The work will involve the construction of a new terminal building, including departure, arrival, transit, check-in and public halls, five passenger boarding gangways, electromechanical work, the supply of equipment and furniture, parking for 600 cars and a three-kilometre service road. Speaking to a group of British businessmen in London on 8 July, Transport & Maritime Affairs Minister Saeed Yafai said that construction would start in early 2003 and take four-five years. The construction of runways and control towers will be tendered in a separate package.

The airport will be built on a new site to the west of Sanaa and is to be open toprivate sector participation in running selected services. The existing airport is run exclusively by CAMA. The project is to be financed by the government and a $90 million loan from the Arab Fund for Economic & Social Development.

The consultant is Beirut-based Dar al-Handasah.