Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport

Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide – Medina Province, Saudi Arabia

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) is Medina’s primary air gateway, serving millions of pilgrims and travelers annually. Since its origins as a regional airstrip in 1950, MED has become a modern international hub, blending advanced technology with Islamic architectural heritage. As the second major entry point for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims after Jeddah, MED plays a pivotal role in religious tourism and the broader ambitions of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The airport operates 24/7 and is renowned for its passenger-centric facilities, sustainable design, and seamless connections to Medina’s revered holy sites.

This guide presents a detailed overview of MED’s history, facilities, visitor information, travel tips, and nearby attractions, helping travelers plan a meaningful journey to Medina.
(Wikipedia; Madinah Airport Official; Daily Sabah; WegoPro)

Introduction
Early Development and Historical Milestones
Privatization and Modernization
Architectural and Technological Advancements
Expansion and Future Plans
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Passenger Experience and Facilities
Transport to and from the Airport
Medina’s Historical and Religious Sites
Sustainability and International Recognition
FAQs
Conclusion
References

Early Development and Historical Milestones

Opened in 1950 as a regional airstrip, Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport initially served domestic flights and a limited number of pilgrims. By the 1970s, the airport featured two runways, marking its growing importance as a regional hub (Wikipedia; ASM Aero).

The airport’s prominence rose with the exponential growth in Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, leading to several expansions. Alongside Jeddah, MED is one of only two international airports serving the holy sites, making it essential to the spiritual journey of millions (ICF).

Privatization and Modernization

In 2012, the Saudi government initiated a groundbreaking privatization, transferring MED’s operation to Tibah Airports Operation Company—a consortium led by TAV Airports and Al-Rajhi Holding (Daily Sabah; Airport World). This move spurred a $1.2 billion redevelopment, culminating with the inauguration of a new terminal in 2015 by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (Madinah Airport Official).

Architectural and Technological Advancements

The terminal, expanded in 2015, covers over 156,000 square meters across three levels, offering 16 aircraft stands and boarding bridges (Madinah Airport Official). Its design harmonizes efficiency with Islamic motifs, such as palm tree-inspired columns symbolizing peace and prosperity (Scott Brownrigg).

MED became the first airport in the Middle East and North Africa to achieve LEED Gold certification, with energy-efficient systems, waste reduction, and eco-friendly materials. Technological upgrades include self-service check-in kiosks, biometric identification, and automated baggage handling, streamlining the passenger experience (Daily Sabah; WegoPro).

Expansion and Future Plans

The 2015 expansion increased MED’s capacity to 8 million passengers annually, with a roadmap to accommodate up to 27 million by 2037 (Madinah Airport Official). The airport handled 9.4 million passengers in 2023, up 49% from the previous year (Daily Sabah). Ongoing projects include a new 39,000-square-meter domestic terminal and comprehensive upgrades to existing facilities (Airport World; Scott Brownrigg). By 2028, the airport aims to serve 17 million passengers, supporting Vision 2030’s goal of 150 million annual visitors (The National News; Welcome Saudi).

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Operating Hours:
MED operates 24/7, ensuring uninterrupted access for pilgrims and travelers. While the airport itself never closes, individual services—shops, lounges, and customer service—have varied hours, usually from early morning to late evening. Confirm specific hours via the official airport website or your airline.

Ticketing:
There are no general entry tickets for the airport; only passengers with valid flight tickets may enter the secure zones. Major airlines serving MED include Saudia, Flynas, and numerous international carriers. Booking in advance is strongly recommended during Hajj and Ramadan seasons. Tickets are available via airline websites and authorized travel agencies.

Passenger Experience and Facilities

MED offers a range of amenities to enhance traveler comfort:

Quiet zones, family areas, and VIP lounges (Welcome Saudi; Madinah Airport Guide)
Prayer rooms and reflection spaces
Multilingual signage and assistance
Accessibility features: ramps, elevators, and dedicated support
Shopping and dining: local and international brands
Free Wi-Fi and digital wayfinding
Automated check-in and baggage systems

Transport to and from the Airport

MED is located about 15 km northeast of Medina’s city center. Transport options include:

Taxis and ride-hailing services: Available 24/7 from the terminal
Shuttle services: Offered by hotels and private operators, especially during pilgrimage seasons
SAPTCO public buses: Connecting the airport to the city center and religious sites (ASM Aero; Madinah Airport transportation)
Car rentals: Available through international and local agencies
Parking: Multi-level and outdoor parking facilities

Medina’s Historical and Religious Sites

Upon arrival, visitors can easily reach Medina’s iconic landmarks:

Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque): 10 km from the airport, Islam’s second holiest site
Quba Mosque: The first mosque in Islamic history, 15 km away
Mount Uhud: Site of the historic Battle of Uhud, 12 km away
Al-Baqi Cemetery: Final resting place of prominent Islamic figures, near the city center

These sites are accessible by taxi, bus, or organized tours.

Sustainability and International Recognition

MED is internationally acclaimed for its eco-friendly design, holding LEED Gold Certification. Sustainability measures include energy-efficient systems, solar power, and water conservation. The airport has won awards such as the Engineering News-Record’s Global Best Airport Project (2015) and Best Regional Airport in the Middle East (2021, 2022) (Airport World; Wikipedia).

FAQs

Q: What are the airport’s operating hours?
A: 24/7, with varied hours for shops and lounges.

Q: Do I need a ticket to enter the airport?
A: Only airline passengers with valid tickets may access secure areas.

Q: How do I get to Medina city center from the airport?
A: Taxis, buses, and car rentals are available at the terminal.

Q: Is MED accessible for travelers with disabilities?
A: Yes, comprehensive accessibility features and support staff are provided.

Q: What are the peak seasons for travel?
A: Hajj and Ramadan are the busiest times; plan and book in advance.

Conclusion

Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport is a modern, sustainable, and welcoming entry point to Medina—serving as both a logistical hub and a cultural bridge for millions of pilgrims and travelers. Its proximity to Islamic landmarks, ongoing expansions, and world-class amenities align with Saudi Arabia’s vision for religious tourism and global connectivity. For smooth travel, visitors should book ahead during peak seasons, utilize the airport’s facilities, and explore nearby historical sites.