Saudi Arabia has unveiled its latest mega-development, the King Salman International Airport, a colossal project designed to transform Riyadh into a global nerve centre for commercial aviation. This ambitious initiative follows other landmark projects like Mukaab, Epicon, Jeddah Tower, and The Line, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to visionary urban and infrastructure growth.

A Massive Airport and Aerotropolis Covering 57 Square Kilometres

The new airport, slated to open by 2030, will be built around the existing King Khalid International Airport and span approximately 57 square kilometres. It will feature six parallel runways, making it one of the world’s largest airports by capacity and infrastructure. Adjacent to the airport, nearly 12 square kilometres will be dedicated to residential, recreational, and commercial zones, creating a vibrant aerotropolis—a metropolitan sub-region centered on the airport.

Designed by Foster + Partners with Sustainability at its Core

Renowned British architectural firm Foster + Partners has been entrusted with the airport’s masterplan, incorporating cutting-edge design that prioritizes passenger experience and operational efficiency. The project aims for LEED Platinum certification, highlighting its focus on energy efficiency and sustainable construction practices.

Capacity and Economic Ambitions

King Salman International Airport is designed to accommodate up to 120 million passengers annually by 2030, with projections rising to 185 million by 2050. This capacity will surpass Saudi Arabia’s current largest airport, King Fahd International Airport, and position Riyadh among the top global aviation hubs. The airport will also handle 3.5 million tons of cargo by 2050, supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to diversify its economy and boost Riyadh’s population to between 15 and 20 million people.

A New Aerotropolis to Drive Growth

More than just an airport, the project envisions an aerotropolis—a fully integrated urban area where infrastructure, economy, and land use revolve around the airport. This concept is designed to stimulate transport, trade, tourism, and innovation, effectively making Riyadh one of the world’s top ten economic cities. The development will include retail outlets, logistics facilities, and residential communities, all seamlessly connected to the airport’s operations.

Strategic Role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

The King Salman International Airport is a pivotal element of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, aiming to reduce Saudi Arabia’s economic dependence on oil by establishing the Kingdom as a premier global travel and logistics hub. The project also emphasizes technological innovation and a unique cultural identity to enhance the traveler experience.

This mega-project is currently under construction with key firms like Bechtel and Parsons involved in delivery, targeting completion within the next five years. Upon opening, the airport will dramatically increase Saudi Arabia’s air traffic capacity, with aircraft movements expected to rise from 211,000 to over 1 million annually.

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman International Airport stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s bold ambitions to reshape its urban landscape and global economic role through visionary infrastructure and sustainable development.

Saudi Arabia has unveiled its latest mega-development, the King Salman International Airport, a colossal project designed to transform Riyadh into a global nerve centre for commercial aviation. This ambitious initiative follows other landmark projects like Mukaab, Epicon, Jeddah Tower, and The Line, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to visionary urban and infrastructure growth.

A Massive Airport and Aerotropolis Covering 57 Square Kilometres

The new airport, slated to open by 2030, will be built around the existing King Khalid International Airport and span approximately 57 square kilometres. It will feature six parallel runways, making it one of the world’s largest airports by capacity and infrastructure. Adjacent to the airport, nearly 12 square kilometres will be dedicated to residential, recreational, and commercial zones, creating a vibrant aerotropolis—a metropolitan sub-region centered on the airport.

Designed by Foster + Partners with Sustainability at its Core

Renowned British architectural firm Foster + Partners has been entrusted with the airport’s masterplan, incorporating cutting-edge design that prioritizes passenger experience and operational efficiency. The project aims for LEED Platinum certification, highlighting its focus on energy efficiency and sustainable construction practices.

Capacity and Economic Ambitions

King Salman International Airport is designed to accommodate up to 120 million passengers annually by 2030, with projections rising to 185 million by 2050. This capacity will surpass Saudi Arabia’s current largest airport, King Fahd International Airport, and position Riyadh among the top global aviation hubs. The airport will also handle 3.5 million tons of cargo by 2050, supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to diversify its economy and boost Riyadh’s population to between 15 and 20 million people.

A New Aerotropolis to Drive Growth

More than just an airport, the project envisions an aerotropolis—a fully integrated urban area where infrastructure, economy, and land use revolve around the airport. This concept is designed to stimulate transport, trade, tourism, and innovation, effectively making Riyadh one of the world’s top ten economic cities. The development will include retail outlets, logistics facilities, and residential communities, all seamlessly connected to the airport’s operations.

Strategic Role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

The King Salman International Airport is a pivotal element of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, aiming to reduce Saudi Arabia’s economic dependence on oil by establishing the Kingdom as a premier global travel and logistics hub. The project also emphasizes technological innovation and a unique cultural identity to enhance the traveler experience.

This mega-project is currently under construction with key firms like Bechtel and Parsons involved in delivery, targeting completion within the next five years. Upon opening, the airport will dramatically increase Saudi Arabia’s air traffic capacity, with aircraft movements expected to rise from 211,000 to over 1 million annually.

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman International Airport stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s bold ambitions to reshape its urban landscape and global economic role through visionary infrastructure and sustainable development.

Cathay Pacific is set to restart its non-stop flights between Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and Adelaide Airport (ADL) beginning 11 November 2025. The service will operate three times weekly during the Southern Hemisphere winter season, departing Hong Kong late at night on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and arriving in Adelaide the following morning.

Return flights will depart Adelaide around midday on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, landing in Hong Kong by early evening local time. All timings are local and subject to regulatory approval.

The flights will be operated using Airbus A350-900 aircraft, offering three cabin classes: Business with fully flat beds, Premium Economy, and Economy, ensuring a comfortable travel experience for all passengers.

This resumption marks a significant reconnection between Cathay Pacific and South Australia, reviving a route first launched in 1992. It also continues the airline’s longstanding collaboration with Flight Training Adelaide, where many Cathay cadet pilots have trained over the past three decades.

Adelaide becomes Cathay Pacific’s eighth destination in the Southwest Pacific region, joining year-round services to Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, as well as seasonal flights to Cairns and Christchurch.

 With this addition, Cathay Pacific will operate close to 90 return flights weekly to and from the Southwest Pacific during peak winter, strengthening connectivity for both business and leisure travelers.

Beyond passenger services, the new Adelaide route enhances cargo capacity via the aircraft’s belly hold, complementing Cathay Cargo’s existing freighter operations. This supports trade and e-commerce between South Australia and global markets accessible through Cathay’s Hong Kong hub, benefiting key export sectors such as seafood, pharmaceuticals, and high-value perishables.

The Adelaide service is part of Cathay Pacific’s broader network expansion in 2025, which includes new destinations like Hyderabad, Dallas, Urumqi, Rome, Munich, and Brussels. The Cathay Group aims to serve 100 global passenger destinations by mid-2025, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a premier aviation hub connecting Asia with Oceania, Europe, and the Americas.

Cathay Pacific’s return to Adelaide offers enhanced travel options and cargo logistics, reaffirming its commitment to the Southwest Pacific market and providing greater choice for customers traveling between the region and Hong Kong.

Dubai-based airline flydubai is making a historic return to Damascus, announcing the resumption of direct daily flights starting June 1—marking the first such service since the onset of Syria’s civil war in 2011.

The eagerly awaited relaunch comes just ahead of Eid Al Adha and follows the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority’s recent green light to restore air travel between the UAE and Syria. Damascus, a city of immense cultural and historical significance in the region, was among flydubai’s inaugural destinations nearly 16 years ago, but operations were suspended due to the conflict.

Earlier this year, Syrian Airlines began reconnecting the two nations, with a flight from Damascus to Sharjah in January and another to Dubai in April. Now, flydubai will operate daily flights between Dubai International’s Terminal 2 and Damascus International Airport. Flight FZ 115 will depart Dubai at 6:30am, arriving in Damascus at 8:45am, while the return flight FZ 116 leaves Damascus at 10:00am, landing in Dubai at 2:20pm.

Passengers can choose from business or economy class seating, ensuring comfort for all travelers. The airline’s leadership emphasized their commitment to regional connectivity and the importance of Damascus as a key destination.

“Damascus holds a special cultural and historical significance within the region and we are excited to serve the city again with a direct daily service, highlighting our commitment to supporting the UAE's efforts to foster regional connectivity,” said flydubai’s Chief Executive Officer, Ghaith Al Ghaith.

“The relaunch of flights to Damascus will enable passengers from the UAE and around the network to enjoy convenient travel options to the market,” added Jeyhun Efendi, Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations and E-commerce at flydubai.

The resumption of flights follows high-level talks between Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed during the former’s first visit to the UAE since taking office in April. This landmark move is expected to boost regional travel and tourism, especially during the upcoming Eid Al Adha holiday and the busy summer season.

India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is making a bold leap into the long-haul market, opening bookings for non-stop flights from Mumbai to Manchester and Amsterdam starting July 2025. For the first time, IndiGo is shifting gears from its traditional low-cost model to take on established international carriers, with a premium service that includes complimentary hot meals and beverages for all passengers—a first for the airline.

Dreamliner Debut and Dual-Class Experience

IndiGo is leveraging its newly leased Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from Norse Atlantic Airways for these routes. The aircraft are configured with 56 IndiGoStretch (Premium Economy) seats and 282 Economy seats. IndiGoStretch customers will enjoy complimentary meals and alcohol, while Economy passengers receive meals and non-alcoholic beverages, with alcoholic drinks available for purchase. This marks a significant upgrade from IndiGo’s previous offerings, where even its premium cabin did not receive hot meals.

Strategic Expansion and Competitive Edge

Manchester will be the only direct route from India to Northern England, addressing a long-standing demand and tapping into a large Indian diaspora. Amsterdam, already a busy European hub, will see IndiGo compete with KLM and Air India, both of which operate multiple daily flights from Delhi and Mumbai. IndiGo’s codeshare with KLM will further enhance connectivity for travelers across Europe.

Route Shifts and Operational Challenges

Initially, IndiGo had planned to launch these flights from Delhi. However, the closure of Pakistani airspace and uncertainty over its reopening prompted the airline to move operations to Mumbai, giving Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport an unexpected boost.

Collaboration and Future Ambitions

IndiGo’s growing partnerships with global airlines—including Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Air France-KLM, American Airlines, Qantas, and Virgin Atlantic—signal potential for further international expansion. The airline is eyeing key European destinations like Paris and London, where slot availability will be crucial. Collaborations could allow IndiGo to leverage its robust Indian traffic to secure valuable slots and expand its network.

A New Era for Indian Aviation

With these moves, IndiGo is stepping up its challenge to Air India, which is still revamping its long-haul fleet and facing slot constraints. IndiGo’s strong balance sheet and cost structure give it the flexibility to experiment and hold its ground, even as Air India ramps up competition on domestic routes.

Bottom Line

IndiGo’s launch of long-haul, premium Dreamliner services to Manchester and Amsterdam marks a pivotal shift in its strategy, positioning the airline as a serious contender in international aviation and setting the stage for a new era of competition with Air India and global carriers.