Review of King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) is one of the most iconic airports in the Gulf and among the largest as well. It was open in 1992 and built with a modern look for its time, with a high ceiling and radial design. It has undergone a tremendous transformation in the last 2 years in terms of its services and accessibility in line with Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 and the push to welcome more tourists and opening the borders to international trade and investments.
The airport has just three open terminals:
Terminal 2 for Saudia Airlines International Routes, FlyNas, SaudiGulf and the Middle East Airlines
Terminal 3 for all other international airlines, and
Terminal 5 for all domestic flights
Each terminal has its own separate arrival and departures halls on different floors. The recently opened Terminal 5 for Domestic Flights has also state of the art amenities and services to fit the fast-growing domestic travel market. This review takes into account the existing services at the time of writing this article and will be updated as more services are added.
Overall Rating: 19/30 stars
Transport (2/5 stars)
Car transport is the most dominant form of transport to and from KKIA as public transport is poor at the writing of this article. All city taxis are able to do a drop-off at KKIA, and the airport has standard rates from the airport to the city with plenty of Taxis available at all times of the day and night. A trip to the city center ranges between 60 and 100 Saudi Riyals and is fixed at the time of departure for official airport cabs (based on area). Tips are also customary if passengers prefer.
Uber and Careem are both active in Riyadh and allowed to pick up and drop-off directly from the terminals. The trip to the airport is at least 30 min however so do factor that in the travel plans.
Car rental is available and plentiful at KKIA, with over 20 rental offices opened across all terminals. It is however regularly crowded and often difficult to find availability if not booked in advance. Non-Saudi driver license holders must keep in mind that few rental offices accept an international driving license. For those travelling with foreign driver licenses, car rental is limited to international brands such as Avis, Budget, whose offices are located in both arrival and departure terminal 3 (International).
Regular bus service is not available from the city to the airport, which costs KKIA points in this category. The new upcoming Riyadh metro however due to being open in mid-2020 has a station at each terminal and is expected to significantly improve accessibility with public transport for Riyadh residents and visitors. This article will be updated once the metro line is open.
Comfort and Amenities (3/5 stars)
KKIA is very easy and intuitive to navigate as its radial design of each terminal gives passengers a good overview of the different sections on both the airside and landside. The airport is open 24/7 and does not close during prayer times, however, seating is limited before security, so it is not advised to come in very early with the intention of waiting at the airport before check-in. Check-in counters have been recently renovated in terminals 2 and 3 although space is limited during peak hours and are easily congested. The domestic terminal 5 has been designed with plenty of space for check-in counters and ample seating and farewell areas in mind as well, which is a plus point for KKIA.
The wait at immigration is also short with quick processing times, and with KKIA rolling out fast check-in for residence permit (Iqama) holders, this is expected to be even faster.
The airport offers all major amenities such as ATM’s, currency exchange, prayer rooms, and rest zones. The toilets are attended and clean, although could get overwhelming with people performing their ablution before prayer time.
Wifi and telecom (5/5 stars)
Since the start of 2019 internet access at KKIA does not require a phone number to access for SMS verifications which were troublesome for many passengers. This makes it very accessible and is fast with good reach in both departure and arrival halls on the airside and landside.
The 3 major telecom providers STC, Zain and Mobily have service counters at the airport. It is a 5 min walk from terminal 2 to terminal 3 where the telecom desks are located at the arrival halls and they are open 24/7 except for the prayer times.
Lounges (4/5 stars)
There are two lounges at KKIA terminals directly after security control in both terminals 2 and 3 (upper floor) with both lounges having free wifi access. The Al Fursan Lounge is dedicated to the Saudi Airlines Frequent Flying members and also accepting major credit cards with lounge access. It is open 24/7 with buffet food and drinks and many rest areas including a business center and private meeting rooms. The food choice and quality is very good and it is rarely overcrowded.
The Welcome Lounge in Terminal 2 is just as large in space however with limited food choices. Furniture is comfortable and more modern, and a shower is also available and a dedicated smoking area. Other airports with 5 stars in this category have several lounges and more luxurious options and amenities.
Duty Free (3/5 stars)
KKIA duty free is generally small and limited, as alcohol and cigarettes are not allowed. Shopping at the airport is however very conveniently located in the center of the departure terminal and offers many options for travelers from clothes, electronics, perfumes, jewellery sweets and souvenirs.
Food (2/5 stars)
There is no official food court at any of the international terminals at KKIA, although there is one at the new domestic Terminal 5. Food options after security in the departure terminals are limited, although there is a good selection of coffee and snack vendors. Terminals 2 and 3 have several restaurants at the arrival hall exit on the landside with known brands such as Kudu and Al Nafoura on the ground floor, and an upcoming opening of the very much awaited Al Baik soon.
This guide is for information only to assist travelers and all the numbers, rates, working hours, etc. are taken from online sources of the airport, lounge, transportation providers, among others and can change at any time. PointCheckout does not represent of advertise any of the providers.