Saudi Arabia’s King Salman International Airport Development Company (KSIADC) has recently awarded key delivery partner contracts to US firms Bechtel and Parsons, as the kingdom pushes ahead with the development of its new mega state-of-the art airport in Riyadh – a project set to welcome international visitors to the Expo 2030.

Bechtel has been tasked with overseeing the delivery of three new terminals: a main terminal for commercial airlines, Terminal 6 for low-cost carriers, and a private aviation terminal with associated hangars. The new terminals will replace existing facilities at King Khalid International Airport. The US firm, which has a long-standing presence in the kingdom including work on the Riyadh Metro, said the project will aim for LEED Platinum certification by integrating innovative sustainable practices into the design and construction of all three terminals.

Parsons secured two contracts covering the initial four years of the project. The first includes development of airside assets such as runways, taxiways, aircraft stands and air traffic control towers. The second focuses on landside infrastructure including roads, utilities, tunnels, bridges, rail connections and landscaping. The company will provide project management across all phases of both contracts including early development, design, permits and approvals, procurement, construction, commissioning, handover, and overall coordination.

The airport project will aim for LEED Platinum certification.

“This is a landmark project that will reshape Riyadh and redefine the global airport experience,” said Darren Mort, President of Bechtel’s Infrastructure business.

Parsons CEO Carey Smith called the project “a once-in-a-generation opportunity” to contribute to a transformative transport hub.

Designed by UK architecture firm Foster + Partners, King Salman International Airport is expected to be the largest in the world spanning 57 sq km.  The new facility reimagines the traditional terminal as a single concourse loop, served by multiple entrances, according to Luke Fox, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners. The design of the airport will capture Riyadh’s essence and reflect Saudi culture, connecting passengers to the sensory experiences of the city, with natural elements, tempered light and state-of-the-art facilities.

Powered by renewable energy, the airport will feature multiple terminals – including the existing terminals at King Khalid International Airport, and a dedicated facility for Saudia, the national carrier – and six parallel runways. The site will also incorporate 12 sq km of logistics and real estate developments including residential, retail, and leisure zones.

KSIADC said the project is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy and transform Riyadh into a global transport and logistics hub. Upon completion, the airport is expected to accommodate 120 million passengers annually by 2030, rising to 185 million by 2050, along with a capacity to handle 3.5 million tonnes of cargo annually.

In addition to Bechtel and Parsons, Saudi authorities have brought on several international partners including Mace as lead consultant, engineering firm Jacobs to provide specialist consultancy services for the airport’s detailed masterplan and the design of the new runways, and Nera, a Saudi aviation services firm, to oversee airspace optimisation.

 Acting KSIADC CEO Marco Mejia said: “Delivering a project of this scale demands close collaboration with world-class firms. We are building more than an airport – we are building a gateway to Saudi Arabia’s future.”

According to media reports, local contractor Almabani is carrying out initial preparatory works on site, while tenders have been issued for the development of the third and fourth runways, which will add to the existing two runways at King Khalid International Airport. The airport is anticipated to begin phased operations before Expo 2030.