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King Fahd Airport managed by Changi Airport sees healthy 7% traffic growth

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24-Aug-2009 Changi Airports International’s (CAI) contract with Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to co-manage the King Fahd International Airport at Dammam, has yielded significant results. The S$65 million contract was inked in November last year and the Airport has since seen a boost in passenger traffic growth, airline networks and airline services. The airport received 2.22 million passengers in the first half of this year, an increase of 7% over the same period last year.

This positive traffic development was made possible through a consolidated KFIA-CAI effort, combining local insights and international best-of-class expertise to successfully leverage on route development opportunities and improved service standards. Airlines which have increased their frequencies include Qatar Airways and Emirates, which raised frequencies by 43% and 40% respectively. Middle East Airlines has put on 4 additional weekly services from Beirut to Dammam for a total of 7 weekly services. New airlines which commenced operations to KFIA during the first half of 2009, include NAS Air and Garuda. NAS Air, one of two low cost carriers in Saudi Arabia, commenced operations to Dammam on 1st April 2009.

Mr. Wong Woon Liong, Chief Executive Officer, CAI, says GACA's implementation of a very liberal aviation policy for Dammam also helped contribute to this recent success." GACA's moves allow airlines to operate without any frequency restrictions to and through KFIA. I am proud that our collaboration has started in a positive note in these toughest of times. We hope to contribute more to KFIA's success in the future not only in route development opportunities but in other areas as well." Engr. Khalid K. Almz'el, Director General, KFIA, adds "KFIA's 7% passenger traffic growth is higher than that of other major international airports in the region. Such impressive numbers during this difficult time is testament to the strong origin-destination traffic potential of the Eastern Province and the efficient management of the Airport. This consolidates KFIA's position as the de-facto gateway to the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia."