5 fascinating facts about Saudi Arabia's King Fahd International Airport

Read article


King Fahd International Airport, nestled in the heart of the Saudi Arabian city of Dammam, stands as a testament to human ingenuity and grandeur. As one of the Middle East's aviation marvels, this airport has continuously astounded travelers and aviation enthusiasts alike. Let's delve into five captivating facts about this colossal aviation hub.

1. The colossus among airports

Spread across a staggering 300 square miles (776 square kilometers), King Fahd International Airport reigns supreme as the largest airport globally. To put this colossal size into perspective, it surpasses even entire nations like Bahrain. Comparatively, other major airports such as Denver International Airport and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport pale in comparison. Within its vast expanse lie not just runways and terminals but also a plethora of facilities, including a mosque capable of accommodating up to 2,000 people and residential housing for thousands. Truly, King Fahd International Airport is a city within a city.

2. A brush with aviation history: The Antonov AN-225 Mriya

In 2009, the world's largest aircraft, the Antonov AN-225 Mriya, graced the tarmac of King Fahd International Airport during a stopover on its journey from Ukraine to Tanzania. With dimensions that boggle the mind—275 feet (84 meters) long and boasting a wingspan of 288 feet (88 meters)—the Mriya was a behemoth of the skies. This iconic aircraft played a vital role in global cargo transportation, including during the challenging times of the pandemic. Sadly, its illustrious journey met an abrupt end during the tumultuous events of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, marking the close of an extraordinary chapter in aviation history.

3. A haven for low-cost carriers

King Fahd International Airport serves as a pivotal base for two of Saudi Arabia's largest low-cost carriers: flynas and flyadeal. Since its inception in 2007, flynas has revolutionized air travel in the region, operating over 1,500 flights per week to more than 70 destinations worldwide. Although initially venturing into long-haul routes, flynas later focused on short and medium-haul flights due to financial constraints. Meanwhile, flyadeal, established in 2017, has carved a niche in the domestic market, connecting Dammam with various Saudi cities. Together, these airlines epitomize accessibility and affordability in air travel.

4. The gateway to shortest flights

For those seeking the ultimate in efficiency, King Fahd International Airport serves as the launchpad for one of the world's shortest commercial flights to Bahrain International Airport. Covering a mere 47 miles (76 kilometers), this route boasts up to 28 weekly flights operated by flynas and Gulf Air, with an average flight time of just 45 minutes. Such swift connectivity underscores the airport's pivotal role in fostering regional integration and convenience for travelers.

5. A thriving hub for global connectivity

With an average of nine daily flights to Dubai International Airport, King Fahd International Airport serves as a vital artery connecting Saudi Arabia with the bustling metropolis of Dubai. Airlines such as Emirates, flydubai, and flynas ensure seamless connectivity, facilitating travel and trade between the two nations. Moreover, the airport boasts robust connections to other key destinations, including Cairo, Abu Dhabi, Delhi, and Sharjah, further solidifying its status as a global aviation hub.

In conclusion, King Fahd International Airport stands not only as a marvel of engineering but also as a symbol of Saudi Arabia's ambition and progress in the realm of aviation. With its mammoth proportions, historic encounters, and pivotal role in regional and global connectivity, this airport continues to captivate the world with its grandeur and significance. As travelers traverse its expansive terminals and planes grace its runways, they become part of a legacy—a legacy of innovation, connectivity, and the boundless spirit of human endeavor.

Latest posts

Japan Airlines Boeing 787-9 dreamliner business class from Doha to Tokyo

This daily service caters to the growing demand for business and leisure travel between Doha and Asia.

Eurowings debuts direct flight from Cologne Bonn airport to Chişinău

Eurowings has launched a new flight route connecting Cologne Bonn Airport with Chişinău, Moldova.

Green light for 200 million Euro tunnel for Dublin Airport

This project marks a crucial step forward in the airport's infrastructure development.

About MYFLYRIGHT

MYFLYRIGHT is a legal tech company, specialized in the support of airline passengers affected by flight delays, flight cancellations, denied boarding, delayed or lost luggage and the refund of unused airline tickets. MYFLYRIGHT was founded 2016 in Hamburg, Germany. The company operates out of 3 offices, its headquarter in Hamburg and its branches in Prague, Czech Republic and Zaporizhia, Ukraine. Currently, MYFLYRIGHT employs a team of around 25 people working in Marketing, Operations, Legal, Customer Support and IT. The organization operates across 5 markets – Germany, United Kingdom, Romania, Austria, and Switzerland.

MYFLYRIGHT’s goal is to provide access to justice for all aviation passengers who experience irregularities in their flight transportation. Notably, 75% of all compensation requests submitted by passengers get rejected. Whereas, MYFLYRIGHT is able to successfully execute the applicable customer claims in more than 98% of cases at court.

Check your passenger rights

cancelled

Flight cancellation

Claim up to 600 €*
boarding

Denied boarding

Claim up to 600 €*

*less our commission

Latest posts

Japan Airlines Boeing 787-9 dreamliner business class from Doha to Tokyo

Eurowings debuts direct flight from Cologne Bonn airport to Chişinău

Green light for 200 million Euro tunnel for Dublin Airport

delayed

Flight delay

In case of a 3 hours flight delay at arrival

More Check
cancelled

Flight cancellation

In case of a cancelled flight 14 days before departure

More Check
boarding

Denied boarding

In case of overbooking / denied boarding

More Check
lost

Delayed / Lost luggage

In case of arriving without the luggage

More Check
gate-closed

Ticket refund

In case of a missed / not boarded flight

More Check
Get up to 600 €* in compensation
Check claim for free Check