How Big is King Fahd Airport?
King Fahd International Airport (DMM) is the largest airports in the world by total land area, spanning an impressive 776 square kilometers (300 square miles). To put this into perspective, the airport is about the size of the entire city of New York’s five boroughs combined. This immense area includes not only runways and terminals but also vast expanses of undeveloped land.
For comparison, King Fahd Airport is more than five times the size of London Heathrow Airport (12.27 square kilometers) and significantly larger than other major airports like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which spans about 14 square kilometers. While the airport’s current passenger facilities and runways occupy only a portion of this space, the vast land area allows for potential future expansions and developments.
Though King Fahd Airport holds the title of the largest airport by land, its passenger traffic is more modest compared to airports like Dubai International or Istanbul, focusing on serving the growing demand in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The expansive area makes it a key hub for future growth and long-term infrastructure development.
Comparing DMM Airport with other Airports;
Here is a comparison table that highlights the size of King Fahd International Airport (DMM) and other major international airports:
| Airport Name | Location | Land Area | Comparison Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| King Fahd International Airport (DMM) | Dammam, Saudi Arabia | 780 sq. km (301 sq. miles) | The largest airport in the world by land area, roughly the size of New York’s five boroughs combined. |
| Denver International Airport (DEN) | Denver, USA | 137.3 sq. km (53.09 sq. miles) | Second-largest airport by land area in the U.S., about 5.7 times smaller than DMM. |
| Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) | Dallas, USA | 69.63 sq. km (26.9 sq. miles) | One of the busiest airports in the world, but DMM is about 11 times larger by land area. |
| Orlando International Airport (MCO) | Orlando, USA | 53.8 sq. km (20.77 sq. miles) | A large airport in the U.S., but DMM is about 14.5 times bigger in land area. |
| Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) | Beijing, China | 47 sq. km (18.15 sq. miles) | One of the newest and most advanced airports, but DMM is approximately 16.6 times larger. |
| Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) | Los Angeles, USA | 14 sq. km (5.4 sq. miles) | DMM is over 55 times larger than LAX. |
| Heathrow Airport (LHR) | London, UK | 12.27 sq. km (4.74 sq. miles) | DMM is about 63 times larger than Heathrow, the busiest airport in Europe. |
| Istanbul Airport (IST) | Istanbul, Turkey | 76.5 sq. km (29.5 sq. miles) | One of the largest airports in Europe, but DMM is about 10 times larger. |
| Dubai International Airport (DXB) | Dubai, UAE | 32.7 sq. km (12.63 sq. miles) | A key global aviation hub, but DMM is nearly 24 times larger in terms of land area. |
| Changi Airport (SIN) | Singapore | 13 sq. km (5 sq. miles) | Known for its efficiency and amenities, but DMM is about 60 times larger. |
King Fahd International Airport (DMM) stands out as the world’s largest airport in terms of land area, dwarfing other major airports across the globe, which are far smaller in comparison. Despite its vast size, its passenger and aircraft movement areas occupy only a fraction of the available land.
Why is King Fahd Airport So Big?
The size of DMM Airport can be attributed to several key factors:
- Future Growth Planning: Designed to accommodate long-term expansion under Saudi Vision 2030, allowing for new terminals, runways, and facilities without land constraints.
- Strategic Location: Situated near Saudi Arabia’s oil-rich Eastern Province, DMM supports key industries and serves as a major logistics hub for the Gulf region.
- Military Legacy: Originally a U.S. airbase during the Gulf War, the airport’s land size reflects its past military role and potential future use.
- Multi-Function Terminals: DMM hosts passenger, Aramco, and Royal terminals, each requiring extensive space for operations.
- Cargo and Free Zones: The airport’s large area supports a Cargo Village and Free Zone, positioning it as a vital regional center for trade and logistics.
Current Size and Infrastructure
Total Area:
- Land Area: King Fahd International Airport spans 776 square kilometers (300 square miles), making it one of the largest airports in the world. To put this into perspective, the airport’s total area is larger than some small countries, such as Bahrain.
- Utilized Area: Despite the vast total land area, only a fraction of it is currently utilized for the airport’s operations. The used area is approximately 3,675 hectares (36.75 km²), with the remainder of the land set aside for future development or expansion projects.
Runway Infrastructure:
- Number of Runways: DMM has two parallel runways—16L/34R and 16R/34L—both measuring 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) in length. These runways are long enough to accommodate large aircraft, including the Boeing 747 and Airbus A340.
- Runway Width: Each runway is 60 meters (200 feet) wide, with additional paved blast pads of 120 meters (390 feet) at each end, making them suitable for high-capacity aircraft landings.
- Separation: The two runways are separated by a distance of 2,146 meters (7,041 feet), allowing for simultaneous operations and safe aircraft handling.
Taxiways and Aprons:
- Taxiways: The airport features an extensive taxiway system, including parallel taxiways running along the length of the runways and cross-taxiways connecting the two runways. Taxiways are 22 meters (72 feet) wide with 23-meter shoulders on either side.
- Remote Aircraft Stands: There are 30 remote aircraft stands, including facilities for the Royal Terminal and the Aramco Terminal. Additionally, the airport has 9 cargo aircraft stands.
- Helipads: Two helipads are available for helicopter landings and private services.
Terminals:
- Passenger Terminal: The main terminal covers an area of 327,000 square meters (3.52 million square feet), with 11 fixed boarding bridges and 15 gates. It can handle millions of passengers annually, with further room for growth.
- Aramco Terminal: A specialized terminal used by Saudi Aramco to transport employees to remote company locations.
- Royal Terminal: Reserved for the Saudi royal family, government personnel, and important state guests, covering 16,400 square meters (177,000 square feet).
2. Expansion and Development Plans
Saudi Vision 2030:
King Fahd International Airport’s expansion is part of Saudi Vision 2030, the country’s ambitious plan to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil. One of the key pillars of Vision 2030 is to develop Saudi Arabia’s tourism, trade, and logistics sectors, with DMM playing a critical role as a regional hub for passengers and cargo.
Passenger Growth and Terminal Expansion:
- Current Passenger Capacity: As of 2023, King Fahd International Airport handles approximately 10.9 million passengers annually. However, the airport’s infrastructure has the capacity to handle far more, thanks to its massive land area and scalable terminal facilities.
- Future Passenger Capacity: The airport is undergoing continual upgrades to increase passenger capacity to match Saudi Arabia’s expected surge in tourism and business travel. With expansion plans, the airport can eventually handle up to 25 million passengers per year, making it one of the busiest airports in the region.
New Terminals and Facility Enhancements:
- Terminal Enhancements: Expansion plans include upgrades to existing terminals, including the Passenger Terminal and improvements in baggage handling systems, customs processing, and immigration services. The goal is to improve efficiency, reduce waiting times, and enhance the passenger experience.
- Future Terminal Projects: Plans are in place to construct additional terminals as demand grows, with more gates, lounges, and services aimed at making DMM a key international hub.
Cargo Expansion:
- Cargo Handling Capacity: DMM is a significant cargo hub, handling over 138,870 tons of cargo annually. The airport’s vast area includes a dedicated Cargo Village with facilities for freight handling, storage, and logistics services.
- Logistics Hub: Future plans include expanding the cargo area to create one of the largest logistics hubs in the Gulf region. The Free Zone near the airport is being developed to attract international companies and industries, providing convenient access to air, sea, and land transportation.
3. Strategic Importance and Global Connectivity
Geographic Location:
King Fahd International Airport is strategically located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, which is a vital region for the country’s energy, trade, and industry sectors. The airport serves as a gateway to important cities like Dammam, Khobar, Jubail, and Qatif, making it crucial for business travelers and tourists alike.
- Proximity to GCC Countries: DMM’s proximity to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries like Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates enhances its position as a regional transit hub.
- International Connectivity: With over 65 international destinations, King Fahd International Airport connects the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia to key cities in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The busiest international route is between Dammam and Dubai, with over 70 weekly flights.
Integration with Future Transport Systems:
- Dammam Metro: As part of future development, the Dammam Metro project is expected to integrate with King Fahd International Airport, connecting the airport to the city of Dammam and other key locations in the Eastern Province. This will improve accessibility and provide a fast, efficient alternative to road travel.
- Highway Infrastructure: The airport is currently accessible via Route 605, a major expressway linking it to Dammam and the neighboring city of Khobar. Route 6466 also connects the airport to other regional highways, making it easily reachable by car or bus.
4. Environmental and Sustainability Initiatives
Green Initiatives:
- As part of its expansion, King Fahd International Airport is focused on incorporating sustainability into its operations. The airport has launched several green initiatives, such as the development of a solar energy plant and the implementation of waste management programs to reduce the airport’s carbon footprint.
Plant Nursery:
- The airport features a unique plant nursery covering 215,579 square meters. This nursery supplies trees, plants, and greenery for the airport’s extensive landscaping. It includes greenhouses and open fields to support the airport’s environmental goals of improving air quality and contributing to Saudi Arabia’s broader sustainability efforts.
5. Future Growth Potential
With its vast land area, King Fahd International Airport has substantial room for expansion, positioning it as a long-term infrastructure asset for Saudi Arabia. The available land allows for the development of additional runways, terminals, cargo facilities, and even industrial zones. These expansion efforts are expected to significantly boost the airport’s capacity and economic contribution to the region.
Key Areas for Future Growth:
- Additional Runways: While the current two runways meet operational needs, the airport has space to build additional runways to accommodate more flights and larger aircraft.
- New Terminals: As passenger numbers increase, DMM can build new passenger terminals and expand existing ones to enhance its service offerings.
- Logistics Hub: With the development of the Free Zone near the airport, King Fahd International is set to become a major logistics and industrial hub, providing a seamless connection between air, sea, and land freight.
Conclusion
King Fahd International Airport is not only one of the largest airports by area but also an integral part of Saudi Arabia’s future development plans. Its vast size and ongoing expansion efforts ensure that the airport is well-positioned to become a major hub for both passenger and cargo traffic.
With strategic initiatives under Saudi Vision 2030, DMM is set to grow into one of the most important airports in the Middle East, offering modern infrastructure, world-class services, and seamless global connectivity. Whether you’re traveling for business, leisure, or logistics, DMM’s ongoing expansions will provide enhanced capacity, efficiency, and comfort for years to come.
Related;
- Who was King Fahd
- The History of King Fahd International Airport
- About Dammam Airport Company