Implementation on Saudi Arabia’s $30 billion King Salman Airport advances as three teams have been selected for an ECI. State-owned King Salman International Airport Development Company (KSIADC) has selected three groups for the construction of Terminal 6 at the airport. KSIADC, which is backed by Saudi sovereign wealth vehicle, the Public Investment Fund, will deliver the project on an early contractor involvement (ECI) basis.

The selected companies include UCC hailing from Qatar and Greece-based CCC. It also entails Italy’s WeBuild consortium with local Al-Gihaz Holding and Turkiye-based TAV. On the other hand, China’s PowerChina and local MBL consortium was also selected. The ECI timeframe will be around six months. Moreover, the ECI process requires selected contractors to submit methodologies for the project and a design proposal. One team will then be selected for the construction. The title for the world’s largest airport is one that King Salman is contesting for with Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport. 

Scope on the King Salman Airport ECI

The King Salman Airport ECI falls in line with KSIADC’s implementation plans. The firm was targeting mid-2026 to award the contract for the construction of Terminal 6 at KSIA in Riyadh. In July last year, several contractor consortiums had submitted proposals for a contract to develop the first phase of Terminal 6. The scope also included developing the Iconic Terminal at KSIA.

However, U.S. firm Bechtel Corporation had been appointed as the delivery partner for the terminals at KSIA. According to local media reports, KSIADC’s acting CEO, Marco Mejia, said the project developer had completed the project’s masterplan. The reports added that Terminal 6 will boost the airport’s capacity by 40 million passengers. The project is expected to be delivered before the start of the Expo 2030 Riyadh event.

Project Overview

• Project Name: King Salman Airport ECI
• Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Value: About $30 billion (total airport development project)
• Key Developers and Their roles.
• KSIADCO Ltd / King Salman International Airport Development Company – Project developer.
• Public Investment Fund (PIF) – Economical investor via sovereign investment support.
• ECI Consortium of Shortlisted Contractors.

First Consortium

• UCC Holding – Lead contractor – offers construction knowledge and project implementation skills.
• Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC) – Engineering and construction partner with extensive experience in the delivery of big infrastructure.

Second Consortium

• WeBuild – Lead EPC contractor that does the optimization of the design and the planning of construction.
• Al-Gihaz Holding – Local affiliate to assist in regulatory compliance, domestic execution as well as supply chain integration
• TAV Construction – Specialist contractor who has supplied expertise in constructing the airport.

Third Consortium

• Power China – Leading engineering and construction contractor that provides large scale infrastructure design and construction services.
• MBL Infrastructure – Local joint venture to assist in the implementation of civil works and also delivery of projects at the ground.

Scope of Works

• Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) of Terminal 6
• Preparation of construction systems and design bids.
• Connection with KSIA masterplan and further growth stages.
• Moreover, fill EPC contract award preparation aimed at mid-2026.

Strategic Objectives

• Capacity increase of 40 million more passengers per year.
• Endorse Riyadh aviation development and logistics hubs desires.
• Also secure preparations to Expo 2030 Riyadh.
• Provide a modern and high capacity passenger terminal in line with vision 2030 in Saudi.

Current Status

• Three international consortiums were shortlisted on ECI phase.
• Technical and design development stage also ongoing in six months.
• Final contractor on construction to be selected when ECI evaluation is through.