The FCC–Almabani joint venture has commenced construction works on the third runway at King Salman International Airport, marking a significant milestone in one of the world’s most ambitious aviation infrastructure programmes. The commencement of works follows extensive planning, design and mobilisation by the joint venture team.

King Salman International Airport is being developed to become one of the largest airports in the world, designed to accommodate tens of millions of passengers each year and to position Riyadh as a global aviation hub. The airport programme includes runways, terminals, supporting facilities and the infrastructure needed to connect the airport to the wider transport network.

The third runway is a critical element of the programme. Runways are among the most technically demanding components of any airport, requiring exceptional precision in earthworks, pavement construction, drainage and lighting systems. The team is mobilising significant resources to deliver the works safely and to the exacting standards required for modern aviation.

Almabani brings deep experience in aviation to the joint venture. The company has delivered major airport projects across the Kingdom and understands the unique requirements of working in live airport environments, where safety, security and operational continuity are paramount.

The joint venture combines Almabani’s Saudi delivery capability with the international expertise of FCC, creating a team with the technical depth and resources needed for a project of this scale. The partnership is built on shared values and a common commitment to quality and safety.

The commencement of works is the result of months of preparation. The project team has completed detailed planning, engineering reviews and supply chain arrangements to ensure that construction can proceed efficiently. This disciplined approach is essential on a programme where schedule certainty is critical.

Looking ahead, the joint venture will continue to ramp up activity across the runway scope, working closely with the client and stakeholders to deliver a facility that will serve the Kingdom and international aviation for decades to come.

The third runway is part of a wider aviation expansion that will significantly increase the Kingdom’s capacity to serve international traffic. Once complete, the airport will support the growth of tourism, trade and business travel, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a major regional hub.

The joint venture’s approach combines careful sequencing with a relentless focus on safety. Runway construction involves the movement of vast quantities of material and the coordination of many specialised trades, all of which must be managed to the highest standards.

Almabani’s teams are applying the lessons of previous aviation projects to this programme, from logistics planning to quality control, ensuring that the works proceed efficiently and to specification.

As the project gathers pace, the joint venture will continue to report progress and to engage with stakeholders. The team is focused on the milestones ahead and on delivering a runway that will be a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s aviation future.

The commencement of construction is a proud moment for everyone involved. It represents the point at which years of planning give way to tangible progress on the ground, and it sets the tone for the disciplined delivery that will define the programme in the months and years ahead.