Al-Ula International Airport Explained

AlUla International Airport
Nativename-R:
Iata:ULH
Icao:OEAO
Pushpin Map:Saudi Arabia#Asia#West Asia
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in Saudi Arabia
Pushpin Label:ULH/OEAO
Pushpin Label Position:right
Type:Public
City-Served:AlUla
Location:AlUla municipality
Elevation-F:2,047[1]
Elevation-M:624
R1-Number:12/30
R1-Length-F:10,007
R1-Length-M:3,050
R1-Surface:Asphalt
Owner-Oper:Matarat Holding Company

Al-Ula International Airport, formerly Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz International Airport, is an airport located southeast of Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia.[2] It was named after Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz.[3] The airport became operational on 31 October 2011.[4]

The planned capacity of the airport was 100,000 passengers per year, including both tourists and locals.[5] After its expansion in 2021, the airport's capacity increased to 400,000 annual passengers.[6]

History

The airport began operations on 31 October 2011 when the first flight from Riyadh operated by Saudia under the name “Prince Abdulmajeed bin Abdulaziz Domestic Airport". it was named after Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.[7] It is the closest airport to the pre-Islamic archaeological site of Mada'in Saleh and Al-Ula Heritage Village. The airport is the first one in Saudi Arabia specifically designed to serve people coming to the region for visiting purposes.[8]

In March 2021, the General Authority of Civil Aviation in Saudi Arabia has approved the landing of international flights at the airport. According to Saudi Press Agency, the airport's annual capacity has increased from 100,000 passengers to 400,000 and its area has increased to 2.4 million square meters.[9] After this expansion, the airport was officially renamed "AlUla International Airport".[10]

In October 2023, The Royal Commission for Al-Ula announced a new expansions of the airport, in addition to its new designs. The new expansion will increase the capacity from 400,000 to 6 million passengers every year. The airport will also serve as a logistics hub in Saudi Arabia's northwest.[11]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Prince Abdul Majeed Airport, AlUla, Saudi Arabia. DB Air. 16 August 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20160303221421/http://www.dbair.org/view.php?airID=6953. 3 March 2016. dead.
  2. Web site: OEAO — AlUla / Prince Abdulmajeed bin Abdulaziz. ANS. 16 August 2012. https://archive.today/20121225002648/http://www.ans.gov.sa/SAUDI-AIP/2012-06-28-AIRAC/html/eAIP/OE-AD-2.OEAO-en-SA.html. 25 December 2012. dead.
  3. News: Abdul Ghafour. P. K.. Abdullah inspects plan for expansion of Madinah airport. 16 August 2012. Arab News. 16 October 2008.
  4. Web site: GACA. 2020-07-23. Gaca.gov.sa.
  5. Web site: . Holland Gulf Chamber of Commerce. 16 August 2012.
  6. News: . 2021-03-21 . Saudi Arabia’s AlUla airport opens to international flights after expansion . Al Arabiya . 2024-05-11.
  7. "First flight lands at Al-Ola airport ", Arab News, 31 October 2011. Retrieved 18 April 2012
  8. Web site: First Tourist Airport in Al Ula. Jawlah Tours. 16 August 2012. 29 October 2011.
  9. Web site: 2021-03-04. Saudi Arabia's Al-'Ula airport to receive international flights. 2021-03-05. Arab News. en.
  10. News: . 2021-03-21 . AlUla International Airport Starts Receiving International Flights . Saudi Press Agency . 2024-05-11.
  11. News: . 2023-10-29 . Saudi authorities unveil designs for AlUla International Airport expansion . Arab News . 2024-05-11.