Turkish airport operator TAV Airports has won the operation rights of Yanbu Prince Abdul Mohsin bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Saudi Arabia for the next 30 years.
Alongside its partner Al Rajhi Group, TAV will also construct the planned new terminal at the airport as part of its agreement with the Civil Aviation Authority of Saudi Arabia (GACA).
TAV has operated Madinah Airport in the country since 2012, and also has operations at Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam Airport thanks to its service companies.
Sani Şener, TAV Airports’ president and CEO, commented, “TAV’s success in the Madinah Airport project, which was the first airport privatization project in Saudi Arabia, opened new doors in this country.
“We are glad to reach an agreement with GACA regarding the expansion and operation of the Yanbu Airport located on the west side of the country. Yanbu is an important industrial hub hosting the oil refineries and the world’s second-busiest port. Located by the Red Sea, Yanbu also has a serious tourism potential, particularly thanks to its underwater treasures.
“Its proximity to both Mecca and Medina gives Yanbu a significant importance in terms of Hajj and Umrah traffic. We will endeavor to be a true representative of the country and realize the potential of Yanbu Airport.”
Yanbu expects to serve 1.2 million passengers this year, which is expected to rise to 3 million per annum at the first phase of the new terminal construction.
