Bechtel has been formally appointed as the delivery partner for the expansion of King Salman International Airport (KSIA) in Riyadh—one of the most ambitious aviation infrastructure projects currently underway globally.
The agreement, signed with the King Salman International Airport Development Company, marks a pivotal milestone in the Kingdom’s drive to transform its capital into a global logistics and tourism hub under Vision 2030.
With decades of experience managing complex infrastructure programs across the Middle East, including the Riyadh Metro, Bechtel’s role will be critical to delivering the scale, complexity, and sustainability targets of the KSIA expansion.
King Salman International Airport - Project Details
Set to become one of the largest airports in the world, King Salman International Airport will span approximately 57 square kilometers, accommodating six parallel runways and integrating the existing terminals named after King Khalid. In addition to the core airside and landside facilities, the development will include:
12 km² of airport support infrastructure,
Residential and recreational facilities,
Commercial areas, retail outlets, and
A logistics-focused real estate hub.
KSIA aims to handle up to 120 million passengers annually by 2030, scaling up to 185 million passengers and 3.5 million tonnes of cargo by 2050. Beyond its role as a transit hub, the airport is designed as an aerotropolis—a city built around aviation—offering seamless passenger experiences, efficient operations, and advanced technologies.
Riyadh’s cultural heritage and identity will play a central role in the terminal architecture and user journey, delivering a unique gateway experience for visitors and transit passengers alike (more details on the video below – courtesy of pif.gov.sa)
Becthel as the Delivery Partner for KSIA
As delivery partner, Bechtel will oversee the development of:
A new terminal for commercial aviation,
Terminal 6 tailored for low-cost carriers,
A dedicated private aviation terminal, including hangar space.
These facilities are part of a phased program that will consolidate and upgrade Riyadh’s air transport infrastructure. Bechtel’s scope involves managing interfaces across contractors, ensuring alignment with regulatory standards, and maintaining delivery certainty on a program that will significantly increase Riyadh’s aviation capacity.
What Is a Delivery Partner in Construction?
The delivery partner typically plays a comprehensive role that goes beyond conventional design or construction contracts, more akin to a EPCM or Construction Management role, but in some instances, it might also incorporate alliance contracting features.
This role involves program management, coordination of stakeholders, procurement strategy, risk management, and ensuring alignment with the client’s long-term operational and sustainability goals.
Rather than focusing on a single aspect of the project, delivery partners operate as extensions of the client, managing the delivery of complex infrastructure in an integrated and strategic way.
Bechtel's strong expertise in Airport projects
Being recently appointed for a similar role in Perth’s Airport in Australia, Bechtel brings a wealth of global experience in airport delivery, having played central roles in major aviation programs including Hamad International (Qatar), Dubai International (UAE), London City (UK), and Western Sydney International (Australia).
In Saudi Arabia, the company has delivered over 300 projects, including the Riyadh Metro, demonstrating its ability to operate within the region’s regulatory and cultural frameworks.
Sustainability and High-Performance Design for a Global Logistics and Business Hub
A key feature of the expansion is its commitment to environmental performance. All new terminals will be designed with the goal of achieving LEED Platinum certification, incorporating energy efficiency, water conservation, and material sustainability from early design through to delivery.
This ambition aligns with the Kingdom’s broader sustainability objectives and reflects a shift toward green infrastructure as a standard in mega-development projects.
KSIA is a foundational element of Riyadh’s strategy to become a global logistics and business hub, attracting investment, creating jobs, and supporting downstream sectors such as tourism, trade, and innovation.
“The King Salman International Airport is a landmark project that will reshape Riyadh and enhance the lives and communities it serves,” said Darren Mort, President of Bechtel’s Infrastructure Business.
“Bechtel’s award-winning aviation team has delivered some of the world’s largest and most complex airports, incorporating innovative and sustainable solutions. We look forward to partnering with the King Salman International Airport Development Company to bring their vision of a world-class passenger experience to life.”
Related Article, Project and News
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- Siemens Energy Secures $1.6 Billion Project for Rumah 2 and Nairyah 2 Power Plants in KSA
- Tecnicas Reunidas-Sinopec JV secures major EPC contracts with Saudi Aramco in KSA
