The Royal Commission for Al-Ula announced on Friday the completion of the second phase of its project to develop the Al-Ula airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia. The airport is one of the main strategic factors that will transform Al-Ula into a major tourist destination and logistic hub. The completion of this phase of the project coincides with the Commission’s preparations to reopen the region to visitors starting October. The second phase saw the renovation of the main building and expansion of runways to receive more aircraft. The airport will also now receive 400,000 passengers annually. The new additions at the facility include the establishment of a VIP reception hall and better services to improve the traveler experience. Royal Commission for Al-Ula official spokesman Saad Al-Matrafi said the airport will create job opportunities for the locals because it is a logistic hub that meets the demands of northwestern Saudi Arabia. In cooperation with Saudi Arabian Airlines, the commission has resumed flights from Riyadh to Al-Ula, with four taking place weekly. Flights from Al-Ula to Jeddah and other cities are expected to resume soon. In 2019, the airport received some 52,000 travelers from 855 flights. The first phase of the development of Al-Ula airport was completed in 2019.