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Taif Airport in Saudi Arabia is undergoing SAR8.8-million ($2.34 million) renovation project to become a key disembarkation point for pilgrims coming in from the neighbouring states.

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The renovation project authorised by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) involves refit of the passenger terminal and lounge. This will expand it from 4,400 square meters to 5,600 square meters, allowing the terminal to accommodate up to 600 passengers per hour. New customs and passport control areas will be created for customers.

Taif Airport is being developed as a major hub for international Haj and Umrah traffic to ease the burden at Jeddah’s King Abdul Aziz International Airport (KAIA) during the peak seasons. As per GACA, annual passenger traffic is expected to increase from 350,000 to 750,000.

Taif Airport accommodates Air Arabia, Saudia, nasair, Al-Masria, flydubai, Gulf Air, Nesma Airlines, Nile Air and Turkish Airlines. These airlines provide flights to Sharjah, Cairo, Dubai, Bahrain, Kuwait, Abha, Dammam, Riyadh and Istanbul.

Taif airport opened in 1955 as a small domestic facility which was later upgraded to a regional hub by GACA.