King Fahd International Airport (DMM) has three main terminals: the Passenger Terminal, the Aramco Terminal, and the Royal Terminal. Each terminal serves a distinct purpose, providing tailored services to different categories of passengers. This guide covers everything you need to know about these terminals, ensuring you navigate through them efficiently and comfortably.
1. Passenger Terminal (Main Terminal)
The Passenger Terminal is the primary terminal at King Fahd International Airport, handling the majority of domestic and international commercial flights. It’s designed to accommodate both the growing volume of passengers and the diversity of services needed to provide a seamless airport experience.
Key Features:
- Size: A six-story structure covering 327,000 m² (3,520,000 sq ft). The first phase built 247,500 m² (2,664,000 sq ft) of this terminal, ensuring ample space for passengers.
- Gates & Bridges:
- The terminal features 15 gates, served by 11 fixed passenger boarding bridges.
- There are 66 check-in counters allocated to Saudia (shared with Flynas), and 44 for foreign airlines, in addition to numerous counters for customs and immigration.
- Domestic & International Flights:
- The terminal handles both domestic and international flights with separate areas for each to streamline passenger flow and processing.
- Passenger Services:
- Duty-Free Shopping: DMM was the first airport in Saudi Arabia to feature duty-free shops. These shops offer a wide range of items, from luxury goods and perfumes to electronics and travel accessories.
- Restaurants & Cafes: A variety of dining options catering to different tastes, including local and international cuisines, from fast food to full-service restaurants.
- Banks & ATMs: Several banks and ATM services are available to help with currency exchange and other financial needs.
- VIP Lounges: Passengers can access CIP Lounges (Commercially Important People) that offer premium services such as private seating, gourmet dining, quiet zones, and fast-track services.
- WiFi & Charging Stations: Free high-speed WiFi is available throughout the terminal, and multiple charging points ensure your devices remain powered.
- Business Centers: For those needing to work while waiting, business centers are available with meeting rooms, office services, and printing facilities.
Architectural Design:
The terminal features modern architecture with spacious areas, high ceilings, and large glass facades that provide ample natural light. The design focuses on functionality, comfort, and aesthetics, making the terminal an inviting place for travelers.
Accessibility:
The terminal is fully accessible for passengers with reduced mobility, offering elevators, ramps, and dedicated services such as assistance for elderly and disabled travelers.
2. Aramco Terminal
The Aramco Terminal is a private terminal dedicated to the exclusive use of Saudi Aramco Aviation, the airline division of Saudi Aramco, the country’s state-owned oil company. This terminal operates flights for Aramco employees, facilitating transport to remote company sites across Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Key Features:
- Access: Only employees of Saudi Aramco and authorized personnel can use this terminal. It’s not accessible to the general public.
- Destinations: The terminal provides flights to strategic Saudi Aramco locations, including Yanbu, Tanajib, Shaybah, and Haradh, as well as remote pump stations.
- Aircraft: Aramco Aviation operates a dedicated fleet, including Boeing 737 and Embraer ERJ-170LR aircraft, ensuring that employees travel in comfort to their work locations.
- Security: The terminal features heightened security, with restricted access and stringent controls to safeguard the operations and privacy of Aramco personnel.
Services:
While the terminal is reserved for Aramco employees, it still offers various amenities to make the travel experience efficient and comfortable, such as a dedicated check-in process, boarding services, and waiting areas for passengers.
3. Royal Terminal
The Royal Terminal is an ultra-exclusive facility reserved for the Saudi royal family, high-ranking government officials, and important state guests. This terminal is not open to the public but plays a significant role in the airport’s operations when used.
Key Features:
- Size & Design: The Royal Terminal covers an area of 16,400 m² (177,000 sq ft) and features four air bridges that link directly to aircraft.
- The architecture is a blend of traditional Saudi and modern luxury, designed to offer the highest levels of comfort and exclusivity.
- Luxurious Interiors: The terminal boasts luxurious interiors with fine furnishings, expansive lounges, and private areas. The design also includes extensive landscaping, making the surroundings just as impressive as the interiors.
- Rarely Used: Although fully operational, the Saudi royal family and high-level government personnel typically prefer to use the King Abdulaziz Air Base for flights. Thus, the Royal Terminal sees limited use.
Facilities:
The terminal includes:
- Private lounges and rest areas.
- Fully serviced private rooms for guests to relax before or after their flights.
- Separate customs and immigration processing areas to ensure privacy and swift clearance.
4. Runways and Aircraft Capacity
The airport has two parallel runways:
- Runway 16L/34R and 16R/34L each measure 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) in length and are 60 meters wide.
- Runway Shoulders: 8 meters wide on both sides of the runways.
- Taxiways: Parallel taxiways run along the length of both runways with cross-taxiways connecting them. The taxiway shoulders measure 23 meters, providing ample space for large aircraft.
- Aircraft: The runways can handle large aircraft such as the Boeing 747-400 and the Airbus A340-600. The Airbus A380 could technically use the runways, although certain taxiways and gates are not yet certified for Code F operations (which includes the A380).
- Helipads: Two helipads serve the airport for private and emergency helicopter services.
5. Additional Facilities
- Remote Stands:
- The airport features 30 remote aircraft stands, including stands for the Royal and Aramco terminals.
- There are nine cargo aircraft stands, highlighting the airport’s significant role in freight transport.
- Helipads: Two helipads offer services for private or emergency helicopter landings.
Passenger Flow and Efficiency:
The layout of the terminals is designed to optimize the flow of passengers, from check-in to boarding. Clear signage in both Arabic and English helps guide passengers through the airport, ensuring that even first-time visitors find their way with ease.
Future Expansion:
King Fahd International Airport is set to undergo expansions and improvements as part of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to modernize the country’s infrastructure. These enhancements are expected to increase passenger capacity and improve services, with plans to upgrade both runways and terminals to accommodate increasing air traffic.
Conclusion:
The terminals at King Fahd International Airport are designed to cater to a wide range of travelers, from everyday passengers and corporate employees to state dignitaries. With world-class facilities, efficient services, and modern infrastructure, King Fahd International provides a seamless experience for all who pass through its gates, whether for business, leisure, or royal affairs. Whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable journey at DMM.