Called the airport facilities upgrade, the estimated $165 million design and build contract involves upgrades to the airfield pavement and lighting, fuel network systems and the stormwater drainage network. The 16-month contract includes upgrading the airfield facilities for the separate Hajj terminal.

The contract is part of an early works programme. Being handled by the Presidency of Civil Aviation (PCA), the KAIA expansion will involve the construction of a new terminal and support services building, modifications to the existing South and North terminals and upgrades to the existing runway and airfield systems to accommodate Airbus A380s. It also entails a refurbishment of the existing Hajj terminal. NACO of the Netherlands is due to complete by early November a review of its original airport masterplan.

PCA is due to issue a tender by mid-November for the programme and construction management (PCM) services contract. About six groups of companies applied for prequalification in July for the five-year contract.