail Project and the operations will start on December 11, said a report.

The New King Abdulaziz International Airport station extends over an area of 12,000 sq m. It has two terminals - for Business and VIP class, which is run by qualified Saudi cadres, who have received training according to the latest world security and safety standards, according to Saudi Press Agency.

Director general of operations and maintenance of Haramain Speed Railway Engineer Rayan Al Harbi said the new line will cater to travellers between the stations of Madinah, King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) in Rabigh and the New King Abdulaziz International Airport station, stated the report.

Operations to Makkah will begin next week and the New King Abdulaziz International Airport station, which can run a trip every 10 minutes at peak time, will serve Jeddah residents and visitors until the main station at Al Sulaimaniyah District is revamped, said the SPA report.

"The Airport station can serve Jeddah residents and visitors, thanks to the existence of six platforms, each 518 m long. Hence, each platform can accommodate two dual trains with a capacity of 832 passengers for each dual trip," stated Al Harbi.

“This raises the station’s capacity to 20 million passengers annually. Passengers wishing to travel by train can book their trips and buy tickets via the known booking channels, including the website and booking applications,” he added.

The airport, one of the largest of its kind, boasts several key facilities for visitors and passengers including 810,000 sq m lounges and a transport centre that links the building to the car park and train station.