Hochtief consortium wins Riyadh airport expansion

A consortium led by Hochtief has won the € 1.3 billion (US$ 1.45 billion) contract to upgrade and expand the King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Hochtief has a 55% stake in the contracting consortium, which also includes Shapoorij Pallonji Mideast L.L.C. and Nahdat Al Emaar.

The project comprises the redesign, upgrade and expansion of the two existing terminals at the Saudi Capital’s main airport, along with the demolition and refurbishment of other parts of the airport including aprons and fuelling facilities. The contract also covers the construction of new terminal lounges and operation buildings, as well as the installation of baggage handling and security systems. The consortium will also be responsible for installing IT, fire protection and communication systems.

Hochtief said construction is already underway on the project, with completion planned for May 2019. This project is part of a wider € 4 billion (US$ 4.5 billion) scheme by the client Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to develop and expand the airport´s facilities.

Hochtief CEO Marcelino Fernández Verdes said, "We are delighted to have won this major contract. It reinforces our position as an important infrastructure construction group and shows that our international expertise and the know-how of our engineers in the area of complex, large-scale projects are greatly appreciated by our clients."