Saudi Arabia has taken a major step toward expanding its aviation infrastructure after Matarat Holding and the National Center for Privatization & PPP (NCP) announced the launch of a request for proposals (RFP) for the development of the new Taif International Airport.

The project will be implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP) framework using a build-transfer-operate (BTO) contract. The agreement will run for 30 years, including the construction phase, and is open to participation from private-sector investors and operators.

The airport development forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 agenda, which seeks to accelerate growth in the aviation industry and strengthen the Kingdom’s role as a global logistics and transportation hub. Through the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the National Aviation Strategy, Saudi Arabia aims to enhance connectivity across Asia, Europe, and Africa.

The new airport will be constructed approximately 21 kilometres southeast of the current Taif Airport. Once operational, the facility is expected to handle around 2.5 million passengers annually by 2030.

According to Matarat Holding, the proposed design includes a runway connected to a full-length parallel taxiway and a commercial apron serving airport operations. The development will also feature a modern passenger terminal designed to meet projected demand, alongside supporting infrastructure such as utility systems, operational facilities, parking areas, and access roads.

Plans for the airport include provisions for future expansion to accommodate additional subsystem requirements and support long-term growth. Matarat Holding stated that the facility is being designed to address anticipated passenger demand through 2055.

The airport is also expected to support Umrah travel by serving as an alternative gateway within the region’s multi-airport network. This system includes King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah, and Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz Airport in Yanbu.

Officials said the project is expected to contribute to the economic development of Taif and surrounding areas while enhancing passenger services through efficient operations and modern airport facilities, in line with the objectives of the National Aviation Strategy.

Source: ZAWYA

Saudi Arabia has taken a major step toward expanding its aviation infrastructure after Matarat Holding and the National Center for Privatization & PPP (NCP) announced the launch of a request for proposals (RFP) for the development of the new Taif International Airport.

The project will be implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP) framework using a build-transfer-operate (BTO) contract. The agreement will run for 30 years, including the construction phase, and is open to participation from private-sector investors and operators.

The airport development forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 agenda, which seeks to accelerate growth in the aviation industry and strengthen the Kingdom’s role as a global logistics and transportation hub. Through the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the National Aviation Strategy, Saudi Arabia aims to enhance connectivity across Asia, Europe, and Africa.

The new airport will be constructed approximately 21 kilometres southeast of the current Taif Airport. Once operational, the facility is expected to handle around 2.5 million passengers annually by 2030.

According to Matarat Holding, the proposed design includes a runway connected to a full-length parallel taxiway and a commercial apron serving airport operations. The development will also feature a modern passenger terminal designed to meet projected demand, alongside supporting infrastructure such as utility systems, operational facilities, parking areas, and access roads.

Plans for the airport include provisions for future expansion to accommodate additional subsystem requirements and support long-term growth. Matarat Holding stated that the facility is being designed to address anticipated passenger demand through 2055.

The airport is also expected to support Umrah travel by serving as an alternative gateway within the region’s multi-airport network. This system includes King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah, and Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz Airport in Yanbu.

Officials said the project is expected to contribute to the economic development of Taif and surrounding areas while enhancing passenger services through efficient operations and modern airport facilities, in line with the objectives of the National Aviation Strategy.

Source: ZAWYA

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

Passengers at Brussels Airport will no longer need to remove liquids or electronic devices from their hand luggage during security checks, the airport announced on Friday as part of a major modernization of its security screening system.

The revamp at the Zaventem airport will take place over the next several years, with the first new scanners expected to be operational in 2028. By 2029, the entire departure security system will be replaced with cutting-edge technology, including CT scanners for hand luggage and advanced body scanners for passengers.

“The safety of our passengers and staff is always our top priority,” said Brussels Airport CEO Arnaud Feist. “With this new technology, we will not only maintain the highest safety standards but also make security screening faster and more convenient for travelers.”

Currently, passengers must remove laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices from their bags, and liquids are limited to one litre in containers no larger than 100 millilitres. The new CT scanners will allow these items to remain in hand luggage, and under European regulations, passengers will be allowed to carry up to two litres of liquids per bag.

A test of a new body scanner is scheduled for June, with the construction of an additional temporary screening platform planned in 2027 to accommodate the new technology. Once the first scanners are operational in 2028, phased upgrades of all 19 departure lanes will be completed by summer 2029. Transfer passenger lanes will be upgraded at a later stage.

Feist emphasized that the new scanners will also increase security screening capacity, preparing the airport for future growth in passenger numbers.

The initiative is part of Brussels Airport’s Hub 3.0 program, designed to enhance passenger experience and maintain the airport as a “convenient, comfortable, and future-proof European hub.” Similar CT scanner systems are already in operation at major European airports such as London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol, Dublin, Rome Fiumicino, and Frankfurt.