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 also includes upgrading the airfield facilities for the separate Hajj terminal.

The overall 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 A380s from Europe's Airbus . It also entails a refurbishment of the existing Hajj terminal. NACO of the Netherlands has recently completed a review of its original airport masterplan. A tender is awaited for the programme and construction management (PCM) services contract. About six groups of companies applied for prequalification in July for the five-year contract, following technical presentations to the PCA.

The groups include: the US' Bechtel, with the local Dar al-Riyadh; Beirut-based Dar al-Handasah (Shair & Partners); Turner Construction International; Parsons Brinckerhoff; Louis Berger, with Hill International; and Fluor Corporation, all US-based. The PCA is expected to prepare a shortlist of prequalifiers to bid for the five-year contract.