RUH - RIYAHD KING KHALED AIRPORT

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Riyadh Airport by S Daehlen

2 December 2005   Customer Rating : n/a

King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh has four surprisingly small triangular terminals in a row. Terminal 1 is for international flights with foreign airlines, terminal 2 is for international flights with Saudia and terminal 3 (Saudi by definition for the time being) is for domestic flights. Terminal 4 (the first terminal you pass when arriving by car from central Riyadh) is closed. The VIP section is placed between the two Saudi terminals thus preventing direct access from international to domestic flights. The terminals are not unattractive from an architectural point of view with a large (and noisy) cascading fountain in each and a multilevel roof construction that is vaguely reminiscent of the classical Ottoman mosques which also gives light to the interior of the terminal. Regrettably the airport does not seem to have undergone major renovation since it was built, and the interior is dominated by shades of beige, brown and dark red. Shiny chrome air-condition pillars and shabby plastic counters do not enhance the visual impression. Only once have I experienced that passengers have been required to use a bus instead of the elevated tunnel when leaving the aircraft. Facilities for passengers are scarce. Between the two international terminals you can buy some electronic equipment, get a bite to eat or use the ATM/banking counter, and in the terminal for foreign airlines there is a small shops selling newspapers, dates, cameras etc. before you pass through immigration and security. In all three terminals at the airport the departure halls themselves offer nothing except three snack bars.

Riyadh Airport by O Doyle

23 May 2005

I've travelled through Riyadh on several occasions and think it is an appalling excuse for an airport. We have to change from Domestic to International when we arrive in Riyadh and there is nobody to direct you so you just have to follow the masses and hope for the best. The only food available is between Domestic & International and on my last visit (Jan 05) the only decent place to eat (Pizza Hut) was closed down. Inside International Departures you have the usual surly guard who glares but doesn't speak while checking your passport. Then you're through the terminal where all the gates are close together, there is not enough seating, and the only refreshments available are from a coffee guy who sells soft drinks/coffee & crisps. Coming back to Saudi via Riyadh is even worse as you have to collect your baggage, clear customs and then then drag it from International Arrivals to Domestic Departures to check it onto the plane. Totally disorganized is being nice to this aiport! I always fly with my husband but as I've not changed my name since getting married my passport is passed around from one supervisor to another to determine if they can give me grief for being with a man who is not my husband. This airport needs a complete overhaul in terms of facilities, staff and general organisation.

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