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King Salman International Airport is a planned aviation infrastructure project in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, intended to expand the kingdom’s air transport capacity through the development of a new international airport complex. The project is estimated to have a development value of approximately $30 billion.

King Salman International Airport Development Company (KSIADC) selected three contractor teams to participate in an early contractor involvement (ECI) process for the construction of Terminal 6 at the airport. KSIADC, which is backed by the Public Investment Fund, is overseeing the project’s development.

The selected teams comprised of Qatar-based UCC and Greece-based CCC; a consortium led by Italy’s WeBuild alongside Saudi Arabia’s Al-Gihaz Holding and Türkiye-based TAV; and a consortium consisting of China’s PowerChina and Saudi Arabia’s MBL.

According to project information, the ECI phase is expected to last approximately six months. During this period, the selected teams will be required to develop construction methodologies and submit design proposals for the terminal. Following the process, one team is expected to be selected to undertake the construction works. These preparations are in line with the Kingdom’s readiness to host the 2034 World Cup.

Updates on Al Maktoum International Airport

Latest insights into the $35bn Al Maktoum International Airport expansion plans have been provided by the Kingdom’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Hie is also the chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. He noted that work on the airport expansion is continuing according to the approved timeline. Furthermore, he highlighted that phase 1 is scheduled to begin operations in 2032.

These remarks were issued on his post on the social messaging platform X. He also added that contracts worth AED13 billion are currently being executed. Moreover, more than 10 million work hours have been completed over the past month. Al Maktoum International Airport is being developed to handle more than a quarter of a billion passengers annually, supporting Dubai’s long-term economic growth.

Scope on the King Salman International Airport ECI

The King Salman International 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.