Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) has approved a major expansion plan for Riyadh’s King Khaled Airport.

The ambitious plan, which is said to be going ahead despite Saudi posting a budget deficit for the second year, will see passenger capacity increased to 25 million from the current 12 million.

At a meeting of the GACA board Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud said: “The project includes developing the airport commercially. It will also improve services to passengers and create more jobs for Saudis.”

He added that the expansion will include the application of advanced technology and will allow the airport to receive larger aircraft.