Riyadh Airport
2009 Best Airport
REGION: MIDDLE EAST
Runner-Up
Lasting Impressions....
"the customs officer tried to cox me into giving him a bribe (which I refused)" (?)
"Security is amazing, and they will let you strip to your boxer shorts in public to attempt to get through the metal detector without it beeping" (Ade)
Quick Reference Airport Guide
Here is some information that we've picked out of from your reviews. Be sure to read the review pages for the most up-to-date info:
- bribery
- clean washrooms
- internet access
A few airport reviews from the archives
by Dave
"Living in Riyadh, the best part is leaving it. The first time I flew out, I flew business class, and got to stay in the first class lounge. Very nice, with complimentary snacks, drinks (nothing alcoholic, though, this being KSA), and internet access (very slow...dialup).There are plenty of comfortable seats spread throughout the room, and the attendants will come wake you for your flight if asked.KEY NOTE: You can access the lounge even if not flying in one of the upper classes by paying 40 Saudi Riyals (about 11). Well worth it, and much cheaper and easier than a hotel. There are none in the immediate vicinity."
by hmasurg, 10/5/2009
As a resident of Riyadh I have used all three terminals of this airport (T1 forign airlines, T2 Saudi international flights T3 Saudi domestic flights) over the last 20 years.
They are all the same (design, construction and facilities or shall I say lack there of). In conception they are well built attractive in design but poorly maintained and not well marketed leaving a lot of the facilitates to be desired. In general this is not a major transit airport and most sleepers are at the domestic area when flights get cancelled or passengers are overbooked.
The main lobby/check in counters area
-Tend to be very crowded at peak times (inadequate organization of passenger flow and counter allocation)
-The customs and security check area is in the center of the terminal at 'the neck' of the entire building (tight crowded area)
-Although it is officially forbidden to smoke - people do heavily (specially officers and airline agents!!!)
The departure hall
-is not miserable but not a haven for the international budget or relaxed traveler
- Seats are metal like with arm rests usually not enough during peak hours
-Duty free is actually just one shop (there is one jewelry shop at T3)
-No franchise eatery outlets (only 2-3 food stands per terminal which is acceptable and opens 24 hours - essentially!) - recently a 'Costa Coffee' outlet opened at T1. - Oddly enough there are a few franchise restaurants and internet cafe's in the arrival hall past security just at the exits!!
-The lounges are midiocore when compared with world standerd lounges.
-Toilets are terrible.
-WIFI not free and not always available.
Sleeping situation
I do see people sleeping which is usually in the prayer areas, I did see some sleeping near the gates some areas are carpeted while others are not. No sleeper/recliner seats available.
In summery, a substandard airport. Unless your trip is destined for Riyadh, I don't advise an attempt to transfer at RUH. I do hope the recently appointed 'Fraport' organization will improve the airports presentation and operation.
