New terminal at PIMA a positive sign for public-private partnership

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and Tibah Airports Development Company recently opened a new terminal at Prince Mohammed Bin Abdul Aziz International Airport (PMIA) in Madinah Al-Munawarah.

The state-of-the-art facility, which will provide Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims with easy access to the Holy City of Madinah, is being heralded by trade analysts as a positive example of Saudi and international companies working together in a public-private partnership. Boasting three stories and a floor space of 1.7 million square feet, as well as a wide, extended runway and 6.2 miles of taxiways, the terminal is built to the highest international standards.

With aircraft stands for 16 planes and remote apron stands for an additional 20 planes, the terminal makes use of its runway and extensive taxiway system to quickly and efficiently move wide-body aircraft. Its projected operating capacity is higher than 8 million passengers a year.

The terminal was also designed for easy expansion, with a Phase 2 already developed to accommodate increased traffic. It is also built to service the expected demographics in comfort, with a mosque for 1,000 worshippers and 20 support buildings included to accommodate Hajj passengers.