Taif Airport

Taif Airport (TIF), located in a picturesque corner of Saudi Arabia, is not just an air gateway but a place rich in history. It was here that the first aircraft of the Kingdom's founder, King Ibn Saud, landed, making it a landmark site for the entire country. Initially a regional hub, the airport eventually gained international status to serve the growing flow of travellers and pilgrims heading to Mecca, which is only about 70 km away. Today, it combines historical significance with modern amenities, serving as an important transport hub for both domestic and international flights.

One of the key features of Taif Airport is its strategic location. It sits at an altitude of nearly 1,500 metres above sea level, providing a milder climate compared to other regions of the country. The airport has two runways and serves flights from numerous airlines, including major carriers such as Saudia, Flynas, Air Arabia, Flydubai, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines. This makes it a convenient starting point for journeys around Saudi Arabia or for transfers en route to other countries. The airport continues to develop under the Saudi Vision 2030 programme to meet the growing needs of passengers, offering all necessary services for a comfortable wait.

Below you will find contact information for Taif International Airport (TIF), which may be useful when planning your trip.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information on airport operations, flights, and services can be found on the Taif Airport page on the Saudi Airports portal.
• Information Desk Phone: +966 920011233 (this number is unified for several airports in Saudi Arabia; be prepared to specify that you are inquiring about the airport in Taif).
• Airport Address: Taif - Riyadh Hwy, Taif 26311, Saudi Arabia.
• Email: To contact airport representatives, it is recommended to use the feedback form on the official website, as a direct email for general inquiries is not published.
• Social Media: For news and updates, you can follow the official pages of the managing company, Saudi Airports, on social media (e.g., X/Twitter: @saudiairports).
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost, first contact your airline's representative office. For items left behind in the terminal, contact the airport's lost and found service via the information desk phone.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all general questions related to your stay at the airport, you can contact the main information line.

Taif Airport (TIF) is located approximately 30 km northeast of the city centre of Taif, and there are several ways to get there, each suitable for different needs and budgets.

The most common and convenient option is taxis or ride-hailing apps, such as Uber and Careem, which are popular in Saudi Arabia. The trip from the city centre to the airport usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This is the fastest and most direct way to reach the terminal. For added comfort, especially if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or family, you can book a private transfer service in advance.

For travellers who prefer independence and plan to explore the surroundings, car rental is the ideal solution. Counters for several international and local rental agencies are located at Taif Airport. Renting a car gives you complete freedom of movement both within the city and beyond, which is especially relevant for visiting the region's mountain resorts and natural attractions.

It should be noted that direct public transport connections, such as regular bus routes from the city centre to the airport, are currently practically non-existent. Most passengers prefer to use taxis or private cars due to the predictability and speed of this mode of transport.

For those arriving at the airport by private or rented car, official parking is provided. The area features zones for both short-term parking, convenient for quick drop-offs and pick-ups, and long-term storage for your vehicle during your absence. The cost depends on the duration of parking.

Taif Airport (TIF) is a modern and compact aviation hub, structured for maximum passenger convenience. A key feature of the airport is its single passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. This layout significantly simplifies navigation and reduces the time spent moving within the building.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated but located under one roof, eliminating the need for long walks or shuttle buses. Upon entering the terminal, you find yourself in the general hall where check-in counters and baggage drop-off points are located. After check-in, passengers proceed to the security screening and passport control area (for international destinations), and then to a spacious waiting hall with boarding gates.

The arrival zone is also logically organised: after disembarking, international passengers head to immigration control counters, then to the baggage claim hall, and finally pass through customs inspection. For domestic passengers, the procedure is limited to baggage claim and exiting to the city. Thanks to the airport's relatively small size, the entire journey from the aircraft steps to the terminal exit takes minimal time.

The time required for pre-flight formalities at Taif Airport is usually less than at major global hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance: approximately 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight and 2-3 hours before an international one. This time will be sufficient for a stress-free check-in, security screening, and passport control. To navigate, simply follow the signs in Arabic and English and check the information on the electronic boards.

Taif Airport (TIF) is one of the oldest and most significant aviation hubs in Saudi Arabia, and its history is closely intertwined with the development of both the city and the entire country. Originally established as a small airfield, it eventually transformed into an important regional international airport. Its opening took place in the mid-20th century, making it one of the pioneers of civil aviation in the Kingdom.

For decades, the airport functioned primarily as a domestic hub, serving flights to the country's largest cities. A key moment in its history was the modernisation in the 2000s, when the decision was made to grant it regional, and subsequently international, status. This decision was driven by Taif's growing popularity as a summer resort and its proximity to the holy city of Mecca. The expansion of the runway and the construction of a new terminal allowed for the handling of larger aircraft and the service of pilgrims arriving for Hajj and Umrah.

One of the airport's main achievements has been significantly easing logistics for pilgrims. By taking on a portion of the international traffic, it has helped relieve pressure on the airport in Jeddah, especially during peak seasons. An interesting fact: thanks to its location at an altitude of about 1,500 metres above sea level, Taif Airport offers passengers impressive views of mountain landscapes during takeoff and landing. Today, it continues to develop within the framework of the national "Saudi Vision 2030" programme, aimed at increasing the flow of tourism into the country.

Taif Airport offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its relatively small size, the terminal is well-organised, allowing you to go through all pre-flight formalities without hassle and relax.

For those feeling hungry, there are several cafes and snack bars where you can drink coffee, grab a sandwich, or try local pastries. In the shops, you can purchase souvenirs, perfumes, travel essentials, and sweets. The selection is not as vast as in megacities, but the basic needs of travellers are covered.

Passengers who value comfort can utilise the services of the premium lounge (VIP lounge). Here, in a quieter atmosphere, snacks, drinks, fresh newspapers, and comfortable seating are offered. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for electronic devices are installed in the waiting areas.

Financial matters can be settled on-site: the airport has ATMs and currency exchange points. In case of need, passengers can visit the medical station for first aid. For travellers with small children, a mother and child room is equipped where you can take care of your baby in a quiet environment.

The airport is fully adapted to serve passengers with reduced mobility. Wheelchairs are provided, there are ramps and specially equipped restrooms, and staff are ready to provide necessary assistance during boarding and disembarking. There are no hotels directly inside the airport building, but several comfortable hotels are located a few minutes' drive away by taxi. Specialised conference halls are not provided in the terminal, but the quiet and amenities of the VIP lounge can be used for business meetings.

At Taif Airport (TIF), travellers can find several options for a snack or a full meal, although the selection may not be as wide as in major international hubs. The main catering establishments are located in the main terminal, both in the public area (landside) and in the departure zone after security control (airside).

The majority of cafes and snack bars are concentrated in the departure zone. Here you can find coffee shops offering aromatic coffee, tea, pastries, and sandwiches — an ideal option for those who want a quick bite before boarding their flight. Typically, there are also fast-food outlets serving international cuisine, such as burgers, pizza, or chicken. For a more substantial lunch, you can look for establishments with set meal offers.

If you want to try something from the local cuisine, look out for Arabic coffee (gahwa), often served with dates, as well as popular Middle Eastern snacks like shawarma or falafel, if available on the menu. The entire assortment at the airport is halal, which is standard for Saudi Arabia. Finding vegetarian dishes is usually not a problem — menus often feature salads, hummus, and other vegetable snacks. However, choices for vegans or people with gluten intolerance may be limited, so with strict dietary requirements, it is better to clarify the ingredients of dishes on the spot.

Prices at the airport are generally higher than in the city. The opening hours of most establishments are tied to the flight schedule, but the main coffee shops and snack bars in the departure zone are usually open around the clock or, at least, during all flight operations, including night flights. In the public area before check-in, the selection may be more modest, so it is better to rely on the departure zone for a full meal.

To ensure your journey through Taif Airport is as comfortable as possible, use our tips. Planning is the key to a calm start and end to your trip, especially in a country like Saudi Arabia, with its cultural and legal specifics.

Arrival Time and Check-in. We recommend arriving at the airport well in advance: 2.5-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic ones. This will give you a sufficient buffer in case of queues. The best way to save time is to complete online check-in on your airline's website. This way, you can immediately drop off your luggage at the dedicated counter or, if travelling light, head straight to the security checkpoint.

Security Checks. Be prepared for security screening and customs control to be very thorough. Prepare liquids in advance (in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag) and remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage. Remember that it is strictly forbidden to bring alcohol, pork and pork products into Saudi Arabia, as well as any materials (books, magazines) that may be considered contrary to Islamic norms.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. Want to enjoy views of the mountain landscapes surrounding Taif? Choose a window seat. Need more legroom and the ability to stand up freely? Your choice is an aisle seat. In your hand luggage, besides valuables and documents, pack a portable charger and a light jacket or scarf — the aircraft cabin is often cool.

Transfers and Flight Delays. If you have a connecting flight, check at registration whether your luggage will be transferred automatically. In case of a flight delay, the first thing to do is contact your airline representative for information on the flight status and your rights (drinks, meals, accommodation). Stay calm and use this time to rest or work, fortunately, most modern airports have Wi-Fi and cafes.

Saving Time and Money. To save money, order a taxi from the airport via popular online apps — this is often better value than using the services of "official" carriers at the exit. Prices for food and drinks at the airport can be high, so bring an empty water bottle (which can be filled after security) and a light snack permitted for carriage.