An airport for Makkah

Abstract EN

he city of Holy Makkah is the third largest in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

It is the Islamic capital of the Muslim world and is visited annually by millions of worshippers from within and outside the Kingdom.

However, it is not directly served by air transportation, Jeddah, which has a major international airport and is located 72 kms to the west of Makkah serves as its gateway.

This study addresses the merits of having an airport in Makkah.

It explores some of the theoretical and practical aspects which deal with the rationale for such an airport.

It also investigates several sites in Makkah and attempts to establish an interest in investing in an airport.

This could be further developed in a feasibility study and consequently a master plan.