Hayley Skirka Pilgrims flying to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah in the future will have an improved airport experience. That’s because Madinah Airport – the closest to the Prophet’s Mosque – has revealed its expansion plans that will allow it to handle 17 million passengers a year by 2028. The designs for the airport’s upgrade have been approved and work is to commence at Prince Mohammed bin Abulaziz International Airport this year.
The existing Terminal 1 building is to be converted into an international airport, with a newly renovated terminal dedicated to Hajj and Umrah charter flights. Domestic operations are being relocated to a new 39,000 square metre terminal, connected to Terminal 1 via a newly constructed pier. This terminal will be built over three levels, and its design will use the same modular steel palm-tree-shaped columns in the existing airport, a symbol of peace and prosperity.
“The revitalised terminal and new domestic terminal will provide passengers with an illuminating experience, providing comfort and tranquillity,” aid Maurice Rosario, director and head of aviation at Scott Brownrigg, the design company responsible for the airport’s new look. “Our design aspires to reflect the unique essence of the Hijaz region and the revered holy city of Al Madinah Al Munawwarah. Both the new and renovated terminals are being designed to reflect the architectural identity of the original airport, which was inspired by its role as a gateway for milli.
