Dammam Airports aims to finalize 80% of projects by 2025, raise destinations to 100: CEO

Mohammed Al-Hassany, CEO of Dammam Airports Co. (DACO)

Dammam Airports Co. (DACO) has obtained high allocations for multi-billion-dollar projects for the first time, as 110 projects for DACO have been approved targeting infrastructure and enhancing passenger experience, CEO Mohammed Al-Hassany told CNBC Arabia.

Ten projects were completed in 2023. DACO aims to complete 80% of the earmarked projects by 2025, transforming the airport in terms of technology and operational efficiency.

For more news and details on the projects

Furthermore, there are 17 low-cost airlines operating flights to airports in the region, and 28 companies providing all travel requirements, in addition to air cargo companies, equivalent to 38% for low-cost airlines and 62% for companies providing all travel classes, Al-Hassany said, noting that the percentage of passengers on low-cost airlines reached 52% in 2023.

He added that 15 new destinations and routes were attracted in 2023, reaching 65 destinations, and seven additional airline routes were attracted to some destinations and routes. Many incentives and facilities are provided to airlines operating at airports.

There is also a need to attract more destinations in the Eastern Region, with more than 100 destinations are soon to be targeted. Meanwhile, a periodic analysis is conducted to determine the needs of some destinations through discussions with airlines to identify the most needed destinations if there is a high occupancy rate to ensure the continuity of the destination.

He pointed out that the development of air traffic is one of the most important strategic objectives at airports in the Eastern Region, where growth of 16% was recorded in 2023 compared to the previous year.

He stated that licensing Naqel in Dammam will increase the number of passengers and fill the target gap.

He mentioned that the runways at King Fahd International Airport are sufficient to accommodate airlines. Work is underway to reconsider the general plan for Dammam Airport, which will determine the needs of future expansions, indicating that 12.6 million passengers will be reached during the current year.

Al-Hassany added that there are expansion plans for all airports including Al-Ahsa, Qaisumah Airport, and Hafar Al-Batin, which are under study. Their expansion and future plans will be updated to 30 years from now to determine the target passengers, expansions, and capital projects needed.