RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the launch of a master plan for the Kingdoms new Abha International Airport on Thursday. The new Abha airport aims to embody a consistent architectural identity in line with the heritage of the Asir region, transforming it into a prominent landmark in the Kingdom. By 2028, the terminal area will expand to 65,000 square meters during the first phase of the plan, increasing its area from the current 10,500 square meters of the existing airport by six times.  This expansion includes the construction of passenger boarding bridges, self-service facilities for streamlined travel procedures, and high-capacity parking facilities. The design of the new airport will reflect the architectural identity of the Asir region and showcase Saudi culture. This design will offer a distinctive travel experience with high efficiency, ensuring seamless services for visitors and travelers.  The airport’s capacity will increase to accommodate over 13 million passengers annually, nearly nine times the current 1.5 million capacity. It will also handle more than 90,000 flights per year, a significant increase from the current 30,000 flights.  The new airport will feature 20 gates, along with 41 check-in counters with seven new self-service check-ins.