The work is progressing well on the modernisation of 27 airports in Saudi Arabia and is due to be completed within the next five years, said a report, citing a senior aviation official.

“Our goal is that our airports should be in a position worthy of the kingdom’s status, and that the best level of services is offered, Sulaiman Al-Hamdan, president of the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) was quoted as saying in the Arab News.

"Therefore our goal is to complete such developments so these airports can have increased capacity," he stated.

As for King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz airport in Jazan, Al Hamdan said the aim was to establish an entirely new airport with a capacity far greater than the current facility.

The budget was approved for the project, in addition to the bidding process, but it has been temporarily stopped as Aramco’s studies suggest the selected location for the project may present an opportunity to explore for oil and gas, he added.