King Khalid International Airport Launches First Phase of “Silent Airport” Project to Enhance Digital Passenger Experience

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has launched the first phase of its “Silent Airport” project, introducing a quieter travel environment while increasing reliance on digital channels and information screens to keep passengers informed about their flights.

Reduced Public Announcements at International Terminal 5

The project is being introduced gradually, beginning with International Terminal 5. Under the initiative, general public-address announcements are being reduced and limited to departure gates, while passengers are encouraged to rely more heavily on information screens and digital channels for flight updates and airport guidance.

The approach is designed to reduce the noise generated by repeated announcements and create a calmer, more comfortable environment for travelers, while ensuring that essential flight information remains readily available.

The initiative also represents a shift in how passenger information is delivered inside the terminal, with digital and visual channels taking on a greater role in providing real-time updates and operational guidance.

A New Step in Passenger Experience Development

The Silent Airport initiative forms part of broader efforts by King Khalid International Airport to improve the passenger experience and raise service standards as the Kingdom’s aviation sector continues to evolve.

Greater reliance on digital information allows passengers to follow flight updates and airport instructions through visual and electronic channels, reducing the need for frequent audio announcements throughout the terminal.

The model is also intended to create a more comfortable environment for travelers who prefer accessing information through screens, applications and other digital services while moving through the airport.

King Khalid International Airport Strengthens Its Global Standing

The launch of the initiative comes as King Khalid International Airport builds on a series of international achievements recorded in 2026.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the airport was named the “World’s Most Improved Airport” at the 2026 Skytrax World Airport Awards, selected from more than 560 airports worldwide. It also won the award for Best Airport in the 30–40 million passengers category.

The airport additionally ranked 14th among the world’s Top 100 Airports and placed second in the Best Airport Staff in the Middle East category. The awards were announced during the Skytrax World Airport Awards ceremony in London in March 2026.

In the 2025 Skytrax rankings, King Khalid International Airport was ranked 24th globally, climbing 11 places from the previous year. It also won the Best Airport Staff in the Middle East award and ranked third globally for Best New Airport Terminal.

Digital Transformation at the Heart of Riyadh Airport’s Development

The Silent Airport project forms part of a broader transformation taking place at King Khalid International Airport, which is managed and operated by Riyadh Airports Company.

The company has highlighted its focus on technology, innovation and cooperation with technology providers and government entities to streamline airport operations and improve passenger services, alongside continued infrastructure and operational development.

The airport has also undergone major operational changes, including a terminal transition project that reorganized airline operations across the airport. The changes included allocating Terminal 5 to international flights operated by foreign carriers and restructuring operations across other terminals to improve passenger movement and make more efficient use of airport infrastructure.

The Silent Airport project adds another dimension to this transformation by focusing directly on the passenger experience inside the terminal, with an emphasis on reducing noise and expanding access to digital information.

Moving Toward a Quieter, More Digital Travel Experience

With the first phase now underway at International Terminal 5, the Silent Airport project marks another step in the ongoing development of King Khalid International Airport.

By combining a quieter terminal environment with greater reliance on digital information channels, the initiative reflects the airport’s broader effort to modernize the passenger journey and improve service delivery.

The project comes as King Khalid International Airport continues to strengthen its operational performance and capacity, supporting Riyadh’s development as a major regional and international aviation hub.