King Abdulaziz International Airport

King Abdulaziz International Airport is not just the main air gateway to Jeddah, but also a vital transport hub for millions of believers from around the world. Located on the coast of the Red Sea, it serves as the starting point for pilgrims heading to the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah. This airport harmoniously combines modern architecture, impressive scale, and unique solutions, making your stay here comfortable and memorable even before your main journey through Saudi Arabia begins.

King Abdulaziz Airport is rightfully considered one of the most modern and technologically advanced in the region. Its Terminal 1, opened in 2019, impresses with its size and infrastructure. It houses over a hundred shops, numerous restaurants, comfortable relaxation zones, and even its own five-star hotel for transit passengers. A unique feature of the terminal is the massive aquarium, which has become one of the airport's landmarks.

The airport's main pride is undoubtedly the specialised Hajj Terminal. It is one of the largest structures of its kind in the world, capable of simultaneously serving up to 80,000 pilgrims. Its famous roof, shaped like giant tents, not only provides shade over a vast area but is also an outstanding architectural example. The terminal is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable wait: from mosques and food courts to medical clinics and banking branches.

• Official Website: www.jeddah-airport.com. Here you will find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Information Service Phone: +966 9200 11233. This is the main number for general enquiries.
• Address: King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
• Email: To contact airport representatives, you can use the feedback form on the official website or the address customercare@jeddahairports.com.
• Social Media: The airport maintains active social media pages. The fastest channel for news is the official account on X (formerly Twitter): @JeddahAirport.
• Lost Baggage Information: If your luggage has been lost, you should first contact your airline's representative at the airport. Contact details for the Lost and Found service are also available on the airport's official website.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For passenger support, use the unified phone number +966 9200 11233 and the email address listed above.

There are several ways to get to King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) from the centre of Jeddah or other key cities in Saudi Arabia. The choice depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and comfort preferences. The journey from the city centre usually takes 20 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services are the most popular and convenient way to reach the airport. Official taxis can be found throughout the city, but it is even easier to use mobile apps like Uber or Careem. This allows you to know the cost of the trip in advance and avoid language barriers. The average cost of a trip from central districts of Jeddah to the airport is approximately 60–100 Saudi Riyals (SAR). We recommend allowing extra time for traffic, especially during peak hours.

Public Transport and Trains. For travellers arriving from Makkah or Madinah, the ideal option is the Haramain High Speed Railway, which has a station located directly at the airport. This is a modern and fast mode of transport between the Holy Cities. For example, you can easily reach Madinah Airport from here. For movement within Jeddah itself, there are SAPTCO city buses, but for tourists with luggage, they may not be the most comfortable solution due to limited routes to the airport.

Car Rental and Parking. If you prefer independence in your movements, numerous international and local car rental companies operate at the airport and in the city. Having a rental car is particularly convenient if you plan to visit neighbouring cities, such as the picturesque Taif. For those driving to the airport in their own or rented car, both short-term and long-term parking facilities are available. The terminals are equipped with clear signage in Arabic and English, making it easy to find the correct parking zone.

King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) is one of the busiest in the Middle East, with a structure designed to handle a massive flow of passengers, including millions of pilgrims. The airport consists of several terminals, but for most travellers, the key ones are Terminal 1 and the specialised Hajj Terminal.

Terminal 1 is the main and most modern terminal of the airport. It is a gigantic complex serving almost all international and domestic flights. Its distinctive feature is that all operations (arrivals, departures, transfers) take place under one roof, simplifying navigation. The space is logically divided into zones: arrivals and baggage claim are on the lower levels, while check-in counters and departure zones are on the upper levels. Areas for domestic and international flights are clearly separated. A hallmark of the terminal is one of the world's largest aquariums, installed in the centre of the hall.

Hajj Terminal is a unique structure designed exclusively to serve pilgrims arriving for Hajj and Umrah. Its famous roof, shaped like giant tents, is an architectural landmark. This terminal is designed as a partially open space for natural ventilation and can accommodate tens of thousands of people simultaneously, ensuring a comfortable wait for transport to Makkah. Most regular flights do not use this terminal.

Navigation in Terminal 1 is intuitive thanks to clear signage in Arabic and English. Transitions between different piers (gates) inside the terminal are done on foot, but distances can be significant, so it is worth allowing extra time for this. Special shuttle buses run between Terminal 1 and other terminals, such as the North Terminal (if used by your airline) or the Hajj Terminal. The distance between terminals is large, so taking a bus or taxi is a necessity.

Processing times in Terminal 1 generally meet global standards. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 3 hours before departure for international flights and 2 hours for domestic ones. However, during peak seasons, holidays, and pilgrimages, waiting times for check-in and security checks can increase significantly. To avoid rushing, always check in advance which terminal your flight departs from and monitor the information on the airport screens.

The history of King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) is inextricably linked to its unique position as the main air gateway for millions of pilgrims heading to the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah. Located in the city of Jeddah, this airport became one of Saudi Arabia's most ambitious infrastructure projects. Design began in the mid-1970s, and the official opening took place in April 1981. From the very beginning, the airport was created with the colossal peak loads of the Hajj season in mind.

A key stage in the airport's development was the construction of the Hajj Terminal, which in itself is a marvel of engineering. Its famous roof, consisting of 210 white fibreglass tents on steel pylons, was entered into the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest tent structure. This open-air terminal is designed to ensure the comfortable stay of a huge number of pilgrims, creating shade and providing natural ventilation in the hot climate. It functions for only a few weeks a year, but its capacity and unique design have made the airport world-famous.

To meet the growing demands of modern tourism and strengthen its status as a major international hub, the airport underwent massive modernisation. In 2019, the official opening of the new Terminal 1 took place, one of the largest in the world. This modern complex, covering over 800,000 square metres, is equipped with state-of-the-art technology: it includes a giant aquarium, a hotel, a transport hub, and is capable of serving up to 30 million passengers a year. The launch of the new terminal marked a new era in the airport's history, transforming it into a high-tech and comfortable transit hub.

Throughout its history, Jeddah Airport has witnessed many record-breaking Hajj seasons, serving millions of believers from all over the globe. It has become not just a transport facility, but a symbol of hospitality and an important part of the country's religious and cultural heritage. Today, King Abdulaziz International Airport continues to develop, serving as the base for the national carrier Saudia and playing a key role in connecting East and West.

King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah offers passengers a wide range of services and amenities to make their stay as comfortable as possible. In the modern terminals, you will find everything needed for a pleasant wait for your flight, whether it is a short layover or a long delay.

For gourmets and shopping lovers, this is a true paradise. The airport boasts numerous restaurants and cafes offering both local Saudi cuisine and popular international fast-food chains. You can grab a coffee in one of the cosy coffee shops. The Duty Free zone and other shops offer a wide assortment of goods: from perfumes and cosmetics to electronics, souvenirs, and fashionable clothing.

Passengers who value enhanced comfort can use the services of VIP halls and airline lounges. Here you can rest in silence, take a shower, have a snack, and use business services. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and numerous charging stations for electronic devices will allow you to stay connected at all times. For financial transactions, there are bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points.

The airport cares for all categories of travellers. Mother and child rooms and play areas are equipped for passengers with children. In case of necessity, you can contact the 24-hour medical centre. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with special assistance, and the terminal infrastructure is adapted to their needs, including ramps and equipped restrooms. If you require a long rest, a hotel is located directly in the airport's transit zone, and there are many hotels from famous global chains in the immediate vicinity.

At King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), travellers will find a wide selection of establishments for every taste and budget. The majority of cafes and restaurants are concentrated in the modern Terminal 1, which serves most international and domestic flights. Here you can find options for a quick snack as well as restaurants for a full lunch or dinner.

For those short on time, numerous coffee shops and fast-food outlets are ideal. Both in the public area (landside) and in the secure area after passport control (airside), you will find familiar international chains such as Starbucks, Costa Coffee, and various eateries. Here you can grab a sandwich, pastries, or a salad. This is an excellent choice if your flight is departing soon. Most of these establishments operate 24/7, which is especially convenient for passengers on night flights.

If you want to try something local and have time, be sure to find the food court in the departure zone. The main star here is the famous Saudi fast-food chain Al Baik, known for its fried chicken and shrimp. Queues here can be long, but the wait is worth it. Besides Al Baik, the food court and individual restaurants feature dishes from Middle Eastern, Asian, and European cuisines. Prices range from budget-friendly fast food to mid-range in full-service restaurants.

All establishments at the airport serve exclusively Halal food, which is the standard for Saudi Arabia. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, especially in cafes and restaurants with international cuisine — look for salads, vegetable dishes, hummus, and falafel. People with gluten intolerance should check the ingredients with staff, but higher-class establishments can usually offer suitable options. Overall, Jeddah Airport provides comfortable conditions for waiting for a flight, allowing you to get acquainted with local gastronomy or simply enjoy a cup of good coffee.

To ensure your journey through King Abdulaziz International Airport goes smoothly, follow these tips. The airport in Jeddah is one of the busiest in the country, especially during Hajj and Umrah periods, so preparation is the key to success.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 2 hours. During peak pilgrimage seasons, it is worth adding an extra hour. Check-in counters and security checkpoints can be overloaded, so it is better to have a time buffer. Some terminals have separate queues for families and business class passengers.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. If you want to enjoy views of the Red Sea during take-off or landing, choose a window seat. Regarding hand luggage, remember the standard restrictions on carrying liquids (no more than 100 ml in one container). It is important to know that customs regulations in Saudi Arabia strictly prohibit the import of alcohol, pork and pork products, as well as any materials that may be considered contrary to Islamic values.

For Transit Passengers. King Abdulaziz Airport, especially the new Terminal 1, is well-equipped for transit passengers. Here you will find plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes. For long layovers, you can use the services of the hotel located directly within the airport or relax in one of the lounges.

Customs Control and Saving Money. Be prepared for your luggage to be thoroughly inspected. Declare all valuables and currency in accordance with the rules. To save money, order a taxi via mobile apps (such as Careem or Uber) — this is often cheaper than using official carriers at the terminal exit. Also, take an empty reusable bottle with you to fill with water after passing security control.

In Case of Flight Delay. First of all, contact your airline representative for the latest information. The airport offers enough amenities to brighten up the wait: from free Wi-Fi to various food outlets. In the event of a long delay, the airline is generally obliged to provide drinks, food, and in some cases, hotel accommodation.