Saudi Arabia is considering privatizing the operation of some of its largest airports, according to Arabic business newspaper Al Eqtisadiah.
“The management and operation of some major airports with intensive local and international air traffic may soon be offered to the private sector,” General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) spokesman Khaled Al Khaibary was quoted as saying.
The government would retain ownership of the airports.
The Haj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Riyadh and Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah already have been privatized and Taif Airport is due to be handed over to a private firm by the end of the year.
Saudi Arabia has committed to a SR40 billion ($10.65bn) program to upgrade or build more than 20 airports to help accommodate its fast growing but underserved aviation industry.
It already is part-way through privatizing Saudi Arabian Airlines’ various businesses.
Arabian Business
14 January