If you’re flying into or out of Riyadh, navigating King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) has gotten a lot more interesting lately. The airport is in the middle of a major transformation — one of the most significant overhauls in its 40-year history — and knowing which terminal to head to can save you real time and stress.
This guide covers everything you need: what’s changed, which airlines use which terminal, what services are available, how to get there, and what’s coming next.
About King Khalid International Airport (KKIA)
KKIA is located approximately 35 kilometres north of Riyadh’s city centre — at least a 30-minute drive in normal traffic. It has been operating since 1983 and is owned and managed by Riyadh Airports Company, a state-owned entity.
The airport covers an area of 375 square kilometres, making it one of the largest airports in the world by land area. It handles over 50 airlines and connects passengers to more than 105 destinations worldwide. In 2024, it processed around 37 million passengers, firmly placing it among the top airports in the Middle East.
Key facts at a glance:
- IATA code: RUH
- Location: 35 km north of Riyadh city centre
- Runways: Two parallel runways, each 4,260 metres long
- Parking: Covered and uncovered parking for 11,600 vehicles (SAR 10/hour)
- Terminals: Five passenger terminals + Royal Terminal
- Wi-Fi: Free throughout all terminals — connect to “_KKIA free Wi-Fi”
One landmark worth noting: the airport’s grand mosque sits at the heart of the passenger complex. Its stained glass, designed by British artist Brian Clarke, is considered one of the largest stained glass projects in the world. It can accommodate up to 5,000 worshippers inside, with room for an additional 4,000 in the surrounding plaza.
Related: Parking Fees at King Khalid International Airport Riyadh 2026
Important: Terminal Changes Since February 2026
KKIA has recently reshuffled its terminal operations as part of a major redevelopment programme. Starting February 2026, a new terminal allocation system came into effect. This is the most significant change to the airport layout since it opened.
Here’s the new breakdown:
- Terminals 1 & 2: International flights operated by Saudi national carriers
- Terminals 3 & 4: Domestic flights
- Terminal 5: International flights operated by foreign airlines
Always verify your terminal before travelling. KKIA’s official WhatsApp service (920020090) can confirm your departure terminal. You can also check directly with your airline.
Terminal by Terminal Breakdown
Terminal 1 — Saudi National Carriers (International)
Terminal 1 completed a full renovation and reopened on 24 December 2024. The upgraded terminal now includes modern check-in counters, automated e-gates at passport control, and improved passenger flow systems.
Under the new 2026 arrangement, Terminal 1 serves international operations for Flynas and Flyadeal. It is also expected to become a base for the upcoming Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s second national carrier.
The renovation boosted combined capacity across Terminals 1 and 2 by 130%, bringing their joint annual capacity to 14 million passengers (up from 6 million). The terminal now features:
- 114 check-in counters across T1 and T2 combined
- 43 immigration counters
- 20 e-passport gates
- 75 arrival counters and 22 e-gates
Services include ATMs (Bank Albilad, Alinma, Al Rajhi), currency exchange, free Wi-Fi, dining options, and retail outlets.
Terminal 2 — Saudi National Carriers (International)
Terminal 2 has just completed its renovation and reopened as part of the broader Terminals 1 & 2 redevelopment project. Under the new 2026 allocation, it handles international flights for Saudia and the soon-to-launch Riyadh Air.
Like Terminal 1, Terminal 2 now features upgraded baggage handling systems, self-service kiosks, and enhanced security screening. The two terminals are connected and share the same metro station (Yellow Line, Station 20).
Terminal 3 — Domestic Flights
Under the 2026 reallocation, Terminal 3 has transitioned to domestic operations. Previously the main international hub for foreign airlines, it now serves domestic routes.
The terminal was originally revamped in late 2022 and remains well-equipped, featuring 22 travel gates and numerous passenger services including duty-free, dining, banking, and medical facilities (Al Habib Hospital Clinic).
Metro access: Yellow Line, Station 19 (shared with Terminal 4).
Terminal 4 — Domestic Flights
Terminal 4 also now handles domestic flights following the 2026 restructuring. It was previously used for Saudia and Flyadeal international routes after being upgraded with jet bridges.
Like Terminal 3, it has modern facilities including the Nahdi pharmacy, dining outlets, and medical services. It shares metro access at Yellow Line, Station 19.
Terminal 5 — Foreign Airlines (International)
Terminal 5, which opened in 2016, has taken on a new role as the dedicated terminal for international flights operated by foreign airlines. This is a significant shift — it was previously focused on domestic travel.
The terminal is the most modern standalone facility at KKIA and can handle 12 million passengers annually. It features:
- 36 check-in counters
- 60 baggage counters
- 20 self-check-in kiosks
- A dedicated medical clinic
- Riyadh Metro connection (Yellow Line, Station 18)
A free shuttle bus connects Terminal 5 to the other terminals, running approximately every 10–15 minutes.
The Royal Terminal
This dedicated terminal is reserved for the Saudi Royal Family, heads of state, and official government guests. It features ornate gardens and fountains and is connected directly to the airport mosque. It is not accessible to regular passengers.
Airport Lounges
KKIA has a solid selection of lounges for travellers who want to wait in comfort.
Plaza Premium Lounge (Terminal 1)
Located on the Mezzanine Floor in the International Departures area near Gate 108. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Spanning 1,115 square metres with seating for up to 210 guests. Features include hot and cold food, sleep rooms, a prayer room, showers, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Access is available via a fee or through eligible membership programmes.
Hayyak Lounge
Available in two locations within the airport, offering a modern setting that reflects Saudi hospitality. Open 24/7.
Saudia Al-Fursan Golden Business Lounge
Available for Saudia business class passengers and Al-Fursan frequent flyer programme members. Open 24/7.
naSmiles Lounge
Available for Flynas loyalty programme members. Details on access fees and eligibility are available via the Flynas website.
Note: Lounge access policies, fees, and locations may change. Always confirm with the lounge or your airline before travelling.
Services and Facilities
Banking and ATMs
ATMs from Bank Albilad, Alinma Bank, and Al Rajhi Bank are positioned across all terminals and operate 24/7. International terminal ATMs also offer currency exchange services.
Duty-Free Shopping
Duty-free outlets are operated under the “Riyadh Duty Free” brand in Terminals 1, 3, and 4. An arrivals duty-free section is also available in Terminals 3 and 4. Popular brands and products include fragrances, electronics, luxury watches, chocolates, and local specialties like dates and camel milk chocolates through Al Waha — the first Saudi-owned duty-free brand. Please note: alcohol is not available at any duty-free outlet.
Medical Services
Al Habib Hospital Clinic operates in Terminals 3 and 4, offering first aid, emergency care, health checks, and consultations. Terminal 5 has its own dedicated medical clinic.
Family and Accessibility Services
All terminals include nursing rooms, baby-changing stations, family restrooms, play areas, and dedicated support for passengers with disabilities.
Baggage Services
Baggage wrapping, luggage storage, porter services, and lost-and-found counters are available at designated areas across terminals.
Getting To and From the Airport
Riyadh Metro (Recommended)
The Riyadh Metro’s Line 4 (Yellow Line) serves the airport directly. It opened on 1 December 2024 and connects KKIA to Riyadh city centre cleanly and affordably.
- Terminals 1 & 2: Station 20 (last stop on Yellow Line)
- Terminals 3 & 4: Station 19
- Terminal 5: Station 18
Metro operating hours: 6:00 AM to midnight (Saturday–Thursday), 8:00 AM to midnight (Fridays). Ticket prices start at SAR 4, with options ranging from single journeys to 30-day passes.
Ride-Hailing Apps
Uber, Careem, Bolt, and Jeeny all operate at KKIA and are available 24/7 from all terminals. Check the respective app for pick-up location instructions.
Taxis
645 authorised taxis operate at the airport, with stands in front of Arrivals at each terminal. The drive to the city centre typically takes around 30 minutes without traffic.
Car Rental
16 car rental kiosks are located at the airport, representing various international and local agencies.
Parking
Covered and uncovered parking is available at a rate of SAR 10 per hour. Valet parking is available at Terminals 3, 4, and 5. Both short-stay and long-stay facilities are offered.
Connecting Flights and Transit
One important thing to know: KKIA’s terminals are not connected airside. If you are connecting between two different airlines on separate bookings, you will need to pass through immigration between flights, even if both flights depart from the same terminal.
If both of your flights are with Saudia or Flynas, you may be eligible for a free transit visa. For all other scenarios, a Saudi visa is required — even for short layovers. Some nationalities can obtain this on arrival, but costs can reach around SAR 480 (~USD 128). Plan accordingly if you are self-transferring.
For transfers within the same terminal complex (Terminals 1–4), walkways are well-marked and most walks take under 10 minutes. Allow at least 30 minutes if moving between Terminal 5 and others.
What’s Coming Next: King Salman International Airport
KKIA’s current transformation is part of a much bigger story. The airport will eventually be replaced — on the same site — by the new King Salman International Airport (KSIA).
Work has already begun on a third runway and the first new passenger terminal, which will accommodate up to 40 million travellers annually. The masterplan envisions a six-runway hub with capacity for 120 million passengers by 2030 and 185 million by 2050. KSIA is expected to open in 2029 and will serve as the home base for Riyadh Air.
Quick Tips for Travelling Through KKIA
- Check your terminal before leaving home. With recent changes in effect, always confirm with your airline or via KKIA’s WhatsApp: 920020090.
- Arrive early. For international flights, arriving at least two hours before departure is recommended — three hours during busy periods.
- Use the metro if you can. It’s the fastest and cheapest way to reach the airport from central Riyadh.
- Download your airline’s app. Real-time gate and delay notifications are more reliable than airport displays.
- Shuttle between terminals is free. Buses run every 10–15 minutes and are clearly labelled.
Final Thoughts
King Khalid International Airport is going through its biggest change in four decades, and for travellers, that means more modern facilities, better capacity, and faster processing. The 2026 terminal reshuffling is the most important update to keep in mind — knowing which terminal your airline now uses can make the difference between a smooth departure and an unnecessary rush.
For the most current airline-to-terminal assignments, always verify with your airline directly or through the airport’s official channels at kkia.sa.