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Page 1 of 12
25 September 2020
No. 1129
DEV
Published biweekly – available by annual subscription only – www.mombergerairport.info
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AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT International News
Each issue of Airport Development focuses on a different region of the world, with global news at the end of this section. A list of
past focus regions published in recent years can be downloaded from the Bonus section in the subscriber pages of our website.
Focus Region: The Middle East - 1
SAUDI ARABIA
Egis and its local subsidiary, Projacs, signed a contract to deliver project management
consultancy services for airside projects at Riyadh’s ‘King Khalid International Airport, KKIA
(RUH). KKIA is managed and operated by Riyadh Airports, which is currently working on upgrading the
airside infrastructure at Saudi Arabia’s capital city airport, adding new services and facilities that it says
are designed to “ensure that customers continue to enjoy pleasant, safe, and efficient services”. In
addition to acting as project management consultants for the design review, construction management
and supervision of new airside infrastructure, Egis/Projacs will review and approve the technical
deliverables of all contractors relating to infrastructure, airfield ground lighting (AGL), Navaids, and
improvements to the baggage- handling systems in Terminals 3 and 4. Most of the airside infrastructure
will be redeveloped, including the two runways, taxiways, cargo aprons, and isolated parking positions.
The entire AGL equipment and systems will be replaced by a LED lighting system with a dedicated IT
control system.
Cédric Barbier, Executive Director (Aviation) for Egis, notes: “We have been working at Riyadh Airport for
more than six years now, including on equipment and systems operations and maintenance contracts.
For this particularly large and complex project we will mobilize a multi-skilled team of around 90
employees whose work will focus on delivering a sustainable development that complies with all the
relevant international and national regulations, codes and standards. Sustainability, safety and innovation
will constitute the governing principles of how this project is managed. A full programme management
system will be deployed accordingly. These construction supervision and management services will help
KKIA meet future air traffic needs safely and effectively.” -- A 75%-owned subsidiary of Caisse des
Dépôts, with the remaining 25% held by partner executives and employees, Egis boasts a 15,800-
strong workforce and a EUR 1.22 billion managed turnover in 2019. #1129.1
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) has taken several measures to
increase the capacity for the southern airports with the aim of connecting all regions of the
Kingdom by air. This has contributed to meeting the growing demand for travel and for the
development of tourism and economic movement in the southern region. The official statistics issued by
GACA during the year 2019 were recorded in the tourist areas, in which the number of passengers
travelling through Abha International Airport reached 4,368,153 passengers, while the number of flights
reached 35,027. The number of passengers at King Saud Airport in Al-Baha was 441,601, while the
number of flights reached 4,136. GACA has worked on many development projects at Abha Airport during
the past period, with the aim of accommodating the great growth in air transport demand from residents
of the region and visitors alike, and raising the level of quality of services provided to travellers and
airport visitors. The development projects included expanding the departure terminal at Abha Airport to
an area of 805 m² and a capacity of 309 passengers, in addition to the expansion of the arrival terminal,
which reached an area of 1,030 m², with a capacity of 340 passengers. Moreover, two gates were added,
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one for departure and another for arrival, a baggage conveyor belt, and 12 check-in counters. The flight
information display systems screens were replaced as well as the installation of electronic gates in the
departure terminals. The main runway was rehabilitated and improved, and a project to increase the
number of aircraft parking bays to 13, in addition to the rehabilitation of the current runway to
accommodate widebody aircrafts, and the widening of the taxiway to 45 m. GACA has also previously
signed a contract for the new King Saud Airport project in Al-Baha, and through this project, GACA seeks
to raise the efficiency of its operation and raise the percentage of expected flights domestically and
internationally. GACA is also keen to develop the infrastructure and raise the level of services provided to
travellers, in addition to applying the best international standards and specifications for the project. The
project contains a new terminal that can accommodate both domestic and international operation with a
capacity of more than 1 million passengers annually.
GACA also has focused on many development projects in the western airports (Taif International Airport,
Prince Abdulmajeed bin Abdulaziz Airport in AlUla, and Prince Abdulmohsin bin Abdulaziz International
Airport in Yanbu), with the aim of absorbing the significant growth in air transport demand from the area
residents and those coming to it. Furthermore, to raise the level of quality of services provided to
travelers and airport visitors alike. #1129.2
The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) has awarded the contract for airside
infrastructure works for an international airport on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast, which is
due to open in 2022. The airport is part of the Amaala (‘Hope’) Red Sea tourism development project.
A joint venture of Saudi contractors - Nesma & Partners Contracting and Almabani General Contractors -
will undertake the work. The eco-friendly airport with a design inspired by the optical illusion of a desert
mirage, will use shaded areas and natural ventilation to minimize the reliance on air conditioning. Its
architecture reflects the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Once complete, the airport will
serve an estimated 1 million tourists a year by 2030, catering to both domestic and international flights.
Work will involve the construction of airside infrastructure, including the design and building of a 3,700-m
Code F runway, a Code B seaplane runway, parallel and link taxiways, and pavement works, navigational
aids, aerodrome ground lighting, airside utilities, helipads, roads, and associated buildings.
The exquisite destination includes an archipelago of 90 untouched natural islands, dormant volcanoes,
sweeping desert landscapes, beautiful mountains, rich nature, and inspiring culture. It will exceed
expectations with the highest standards of service excellence, underpinned by technology to enable a
seamless personalized experience. The first phase of the project includes 16 hotels offering 3,000 hotel
rooms across five islands and two inland sites, as well as commercial, retail and leisure facilities and other
infrastructure. In line with TRSDC’s sustainability goals, the entire infrastructure of the Red Sea Project,
including its transport network, will be powered by 100% renewable energy. TRSDC Chief Executive John
Pagano said: “Huge progress is being made in the destination’s development. By awarding our largest
contract to date, we take another significant step in this direction, while demonstrating our on-going
commitment to creating opportunities within the Saudi Arabian construction sector. Turning our vision
into reality will require us to work with organizations that share our values and our uncompromising
commitment in enhancing the environment. This was a key consideration when appointing Nesma &
Partners Contracting and Almabani General Contractors. Both our partners have impressive expertise in
delivering airside infrastructure, coupled with both local and international experience.”
Nesma & Partners Contracting Vice Chairman and Board Member Rami Alturki said he firmly believes the
airport will play a key role in the transformation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He said: “This award
marks the start of our exciting partnership with The Red Sea Development Company, who are on track to
deliver a world-class sustainable giga-project in support of Saudi Vision 2030.” Almabani General
Contractors Chief Executive Joseph Daher added: “For this project, we will mobilize our most experienced
airport resources and qualified experts to ensure we meet our customer’s expectation, and we are ready
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for the challenging delivery period, especially during this tough sanitary crisis currently affecting the
entire globe.” Ian Williamson, the Chief Project Delivery Officer at TRSDC, said: "The airport will be a
cutting-edge facility providing a unique experience for our visitors."
The design contract for the airport was awarded to Foster & Partners and their engineering
sub-consultant, WSP Global, in October 2019, while the airport’s master plan was designed
by Egis, the international consultancy and engineering group Land levelling work is under way to
prepare the airport for development and the project remains on schedule to support TRSDC plans to
welcome the first guests to the destination by the end of 2022. Upon completion in 2030, the destination
will deliver up to 8,000 hotel rooms across 22 islands and six inland sites. The annual number of visitors
will be carefully managed to avoid over-tourism and ensure that every guest enjoys a uniquely
memorable experience. Gerard Evenden, head of Studio, Foster + Partners, said: "The Red Sea Airport
has been envisaged as a gateway to one of the most unique resorts in the world and an integral part of
the visitor experience. Inspired by the colours and textures of the desert landscape, the design seeks to
create a calm and luxurious journey through the terminal and will become a transit hub for visitors
coming in by both land and air. We look forward to working with the TRSDC to fulfil the vision for this
ambitious one-of-a-kind project. The airport will reflect Amaala’s ultra-luxury hospitality spirit, providing
an exclusive private-club experience perfectly encapsulating Amaala’s three pillars of art and culture;
wellness and sport; and sea, sun, and lifestyle. Among the list of amenities provided by the airport are
climate-controlled hangars that will be available for private jets as well as a ground transfer service that
is accessible from inside the arrivals hangar. #1129.3
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has revealed that Phase 2 of the expansion of ‘Prince
Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz Domestic Airport’ in AlUla region has been completed.
Collaborating with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Phase 2 comprised the renovation of
the airport’s main terminal building and the expansion of the apron to add six Code C and four larger
Code E aircraft stands, as well as an additional 150,000 m² of taxiways with two additional connections
to the runway. Other works included the construction of a VIP lounge terminal, which was built using
local materials. The move is part of RCU’s commitment to position the city as a major tourism destination
and logistics hub and increases annual capacity by 300% to 400,000 passengers.
Commenting on the completion of the Phase 2 expansion, Adil Jamil, RCU's head of Infrastructure
Development & Asset Management, said: “Vital infrastructure projects such as this provide the
foundations for RCU’s sustainable growth strategy. The airport is continuing to create a range of
employment opportunities for local residents as it emerges as a logistical hub catering to the northwest of
the kingdom.” The firm added that the airport expansion plans further support RCU’s Cultural Manifesto
for AlUla, which details the cultural landscape developments planned for the area over the next ten years.
By 2035, RCU expects to host 2 million visitors annually, while creating 38,000 new jobs. -- The RCU, in
consultation with Saudi Arabian Airlines, has resumed flights from Riyadh to AlUla. There are currently
four a week, and it is expected that domestic flights from Jeddah and other cities will start operating
soon. The airport will also be capable of receiving direct international flights. #1129.4
Saudi Arabia’s ‘Vision 2030’ plan for the country’s future development is contributing to the
growth of new airports, such as the Neom Bay Airport in the northern region of Sharma. It is also
considered a new window on the Red Sea and is one of the most modern and important airports in the
Middle East region and the most geographically distinct since it is located on the borders of three
countries: Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt. Beyond religious tourism, which has been the only really
major sector that the country has handled in the past, the Saudi authorities believe that they can put
their country firmly on the map for ‘ordinary’ countries, as well as modifying its strict dress code for
foreign female visitors. New resorts are springing up and, in late September 2019, the country relaxed its
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visa requirements for 49 countries. Previously, extremely expensive visas were restricted to pilgrims,
business travellers, and family reunions. Travellers are now able to apply online for a visa, either before
their trip or at an electronic desk on arrival, with visas costing SAR 440 (about USD 120).
The coasts of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba, whose shores include the Jordanian and Egyptian resorts of
Aqaba and Sharm el-Sheikh respectively, are prime sites for such developments. Joining these resorts
over the next few years will be the city of Neom, which is about to start rising from the sands. The city,
however, will be much more than simply a tourist destination. It will be a fully-fledged mega-city in the
Sharma region, extending 460 km along the coast of the Red Sea. It is a proposed cross-border
metropolis linking Jordan with the Tabuk Province of north-western Saudi Arabia.
The name Neom is an abbreviation of the Latin-Arabic term neo-mustaqbal, meaning new
future, and the city will focus on advanced industries and technology, with power being
generated solely from wind and solar energy and robots intended to be used for many of the
city’s services. Saudi Arabia aims to complete the first section of Neom by 2025; the project has an
estimated to cost of USD 500 billion. Such a big project needs transport links, and Neom Bay Airport will
be one of them. A former military facility, it has been designated as a commercial airport following the
start of a Riyadh - Neom charter service operated by Saudia in January 2019. A significant step in
developing of the airport came on 30 June 2019, when the first scheduled flight, operated by national
carrier Saudia from Riyadh, landed on the single 3,757-m runway. The initial months of the airport’s
existence will see extremely light traffic, with a couple of flights a week to and from the Saudi capital
being largely devoted to flying in the staff and workers undertaking the city’s development.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has licensed Neom Bay as a commercial airport, with IATA
giving the airport the designator NUM. At present, a temporary terminal and associated buildings are in
place, but these will be replaced and grow as the city is developed. Initially, facilities are modest, with six
check-in counters and the same number of aircraft parking bays, but these will expand as the airport is
developed. The establishment of the airport fits into the strategic objectives of Saudi Arabia’s vision 2030,
aimed at diversifying the nation’s economy away from oil and gas. As part of this plan, GACA is
involved in the creation of a network of modern airports that will contribute to the
development of the country’s economy by creating a modern and global logistics platform for
organizations and individuals involved in import and export. Meanwhile, national carrier Saudia entered a
strategic partnership with Neom Co. at the end of September 2019 in a wide-ranging agreement to work
together on promoting the city as a tourism location. Under the terms of the memorandum of
understanding (MoU), Saudia said it would work with Neom to create worldwide awareness of the vast
project. In addition, it was agreed that Saudia Holidays would develop products and packaged
experiences for visitors. #1129.5
GACA has announced that all the work related to the airport development in the Kingdom is
moving at a steady pace. These include the approval of designs for the new Abha Airport and the
expansion of Hafar al-Batin Airport besides the signing of a contract for Al Baha Airport, stated GACA
President Abdulhadi al-Mansouri. He was speaking during a visit by Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin
Mohammed bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Emir of Jazan region to the city to review work on the new King
Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport project besides the other development works in the region. Earlier, al-
Mansouri had visited Prince Mohammed bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz, the Emir of Jizan Region, and briefed
him on the various stages of work at the new Jizan Airport (GIZ). Al-Mansouri said the project was
moving at a steady pace with the work on Phase 1, including the runway and aircraft parking apron
nearing completion. #1129.6
Saudi Arabian Logistics (SAL) Co. has inaugurated its new 37,800-m² air cargo facility at
Dammam’s ‘King Fahd International Airport’ (DMM) in the presence of Abdullah al-Zamil, Chairman
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of the Board of Directors, Dammam Airports Company and numerous representatives of the airport’s
governmental authorities. The state-of-the-art facility offers advanced logistic services with its spacious
facilities for dangerous goods, radioactive substances, and cargo in-transit areas as well as designated
areas for shipping live animals, heavy-weight shipments and a 24/7 customer service office.
SAL CEO Omar bin Talal Hariri said the new expansion serves to enhance the company’s logistic services
at King Fahd International Airport while at the same time it makes use of the services provided at the
airport through the Cargo Village, the first of its kind at the Kingdom’s airports. With the new expansion,
the level of logistic services will improve whereas the operating capacity will increase to handle 130,000
tonnes a year. A similar facility is being constructed in Jeddah (JED). “At SAL, we recognize our
tremendous responsibility as a major contributor to Vision 2030 objectives relating to the logistic services
and the goals of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Programme (NIDLP). We aim to take
advantage of the Kingdom’s strategic and vital location and transform it into a global important hub for
cargo transportation and shipment,” Hariri explained and spoke highly of the level of co-ordination
between SAL and Government authorities, including the Customs Authority, the Dammam Airports
Company, and security authorities. “We have constantly worked together with our partners in order to
provide more flexible cargo services such as cargo handling, clearance, transportation while linking cargo
services with other Saudi airports,” he said. Hariri commended the latest improvements introduced to the
procedures, which helped expedite the overall cargo processes and operations. #1129.7
Jeddah’s new Terminal 1 at ‘King Abdulaziz International Airport’ (JED) was expected to
become fully operational by Ramadan 2020 (April). The terminal currently offers 27 destinations,
with the number of departing and arriving flights reaching 4,900 with 654,000 passengers on board, said
a report in Saudi Gazette citing GACA spokesman Ibrahim al-Ruasa. He further said that over 2.5 million
passengers have been transported on board 30,000 flights since the beginning of test operations az
Terminal 1 in May 2018. Al-Ruasa confirmed that the private sector would operate Terminal 1 soon in the
new airport, within GACA’s endeavour to carry out the privatization strategy. Other improvements include
a new airport parking fee, which was initially not well received by airport users. The fee has been set at
SAR 10 per hour but following complaints, Al-Ruasa said that there is a 50% discount if the fee is paid via
the self-service machines. The new Terminal 1 was officially inaugurated on 24 September 2019 at a
ceremony organised by the General Authority of Civil Aviation. The first International flights were
operated to Abu Dhabi and Bahrain. Muscat International Airport in Oman was the third destination.
Saudi Arabian Airlines had previously transferred the operation and flights of 21 of its domestic
destinations to Terminal 1. The new terminal with a total surface area of 810,000 m² has an annual
capacity to handle 30 million passengers in the first phase. It is one of the largest in the Middle East.
#1129.8
Trial operations have started at Arar Airport’s new terminal, which saw its first arrival and
departure flights take place in early January 2020. It is initially being served by flights to and from
the capital Riyadh through the national carrier Saudi Arabian Airlines. The trial phase is testing systems,
identifying technical problems and addressing them before the airport is fully operational. GACA statistics
show that 346,000 passengers used Arar airport in 2018. The new terminal can accommodate more than
1 million passengers annually, with an air traffic capacity of 10,000 flights a year. -- Arar Airport serves
the Kingdom's Northern Border region and GACA is seeking to develop infrastructure and raise the level
of services provided to travellers at the Kingdom’s airports. Arar’s upgrade will accommodate the growth
in demand for air travel by residents of the region and it will provide services at international standards.
It is also in line with the Kingdom’s reform plans to achieve economic development in all Saudi regions.
The main terminal of the new airport has six gates, two of which are equipped with passenger bridges.
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Inside the terminal there are ten check-in counters, twelve passport control counters for arrival, and eight
counters for departure. The main passenger terminal offers 900 seats for waiting passengers. #1129.9
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation has reportedly approved plans for the
expansion of ‘Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz International Airport’ in Al Qassim province. The
project is part of the Kingdom’s transport development programme for Vision 2030 and has been
prompted by an increase in traffic and operational growth. GACA spokesman Ibrahim al-Ruasa reportedly
said: “Preparations to launch this project has been completed and we will issue tenders for the expansion
and development of the airport soon.” -- Expansion projects are also planned at the Abha and Al Jouf
international airports, while new airports will be built at Taif and Al-Faisaliah City. #1129.10
OMAN
A little more than a year after it was formed, the Oman Aviation Group (OAG) was
relaunched and rebranded, with a new logo, a tighter focus, and a clear strategy as to the
role it will play in developing and diversifying the Sultanate’s economy. In revealing the
revitalized group, its CEO, Mustafa bin Mohammed al-Hinai, defined the mission: “OAG is responsible for
developing and empowering the aviation sector in the Sultanate. We are responsible for building bridges
between aviation and other sectors, as well as between Oman and other countries.” As well as the bright
new logo, the group revealed a new slogan: ‘It starts here’. Al-Hinai explained: “It applies to different
areas. The passenger to Oman’s journey starts by using Oman Air. For OAG, it means change starts here
and investment starts here. It is part of the identity of OAG. Our international message is that we are
making it happen and it starts here, with a national aviation system that allows us to promote Oman. In
the coming five years, we want aviation to be a centre of the economy to help overcome the fluctuations
in other parts of the economy. Our focus is to significantly contribute to Oman’s Vision 2040 by
developing the sector’s business potential and promoting it globally.”
Since its inception in February 2018, the Government-owned group, which consists of Oman Air, Oman
Airports, and Oman Aviation Services, has chalked up some impressive achievements. These include
attracting more than 20 new foreign investors, creating between 6,000 and 8,000 new jobs in the sector,
and generating OMR 96 million (USD 250 million) of sector-related economic efficiencies. Some of these
efficiencies have come through the establishment of joint service centres to consolidate support services
for the three companies, which alone has achieved around OMR 6.4 million (USD 16.62 million) in
savings. The internal tender committees in the three companies were unified under the group, with
initiatives to reduce the spending through unifying technical licensing, insurance, maintenance, purchase,
and legal services. In addition, the group aims to control the general expenditures of Oman
Airports and raise its revenues, as well as working with Oman Air to reduce fuel costs.
OAG has overseen the development and opening of Muscat International Airport, offering a
brand new, world-class terminal with 96 check-in counters and more than five times the previous floor
space, which it sees as a contributor to the 27% increase in revenue growth for Oman Airports. However,
the on-going strained political relations and restricted direct air travel between neighbouring Qatar, the
U.A.E., and Saudi Arabia may have contributed handsomely to these figures, with Oman maintaining
cordial diplomatic ties throughout the Gulf.
Speaking after the launch, Al-Hinai set out the main strategies that he believes will enable the aviation
sector to become an economic catalyst in the country. “Our first strategic objective was developing a
transformation programme for Oman Air. It now has an inner model, the destination model. This is in
addition to the traditional conventional model of passenger movements.” Al-Hinai also said: “We have
invested more than USD 6 billion into the airport infrastructure in the country. This has been
spent across all the airports in Oman, but the major part of the investment was in Muscat International
Airport, which represents an investment of more than USD 4.5 billion.”
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Another strategy is to build more transparency into the aviation services. Al-Hinai said: “We
kept Oman Aviation Services as an independent company, separate from Oman Air. The company
provides ground-handling, catering, duty free, cargo-handling, and hospitality.” The group found that the
bigger challenges were in logistics and in packing and labelling – how the products are processed so that
they can be positioned in international markets. What is needed is processing facilities, proper labelling
facilities, and a gateway for Omani products into OAG’s operating markets. Al-Hinai and the development
team have launched several initiatives to address this. “We have almost 50 offices outside Oman – mostly
airline offices – so we are going to extend these facilities to become promotion offices. We will keep
studying the international markets to understand exactly what they need – such as fresh, live or frozen
fish. We can build a very strong knowhow of the Omani markets, but we need to have a logistic
component within our airports to facilitate the industries.”
The initial proposal was a logistics gate, in association with the airports, but OAG found that
this created interest from foreign direct investors, wanting to come to the country, manage the products,
and build their own distribution centres. Al-Hinai said: “We found that when these companies come to the
country, they don’t want to pay customs two times. They want to be incentivized, and they want
incentives that will keep them sustainable in our market. So, the second decision was to create free
zones around our airports, with the free zones and the logistics complementing each other. The final
plan is to develop airport cities around the three major airports – Muscat, Sohar, and
Salalah. Each will have five gates – the commerce gate, hospitality gate, logistics gate, free
zone, and aviation gate, creating a new urban development. The team has further plans for the
former Seeb International Airport terminal in Muscat where a very specialized gate for aviation will be set
up. Within this gate will be an aviation edutainment centre, and an innovation centre for everything
aviation-related.
Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Futaisi, Minister of Transport & Communications, who attended the brand’s
relaunch, said: “Oman boasts a world-class infrastructure that is increasingly attractive to international
investors, which also enables us to position the Sultanate as an aviation hub with worldwide appeal. This
will also positively affect the next stage of economic diversification and development, which ultimately
feeds into all sectors. Aviation is a key sector for economic growth and having a clear vision to further
develop it will have a positive impact on other related sectors, like tourism, logistics, as well as agriculture
and fisheries.” #1129.11
Plans for a new airport on the Musandam peninsula have moved to the second phase. The
first stage of the project, which involved determining all possibilities and challenges, as well as
recommendations for the best location, has been completed, Times of Oman reported, citing Dr
Mohammed bin Nasser bin Ali al-Zaabi, Chief Executive Officer of the Public Authority for Civil Aviation
(PACA). “The second phase of the project has been initiated and will cover estimation of cost and
preparation of the general outline of the airport in accordance with the best international specifications,”
he said. The airport would be the sixth serving the country, in addition to Muscat, Salalah, Sohar,
Duqm, and Khasab. -- Oman opened the Duqm Airport in January 2019, in less than a year after Muscat
International Airport was launched in March 2018. Located approximately 500 km from Muscat, Duqm
Airport has been built on an area spanning 2.7 hectares, with an initial capacity to accommodate 500,000
passengers annually that could be increased to 2 million in the future. #1129.12
YEMEN
The International Transport Workers' Federation (TF) which co-ordinates practical solidarity
for transport unions around the world, is calling for the urgent re-opening of Sana’a
International Airport to ease the worsening humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Houthi rebels,
supported by Iran, reject government requests to re-open Sanaa Airport. In a letter to UN Secretary-
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General António Guterres, ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton reiterated the call by the Employees and
Workers Syndicate of Yemen Airways to restart operations from Sana’a. The airport was closed in 2016
by the Yemeni government and its foreign allies, and since then only UN and Red Cross flights have been
allowed in and out. Yemen has suffered from a civil war since 2015, and the catastrophic
humanitarian impact of the conflict has only deepened due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Eighty
percent of the country’s commercial and humanitarian imports were already subject to blockades, leading
to the worst famine the world has seen in decades. Meanwhile, in May 2020, a group of UN agencies
noted that regular passenger flights and fast-tracked supply chain logistics are vital in providing the
oxygen and medical supplies needed to contain the pandemic. At its last congress in 2018, the ITF
committed to taking action to alleviate the crisis in Yemen. This action includes pressuring the
international community, the Yemeni government and its foreign allies to keep the country’s ports and
airports open and to guarantee freedom of movement for all Yemenis. The ITF urges Mr Guterres to
broker an agreement between all parties to the conflict, allowing for the re-opening of Sana’a
International Airport as a matter of emergency. “We and our affiliates are available to support any UN
efforts to transport goods in aid of the Yemeni people,” Bilal Malkawi, ITF Arab World Secretary, said,
adding: “The situation in Yemen is drastic, and only getting worse in the middle of a global pandemic. In
accordance with Mr Guterres’ call for a global ceasefire back in March, all parties in Yemen must agree to
the re-opening of Sana’a International Airport to allow vital supplies into the country. The ITF and our
affiliated unions stand ready to support the humanitarian effort in any way possible.” #1129.13
The Saudi Programme for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen which has launched
more than 100 development projects and initiatives throughout Yemen since 2018, implements its
sustainable, flexible, and innovative development projects in relatively stable environments,
in close co-ordination with the legitimate government and local communities, with the aim to build the
foundations of stability, prosperity, and lasting peace throughout the country. The programme seeks to
promote a comprehensive development solution in all vital sectors in Yemen, namely health, education,
energy, agriculture, fish wealth, transport, and government institutions, as well as harnessing economic,
human, and environmental resources in achieving sustainable development in the country. Among the
programme’s objectives is facilitating Yemenis’ access to basic services in parallel with improving and
expanding the infrastructure. In the transport sector, the Saudi programme rehabilitated Al-
Ghaydah Airport by providing communication equipment and the RNAV navigation system, an
ambulance, and a fire truck. It also established early planning stages of a new airport in the historic
city of Marib, east of the capital Sana’a, along with the rehabilitation and restoration of Socotra
Airport, providing it with an ambulance and a fire truck, and launched first-stage rehabilitation of Aden
Airport and providing it with two buses, a fire truck, and two electric generators. Aden Airport will
undergo a full modernization to meet ICAO standards to become a non-stop hub for international and
domestic flights.
The project will proceed in three phases with the first focusing on providing electricity, safety
measures and transportation including a study and redesign of the external main gates and roads of the
complex. Passenger transport buses will be provided. Phase two will consist of constructing and
connecting vital service systems, such as telecommunications, navigation, and air traffic control. The
runway and taxi areas will be rehabilitated along with the gates and tunnels connecting gates to the
aircraft. The final phase will focus on aligning the airport facilities and operations with ICAO standards in
all areas, including safety, electricity supply, interior and exterior infrastructure, air traffic control and
navigation. This will represent a new era in the airport’s history because this facility has never functioned
consistently to international standards before. #1129.14
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A technical team from the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Programme for Yemen
(SDRPY) had visited Aden International Airport in November 2019 to assess and examine its
essential technical and structural requirements. The team, headed by Eng. Ahmed Medkhali, met
with specialists in preparation for a full-scale study of all airport facilities. SDRPY's studies of current
needs included evaluating the condition of airport buildings, runways and other facilities, assessing the
state of runway lighting and equipment, and inspecting navigation systems. Eng. Medkhali said: "We are
working on evaluating all needs in preparation for a formal study and implementation plan, to be
submitted for approval as part of the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Programme for Yemen's
work in support of the transport sector."
SDRPY recently completed the rehabilitation and upgrade of Al-Ghaydah Airport in Al-Mahra
governorate and tested the air navigation systems, in addition to monitoring flight test procedures in
cooperation with internationally accredited companies. Tests of the international navigation systems at Al-
Ghaydah Airport were successfully carried out in compliance with ICAO standards. The Programme is
providing everything necessary for the successful implementation of airport safety plans in the Republic
of Yemen through the supply of fully equipped ambulances and fire trucks outfitted with the latest
technology, and through compliance with ICAO airport safety and fire-fighting recommendations. SDRPY
has also adhered to European specifications for facilitating fire-fighter mobility, allowing fire brigades to
ready their equipment on the move. #1129.15
Aid agencies have welcomed news from the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen that it will allow
some flights out of Houthi-held Sana’a Airport for Yemeni civilians requiring life-saving
medical treatment. As many as 32,000 people in need of overseas medical care may have died since
the airport closed to commercial flights in August 2016 according to Ministry of Health estimates. The
figures have not been verified independently, but in 2017 the UN estimated that up to 20,000 people had
been denied access to potentially life-saving healthcare due to restrictions on airspace. The war has left
Yemen’s already fragile health system weakened. Fewer than half of all health facilities are fully
operational, medicine is in short supply, and 80% of the population, about 24 million people, are in need
of humanitarian assistance. About 10 million of them are on the brink of starvation.
Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), said: “For the last three
years, the Sana’a Airport closure has been a death sentence for thousands of women,
children, and men who died prematurely because they were unable to get treatment abroad.
Today’s move comes too late for them but will hopefully save the lives of other Yemenis caught in the
conflict and with no available treatment in the country.” The NRC is one of several aid agencies that
have lobbied for the re-opening of the airport for medical flights and for humanitarian
supplies. “We hope all warring parties and their sponsors seize this moment to turn the tide against this
war,” said Egeland. “The blockade must end: restrictions on humanitarian goods, commercial imports of
food, fuel and medicine, and the closure of seaports have thrown Yemen down a dark valley of
intolerable suffering. The conflict needs to end so that millions of families can start rebuilding their lives.”
The closure of Sana’a Airport means the only option for sick patients in and around Yemen’s largest city
requiring urgent treatment abroad is to travel by road to Aden or Seiyun in the south to fly out of the
country. It is an arduous route that can take up to 24 hours and involves crossing multiple checkpoints. --
Flights for Yemeni civilians needing medical care abroad will be overseen by the World Health
Organization (WHO), coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki said in a statement released by the official
Saudi Press Agency. The five-year civil war has left more than 100,000 people dead, most of them
civilians, according to relief organizations, and 3.6 million displaced in what the UN has called the worst
humanitarian crisis in the world. #1129.16
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The United Arab Emirates, a key partner of the Saudi-led coalition, continued rehabilitating
Yemen's infrastructure, especially airports which were badly affected by years of military
conflict. In Yemen's south-eastern province of Hadramout, the U.A.E. completed the
rebuilding of Riyan International Airport that will play a significant role in reducing the
suffering of the Yemeni population. The airport is ready to receive flights following nearly five years
of suspension after the al-Qaida's takeover of Mukalla, Hadramout's capital city, in 2015. The U.A.E.
reconstructed the airport's lounges and equipped them with modern technologies. It also maintained the
runways and rebuilt the control tower, supporting all the costs of reconstructing the airport, according to
Anes Baswaitin, Director of Riyan Airport. Other airports in southern Yemen including Aden International
Airport were reconstructed by the U.A.E. during the past years after expelling the Houthis. -- The U.A.E.
is an active member of the Saudi-led Arab military coalition that has been fighting the Houthi rebels in
Yemen since March 2015. #1129.17
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
The Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) is implementing a comprehensive AED 1.5 billion
expansion plan that is exceeding expectations, according to Ali Salim al-Midfa, SAA
Chairman, who added that Sharjah Airport (SHJ) strengthened its position on the global
travel map, achieving an increase of 13% in passenger numbers and setting a new record
with 13.6 million passengers. “In 2019, SAA made several achievements based on the vision and
directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed al-Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and
Ruler of Sharjah, and the follow-up of Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince
and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Executive Council, which guaranteed excellence and
encouraged joint efforts and teamwork. This added further success to the airport’s journey, which started
nearly nine decades ago.” SHJ ranked fourth globally for accuracy and punctuality (91.1%) according to
OAG, the international provider of airport and airline data. It has become one of the region’s leading
airports in terms of passenger numbers.” Al-Midfa said: The Airport has also implemented many
community initiatives and projects, participated in national and international events, and welcomed new
airlines while expanding the airport’s travel network based on new requirements from partners.”
#1129.18
Work on an AED 1.5 billion (USD 410 million) expansion of Sharjah International was expected
to start in October 2020, enlarging the terminal and increasing SHJ’s capacity to about 20
million passengers per year by 2025. The Sharjah Airport Authority had established the technical,
legal, and financial requirements for the tender in 2019 already. The tender announcement was made as
airport authority officials said that SHJ experiemced a record-breaking year in 2019, with passenger
numbers up 13%, to 13.6 million year-on-year, the highest number in the history of the airport. Aircraft
traffic increased 6.4% to 86,506 take-offs and landings as a result of the airport attracting new airlines
and adding new flights and destinations. Air Arabia, for example, strengthened its network by adding four
new destinations – Kuala Lumpur, Tunisia, Vienna, and Bishkek – which contributed to the increase in the
number of passengers travelling through SHJ.
The air freight volumes grew to more than 148,751 tonnes in 2019, an increase of 12.1% over 2018.
Officials also announced that 3 million passengers used the airport's smart gates last year which reduced
transaction time to a maximum of 20 seconds. Officials also announced that 3 million passengers used
the airport's smart gates last year which reduced transaction time to a maximum of 20 seconds. Thanks
to the speed and efficiency of procedures and services, Sharjah Airport gained the confidence of a broad
segment of passengers and attracted new airlines while maintaining its appeal for airlines and
passengers. This helped to enhance Sharjah’s positioning as a preferred tourist destination and an
important hub for trade and business.
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In 2019, SAA celebrated the 10th anniversary of the ‘Because We Care’ customer feedback programme. A
great success, the programme has encouraged customers and passengers to submit thousands of
suggestions that have helped to improve the quality of passenger and customer services, enhancing
customer and passenger satisfaction.
SAA also has implemented multiple projects to enhance customer and passenger satisfaction: Adding
new carparks and shaded areas; designing and building a security room at Gate 10; replacing the lights
and ceiling in different locations; designing, supplying, and installing cargo lighting; renovating the
Immigration Department’s breakrooms; and undertaking air conditioning-related electrical work.
The Airport is currently completing projects as part of a comprehensive expansion plan that will increase
its capacity. Construction work on the Engineering Building, which is scheduled to open next year, started
in August 2019. Work on the sewage plant started in September 2019. The construction of additional
buildings and related work was completed in November 2019. #1129.19
DHL Express is planning major expansion in the U.A.E. as part of an AED 365 million
development of the Express Integrator cluster at the East Midfield Development Zone
located in Abu Dhabi Airport’s Free Zone (ADAFZ). The Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone Authority, a
subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Airports, has signed an expansive 27-year Musataha agreement with Middle East
General Enterprises (MGE) to facilitate the presence of DHL Express in the ADAFZ. The long-term
relationship is in line with ADAFZ’s commitment to providing world-class infrastructure to enable express
cargo companies to expand their operations at AUH and increase their transport and cargo volumes.
DHL Express will serve as a key client within ADAFZ’s Express Integrator cluster, and in close
collaboration with MGE combined will invest up to AED 365 million in the new facility. The DHL expansion
will cover 30,000 m² and aims to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2021. -- DHL’s operations at
Abu Dhabi International Airport have grown significantly over the years, starting with a facility at AUH
Cargo Village, prior to expanding to more than 4,300 m² in the Logistics Park, and now to an expansive
plot of land with both airside and landside access.
Sheikh Mohammad bin Hamad Bin Tahnoon al-Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “The
signing of this agreement is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s position as an international gateway for trade
and commerce throughout the Middle East, as well as the long-standing relationship between Abu Dhabi
Airports and DHL. E-commerce is transforming the retail landscape throughout the region and we look
forward to playing our role in supporting the growth of this new industry through our world-class
infrastructure at Abu Dhabi International Airport.”
Bryan Thompson, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “We are delighted to be working with DHL as we
continue to enhance Abu Dhabi’s position as an international transport and logistics centre, in line with
our mission of becoming the world’s leading airports group.”
Nour Suliman, CEO, DHL Express MENA, added: “The collaboration reiterates DHL’s strategic mission to
strengthen our facilities and key positions across the U.A.E. and the wider Middle East region. In line with
our long-term objectives the new facility at Abu Dhabi International Airport is our latest investment to
support global trade to and from the capital of the UAE. “We are confident that the new facility will meet
the increasing demand for a faster and more efficient operational process." #1129.20
The U.A.E. has so far invested AED 1 trillion (USD 270 billion) on airport infrastructure
development projects according to Saif Mohammed al-Suwaidi, the Director-General of the
U.A.E. General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). These investments span development projects
across the country and a fleet of 884 commercial aircraft. The aviation sector, which has contributed up
to 15% to the U.A.E.'s GDP, is experiencing significant and rapid growth in air transport and airport
construction and expansion, This is leading to the growth of regional and global economies, particularly in
the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East, the world's fastest growing market, although – before the
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corona pandemic - Europe was expected to still maintain strong growth prospects until 2040. According
to pre-2020 forecast reports issued by IATA, passenger numbers was expected to rise to 4.72 billion in
2020, up 4% from the 4.54 billion passengers recorded in 2019. "I believe there is a need to inject more
money in order to keep pace with massive and successive developments in the sector," Al-Suwaidi noted
at the time. -- The U.A.E. accounts for around 45% of the Arab aviation sector, taking into consideration
the number of passengers and aircraft capacity, as well as the arrival of five to six aircraft per month to
the fleets of four national carriers. #1129.21
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