Jeddah Airports Company has started phased operations at Terminal 4 of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Saudi Arabia. The redeveloped terminal adds capacity for up to 15 million passengers a year and is being introduced in stages as airlines move flights from other airport terminals. The change affects passengers travelling with the airlines being transferred and is particularly relevant to international travellers and Hajj and Umrah pilgrims using Jeddah as a gateway.
- Location: King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Organisation: Jeddah Airports Company
- Status: Terminal 4 operations began on September 27, 2026
- Who is affected: Passengers flying with airlines transferred to Terminal 4
- Business impact: Adds annual processing capacity of up to 15 million passengers
- What’s next: More airlines will move to Terminal 4 through October 3 and beyond
Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah airport Terminal 4 has started operations as part of a phased plan to increase capacity at King Abdulaziz International Airport. Jeddah Airports Company began the transition on September 27, with Wizz Air, AJet and SalamAir among the first airlines to move flights to the redeveloped terminal. More carriers are scheduled to transfer their services over the coming days.
The move comes as Jeddah Airport continues to handle record passenger numbers and Saudi Arabia expands its aviation infrastructure under its wider national aviation strategy.
When did Jeddah Airport Terminal 4 start operations?
Terminal 4 officially began phased operations on September 27, 2026, according to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), citing Jeddah Airports Company.
The first airlines scheduled to operate from the terminal were Wizz Air, AJet and SalamAir. The transition is being carried out gradually rather than moving all airlines at once.
Fly Jinnah and Nesma Airlines are scheduled to transfer on September 28, followed by Akasa Air on September 29. SyrianAir and Pegasus are scheduled to move on October 1, while Azerbaijan Airlines and Tunisair are due to transfer on October 3.
Jeddah Airports has advised passengers to check their departure terminal through their airline’s official channels or King Abdulaziz International Airport’s official platforms before travelling.
What does Terminal 4 add to Jeddah Airport?
Terminal 4 covers around 97,000 square metres and has an annual capacity of up to 15 million passengers.
The facility has been equipped with modern operational systems and passenger facilities designed to support the airport’s growing traffic. It also includes a dedicated area for group check-in for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, which is particularly relevant to Jeddah’s role as a major gateway for visitors travelling to the holy cities.
The phased transfer is intended to distribute passenger traffic across the airport’s facilities and improve operational capacity as more airlines move into Terminal 4.
For travellers, the most immediate change is simple: the terminal listed on the flight booking or airline communication may differ from the one they have used previously. Checking the terminal before leaving for the airport will therefore be important during the transition.
Why is Jeddah Airport expanding its capacity?
The expansion comes as passenger traffic across Saudi Arabia continues to grow.
According to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), the Kingdom’s airports handled 140.9 million passengers in 2025, a 9.6% increase compared with 2024. International passenger traffic reached 75.8 million, while domestic traffic stood at 65.1 million.
King Abdulaziz International Airport was the country’s busiest airport during the year, recording 53.5 million passengers. It also handled 314,400 flight movements, the highest number among Saudi airports.
The figures help explain why additional terminal capacity is becoming important for Jeddah, particularly as the city serves regular international travellers as well as large numbers of Hajj and Umrah visitors.
How does Terminal 4 fit into Saudi Arabia’s aviation plans?
The terminal expansion forms part of a much larger aviation development programme.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has outlined a Saudi Aviation Strategy targeting 330 million passengers annually and connectivity to more than 250 destinations by 2030. The strategy also targets an increase in air cargo capacity to 4.5 million tonnes.
Airport expansion is one part of this plan, alongside airline growth, improved connectivity and investment in aviation infrastructure.
For Jeddah, increasing terminal capacity is especially significant because the airport serves both the country’s international tourism market and religious travel demand.
Why It Matters for UAE travellers
The changes at Jeddah Airport are relevant to travellers from the UAE who fly to Saudi Arabia for business, leisure, family visits or Umrah.
Passengers travelling from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or other UAE airports to Jeddah may use airlines included in the phased Terminal 4 transfers. Their departure or arrival arrangements could therefore change depending on the carrier and travel date.
The key point for travellers is to check the terminal before heading to King Abdulaziz International Airport rather than relying on a previous visit or an older itinerary.
The additional capacity could also support the wider flow of international visitors into western Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom continues developing its tourism and aviation sectors.
Terminal 4 gives Jeddah Airport additional infrastructure at a time when passenger traffic is rising across Saudi Arabia. The new facility can accommodate up to 15 million passengers annually, while its dedicated group-processing area also supports Hajj and Umrah travel.
For UAE residents, the immediate practical change is to check their airline’s latest terminal information before travelling. More airlines are expected to move operations as the phased transition continues.
FAQs
When did Jeddah Airport Terminal 4 open?
Terminal 4 at King Abdulaziz International Airport began phased operations on September 27, 2026.
Which airlines are moving to Terminal 4?
Wizz Air, AJet and SalamAir were among the first airlines to move. Fly Jinnah, Nesma Airlines, Akasa Air, SyrianAir, Pegasus, Azerbaijan Airlines and Tunisair are also included in the initial transfer schedule.
How many passengers can Jeddah Airport Terminal 4 handle?
Terminal 4 has an annual capacity of up to 15 million passengers and covers approximately 97,000 square metres.
Why is Jeddah Airport expanding?
Jeddah Airport is expanding its operational capacity as passenger traffic grows. King Abdulaziz International Airport handled 53.5 million passengers in 2025, according to GASTAT.
Should passengers check their terminal before travelling?
Yes. Jeddah Airports Company has advised passengers to confirm their departure terminal through their airline’s official channels or the airport’s official platforms during the phased transition.
The launch of Terminal 4 marks another step in Jeddah’s airport expansion as Saudi Arabia prepares for continued growth in international, tourism and religious travel. With capacity for up to 15 million passengers a year, the terminal will gradually take on more airline operations while helping distribute traffic across King Abdulaziz International Airport.
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