GACA announces the start of the pilot operation of the new King Abdulaziz International Airport


Jeddah May 29, 2018
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced the start of trial operation of the new King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, where the new airport received the first arriving flights today. The airport at this stage will operates six gates, and gradually will be increasing the number of gates during this pilot operation phase.
 
The President of GACA, Mr. Abdulhakim Al Tamimi, extended his thanks and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense for the attention and support given to the aviation sector in general and the new King Abdulaziz International Airport in particular. 
 
H.E the President of GACA thanked HRH Prince Khalid Al Faisal, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Governor of Makkah region, HRH Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah region, for their constant and continued support for the new airport.  All in an effort to complete all the needed operational requirements for the new airport.
 
Mr. Al Tamimi said in press conference given for this occasion, that the project of the New King Abdulaziz International Airport is in line with the objectives of the Kingdom Vision 2030 that aim to achieve a wide-ranging economic development.
Mr. Al Tamimi said that the trial run is a scientific and practical approach that is adopted when implementing major infrastructure projects around the world.  This allow for testing of vital facilities in a safe and deliberate manner.  The procedure focuses on testing all of the operating systems, identifying technical problems and handling them before full operation commence.  Noting that improving airport security procedures and operational safety, as well as improving passenger experience are some of the main objectives of GACA in this trial run.
 
Al Tamimi revealed the adoption of four phases of trial operation of the new King Abdulaziz International Airport that will start in the month of May of this year, which is the start of the pilot operation, through a second phase, which will last from next July to September.  At this stage, the airport will be receiving a number of domestic flights.  Then a third phase will start (November to December), during which all domestic flights will be received at airport.  The airport will be operational from January to March 2019.  By then the airport will welcome domestic and international flight through 46 gates.
 
H.E the President of GACA concluded his remarks by extending his thanks and appreciation to all departments and agencies who are working on the airport project; those include engineers and project supervisors for their efforts in implementing this importantly vital project.  A project that is the gateway to the Two Holy Mosques and a vital and illuminating front for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  Hoping all these concentrated effort will be successful in achieving the aspirations of our wise leadership.