King Khalid International Airport — Local services in Riyadh Region

For international flights, i had the worst ever experience in this airport, TERMINAL 2 , mid last year.for couple of reasons. First. It was summer last year, August, we had to wait OUTSIDE the airport, standing , with our trolley and luggage beside us- because the counter for check in wasnt open yet. It was good that I was just from Riyadh. So i waited, standing outside for two hours (2Hours). Others had to wait more than 5 hours under the heat of the sun because they arrived early because they came from outside Ruh. Thank God, nobody had heatstroke there. Second: the policy about carry-on luggage. In All airports I have been through, passengers are entitled to carry 7 kg carry on luggage and another one bag for personal items like valuables which normally didn’t have to get weighed. Usually, the one for personal items are shoulder bag or backpack. The check in process was smooth. After i checked in, as i bring my carry on to go to the entrance going to the gate, the guy who was sitting in the entrance weighing our carry on did not let us bring two bags into the gate. He allowed only one which has 7kg and FORCED US, YES, FORCED AND PRESSURED US IN THE MOST RUDE AND DISRESPECTFUL WAY to literally leave our personal belongings on the FLOOR , ANYWHERE ON THE FLOOR, so we could go to the gate. I FELT ROBBED UPFRONT! I FELT SCAMMED. I HAD TO LEAVE MY BACK PACK FULL OF MY PERSONAL THINGS. I had to open my 7kg luggage and back pack and literally sort all contents accding to value. One of the guys there was RUSHING me, screaming at my face, ‘ YALLA, sura! to leave my things and even threatened to not let me get into my flight when in fact there was still 20 minutes before boarding time. Yes, one back pack full of my personal items, i had to leave on the floor. The most deplorable scene was, as soon as we put our things on the floor, some guys just took them, picked them up, bagged them, like wow they went shopping for free from the personal belongings of the passengers who bought those things to give to their loved ones back home. QUESTION: Who are taking home our personal items that they told us to juz put anywhere in the floor? Please, educate those guys that passengers are allowed to bring a separate bag for personal items and a separate bag for the extra 7kg carry on bag- because that is the normal way accross the globe. Please investigate this activity perpetuated by some employees there, because I doubt that the higher management of the airport allows this way of dealing with passengers carry on luggage and bag. And kindly, impose a policy that promote respect towards passengers and not deal with us like rascals. I believe that this is not the core values of this highly respected and sophisticate Airport. Also, I suggest that a specific counter be assigned to receive and take care of the things that they wont allow the passengers to carry instead of telling passengers to throw their things anywhere in the airport. - it was in terminal 2 , Philippune airlines around 6pm departure. Note: it s not my first time in this terminal. It was not like this before 2024. Back then, I remember, it was proper and normal.. we never had to deal with rude treatment and issues with our hand carry bags. I dont think KKIA will make new policies that will disrespect the rights and comforts of passengers. I believe this is not official practice and should be investigated and corrected. Someone told me in the airport that this is happening every single day, where passengers have to leave their carry on personal things on the floor. - i hope this concern reaches the correct authority so it can be addressed coz this definitely creates a terrible image not just for the airport personel BUT above all to the airport that...

Having explored over 60 international airports worldwide, I can confidently declare King Khaled International Airport (KKIA) in Riyadh as a pinnacle of excellence in air travel. This airport is the antithesis of every frustration and inconvenience found elsewhere, redefining the travel experience with unmatched comfort, efficiency, and hospitality. From the moment you enter its gleaming terminals to the second you board your flight, KKIA delivers a masterclass in service and serenity. Check-in counters are staffed with warm, professional agents who handle your needs with efficiency and genuine smiles—none of the robotic indifference found elsewhere. Self-service kiosks are plentiful and user-friendly, with staff readily available to assist. Baggage drop and security processes are streamlined, with wait times so minimal they feel almost nonexistent compared to the endless queues at other airports. Bathrooms, often a pain point in airports, are a point of pride at KKIA. Spacious, immaculate, and equipped with touchless fixtures, these facilities are cleaned so frequently they feel brand new. There’s no waiting in line, no overflowing bins, or unpleasant odors. Instead, you’re greeted with fresh towels, aromatic diffusers, and calming background music. It’s a small but significant detail that underscores KKIA’s commitment to excellence. I felt completely secure wandering the terminals, even with luggage in tow, a stark contrast to the wariness required elsewhere. What truly sets KKIA apart is its civilized, inclusive environment. The staff, from ground crew to retail workers, exude professionalism and warmth, treating every traveler with respect regardless of nationality, language, or travel class. There’s no pushing, shoving, or chaotic boarding calls here—passengers move with a shared sense of calm, perhaps inspired by the airport’s serene ambiance. Multilingual announcements and staff fluent in dozens of languages ensure international travelers feel at home. Accessibility is a priority, with seamless accommodations for those with mobility challenges, including dedicated assistance teams and thoughtfully designed facilities. Beyond the Basics: Little Touches That Matter KKIA goes above and beyond with thoughtful touches that elevate the experience. Complimentary water stations and children’s play zones are scattered throughout. Retail and dining options are curated with care—no generic fast-food chains here, but rather a mix of local artisans and high-end brands. The airport even offers cultural exhibits showcasing Saudi heritage, turning layovers into opportunities for enrichment rather than boredom. For those with longer waits, sleeping pods and shower facilities are available, impeccably maintained and surprisingly affordable. King Khaled International Airport isn’t just an airport; it’s a destination that transforms the often-dreaded travel experience into something genuinely enjoyable. After visiting over 60 airports, I can say with certainty that KKIA stands alone in its commitment to passenger comfort, efficiency, and hospitality. It’s the opposite of every negative stereotype—crowded, dirty, stressful, or disorganized—that plagues air travel, with an added layer of security that ensures a worry-free experience free from thieves. If you’ve had the pleasure of experiencing King Khaled International Airport, I urge you to give it a well-deserved 5-star review. It’s the least we can do to encourage this remarkable hub to continue setting the gold standard for airports worldwide. KKIA isn’t just a place to pass through; it’s a reason to look forward to...

I recently traveled through Riyadh International Airport (King Khalid International) and overall had a very good experience.

The first thing that impressed me was the architecture and layout—the terminals are spacious and the design makes it quite easy to find your way around. The airport is also kept very clean, from the seating areas to the washrooms, which really makes a difference after a long flight.

The staff were mostly polite and professional. Immigration and security were smoother than I expected, and I appreciated the efficiency. I also liked that the Wi-Fi was free and easy to connect to without the hassle of entering a phone number—it worked well throughout my time there.

For food and shopping, the airport has a good variety. From international chains like Starbucks and McDonald’s to local favorites like AlBaik and Dallah’s Coffee, there’s something for everyone. The duty-free shops also have a nice mix of international and local products.

On the downside, during peak hours the airport does get crowded, and sometimes seating can be hard to find before security. In one of the older terminals, I noticed that the facilities weren’t as well maintained as the newer areas. Also, transport to and from the airport is still mostly limited to taxis and ride-sharing, which can be a bit inconvenient since there isn’t a direct metro link yet.

Overall, I would say Riyadh International Airport is modern, clean, and efficient with plenty of amenities. It’s definitely one of the better airports I’ve traveled through, but a few small improvements in crowd management and public transport would easily make it a...