Saudi Arabia has announced a plan to build a huge airport. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told journalists the plan Monday. He said his country would transform Saudi's current Riyadh airport a world-beating six-runway hub. He said the airport would be able to accept to 120 million travellers 2030. He added that the airport would change travel the region. It would be the world's fifth largest logistics hub. The new airport would also boost Saudi Arabia's economy. Another ambitious plan is the creation a second national airline Riyadh International Airlines (RIA). This will compete regional rivals Qatar Airways and the UAE carrier Emirates.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said the new King Salman International Airport would stretch 57 square kilometres. It will include the current King Khaled Airport. An SPA official said: "The airport project is part Saudi Arabia's vision to transform Riyadh to be the top ten city economies the world. It will help Riyadh's population grow to 15–20 million people 2030." The SPA also said the new airport would be one the greenest the world. It will be built to be totally sustainable. It will be based cutting-edge, green designs. In addition, it will be powered by renewable energy. A project spokesperson said the hub would be more than an airport; it would be an "aerotropolis".
