Jeddah International Airport, colloquially referred to as Abbas Ibn Firnas Airport or Kandara Airport(IATA: XZF, ICAO: OEJD) was a major international airport in Saudi Arabia located between the neighbourhoods of Al-Kandara and Al-Sharafiya, Jeddah. It was the original airport serving the cities Jeddah and Mecca in the kingdom before the construction of King Abdulaziz International Airport. The airport was the first in the kingdom, operating as a major gateway into Mecca, mainly serving pilgrims during Haji seasons, while also serving scheduled regular flights.
On 6 August, 1921, the first aircraft deliveries approved by British authorities were made to Jeddah, arriving aboard the SS Tantah from Egypt. In August 1921, a further six aircraft arrived at Jeddah from Italy, which were 4 Caudron G.3 with 120–130 hp Le Rhône engines and 2 Maurice Farman trainers with 100 hp Fiat engines. Subsequently, early landing grounds were made in Jeddah, Mecca, and Taif. By early September 1921, a Caudron was assembled and flew three local flights around Jeddah. However, in October 1921, it crashed during takeoff on a return flight from Taif to Jeddah, and was left there for repairs. On 22 November, 1924, steamship SS Nore arrived at Jeddah, landing three second-hand Airco DH.9 aircraft. Two aircraft were DH.9C variants, fitted with enclosed cabins for two passengers.[1][2]
During the Saudi conquest of Hejaz, Jeddah Airport flew reconnaissance missions and bombing and leaflet-dropping sorties, mainly targeting Mecca and Bahra. Russian pilot Shirokov flew daily reconnaissance missions from Jeddah using DH.9s, however, he was killed on 18 January, 1925, when his aircraft exploded in flight over Nejd army camps. On 3 January, 1925, bombs flown from Jeddah were dropped over Mecca. On 6 February, 1925, Jeddah was subjected to heavy artillery bombardment as Nejd forces advanced to within a few miles of the city.[1]
Early Establishment
The history of Jeddah International Airport mainly began in the 1930s as a military airstrip, which was known at the time as Kandara Aerodrome. In 1933, foreign advisers were employed to take the place of British personnel following the expiry of British contracts, and the construction of a new airfield at Jeddah began. On March 18, 1936, an aviation school was first established in Jeddah under the supervision of Italian instructor Captain Chico. Later on in April 19, his Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz visited the school to inspect its activities. By late September in 1936, Kandara Aerodrome housed the Arabian School of Aviation. In 1937, the Saudi Arabian Aviation Administration was established in Jeddah to oversee aviation operations. It was equipped with six aircraft and a group of military officers.[3][4] In early 1937, the Italian government sent construction engineers to complete the airfield, and also three aircraft as a token of goodwill.[5] In February, 1937, an Italian metal hangar measuring 170 x 108 x 23 ft was purchased, and was brought ashore from the steamship Alberto Treves. When it was outside Jeddah harbour, some parts of the hangar was lost when a dhow sank. Nonetheless, the hangar was erected in Kandara Aerodrome on 23 February, 1937, which was in time for the arrival for two Caproni Ca.101bis, carrying Italian civil registrations in an attempt to make it easier to obtain overflight permits. By 1938, efforts were made to improve drainage of the airfield, and construct a proper runway despite the difficulty of acquiring materials from either Italy, Eritrea, or Italian Somaliland.[6] By 1939, Kandara Aerodrome was formally functioning as a military airstrip, and became the Royal Saudi Air Force's principle operating base. In early 1939, Italy offered to train Saudi pilots free of charge, however, the government announced its intention to send future flying cadets to Egypt; citing that training would be done in Arabic. This led to the almost immediate closure of the Italian-run aviation school in Kandara Aerodrome.[7][8][1] There were no runways, and instead a landing ground measuring 1,006 by 1,006 meters was used.[9]
Beginnings of civil aviation
In May 1945, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt gifted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a Douglas DC-3, which later landed on the airstrip.[10] Following the donation, several earthen airstrips were established around Saudi Arabia. These airstrips were constructed in Jeddah, Riyadh, Dhahran and Hawiyah in Taif, Hofuf, Buraidah, Jizan, Al-Kharj and Afif. This event marked the first civil aviation event in Saudi Arabia.[11] An important moment was marked, when on June 1945, the first international flight was made from Jeddah to Damascus. On September 1945, Saudi Arabian Airlines (now known as Saudia) was established, and by 1946, became a fully government agency of the Ministry of Defense.[12] Its operating base was located in Jeddah Airport. During this time, the airport mainly served diplomatic missions from government officials and the Royal family. The airline also flew mail between Jeddah, Taif and Riyadh.[13] In 1947, an airport business school was opened, and by 1949, a group of aviation students were sent to study in England after training at Al-Houba on English de Havilland Tiger Moths. Jeddah Airport also participated in the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. A year later in 1950, more students were sent to England, and other defenses sent to the United States of America. In 1951, the students graduated and returned to the kingdom to form the Saudi Air Force.[8]
An image of Jeddah in February 1956 including the former Kandara Airport.
By the 1950s, air travel to Mecca quickly became popular, because of how it was time sufficient and required less walking. On average, Jeddah Airport would see 250,000 pilgrims commute through the airport, and the usage of ox-carts, walking, and camels quickly loss popularity.[14] On October 14, 1952, Jeddah Airport and its facilities was officially inaugurated and opened under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Saud Bin Abdulaziz.[15] Following the inauguration on November 5, the flag of the Air Force was raised over the first flight hangar in the airport, which was reserved for Air Force usage. The ceremony was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense and Aviation. In 1953, the Aéroport de Paris operator begun the construction of infrastructure upgrades, while also administering the airport.[16] Afterwards, Air Force schools began opening in the kingdom, including the Aviation School which opened in the airport by 1953. In the same year, the first civilian air traffic control tower in the country was built.[10] On January 6, 1954, the Air Force School was opened at the airport.[17] In 1955, Saudi Arabian Airlines opened maintenance shops in the airport.[18]
In 1957, the Saudi Air Force began major developments in the airport. The first squadrons were established, including the transportation squadron which was equipped with Douglas C-54 Skymasters and Fokker S-13s. Additionally, the No. 3 Squadron RSAF was established, equipped with Douglas A-26 Invaders, which acted as a major component of modernizing the Air Force. Around the same time, No. 5 Squadron RSAF was formed, equipped with 20 de Havilland Vampires.[17] By 1958, Jeddah Airport officially operated as the headquarters for the Royal Saudi Air Force. The facility included four steel hangars, various maintenance shops, and had the fuel storage capacity of approximately 65,400 gallons of Avgas.[19] In the event of an emergency involving the United States, American McDonnell F-101 Voodoo fighter jets and the Martin B-57C Canberra were to operate from the airport. Additionally, the Douglas C-54 Skymaster and Douglas C-124 Globemaster II aircraft would also be used for military cargo operations.[19]
Pilgrim’s Square located in Jeddah Airport, c1950s.
Accommodations for the Haji
Before the 1950s, arriving Hajj pilgrims often stayed in rental residential houses. In 1950, a 5,000 person facility near the seaport was built, and in 1953-54, a 2,000 person facility was constructed south of the city. In 1958, the Al Ain Azizia administration rushed the construction of the third city, which was made to accommodate the rising number of African hajj pilgrims. The third city was located in the airport, beside the air traffic control tower and hangars. Following the decision, five buildings with three floors at an estimated area of 9,652 square metres were built, which could accommodate 2,000 pilgrims. This project also included the construction of Pilgrim's Town Square, the entrance to the accommodations and airport. From day and night, hundreds of pilgrims of diverse ethnicities passed through these accommodations.[20]
The dormitories housed 10-36 people per room, accommodated with communal bathrooms. These buildings were designed to minimize social distinctions, and open-air latticework allowed airflow and sound circulation. Large undivided balconies were also built, which encouraged social interaction. There also was a simple, repetitive architecture which reflected the unity of the Haji, which emphasized the egalitarian spirit of pilgrimage. These pilgrims could stay days within the accommodations until departure to Mecca, which had offices for pilgrimage guides, health, and passport services. Shops, restaurants, banks, a mosque, and government agencies were also serviced within the compound.[21]
Growth
Oblique photograph depicting Jeddah Airport during the 1950s, before the parallel runway was constructed.
Al-Kandara, where the airport was located, was considered the capital of Jeddah. It was a popular place to live, because of its proximity to the airport and a seaport. It also had various facilities like hospitals, administrations and accommodations.[22] In early 1959, Saudi Arabian Airlines inaugurated a daily pressurized Convair-Liner shuttle between Jeddah and Riyadh. Later that year, the airline established its Aircraft Maintenance Department, which operated an engine maintenance center at the airport.[23] Throughout the 1960s, the number of international pilgrims arriving by air instead of sea had significantly increased. For example, approximately 1,000 Indian pilgrims arrived annually to Jeddah by Air-India’s chartered flights, while around 14,500 still arrived by sea from Bombay. The chartering of these flights were managed by the Haj Committee, under the company Trade Wings.[24] In the response to the growing need of sufficient infrastructure, the construction of the Al Hagon Bridge, part of the Jeddah Internal Ways Project was awarded to The Arab Contractors, Osman Ahmed Osman & Co. The bridge was completed in 1963 and linked Mecca to Jeddah Airport by a series of internal roads, having cost 10,500,000 million Saudi Arabian riyals.[25] By 1964, the control tower had received significant upgrades with 2 floors, including additional tower height. Additionally, an asphalt runway was built parallel to 15/33, and was assigned 15R/33L.[14] In 1968, heavy rainfall led to a flood in Jeddah, which came from valleys east from the city, damaging the walls of the airport.[26]
By the 1970s, Jeddah International Airport controlled a flight information region. At the time, aircraft entering Saudi Arabian airspace would have to report their position to either two information regions, which were located at Jeddah and Dhahran. This information would be reported once every 30 minutes, which included nationality, flight registration, altitude, time at reported position, flying conditions, and ground speed, ensuring safe flights. Jeddah International Airport was also declared as a "customs aerodrome", which required aircraft to depart from the airport to fully leave the country. Foreign aircraft were also only allowed to arrive at the airport.[13] In 1973, these international airlines served Jeddah International Airport: Air Algérie, Balkan Bulgarian Airlines, JAT Yugoslav Airlines, Ceskoslovenske Aerolinie (CSA), Ariana Afghan Airlines, Air Afrique, Air Guinée, Afghan Airlines, and Iraqi Airways.[27] In the same year, the administration realized the numbers were increasing, so they rushed the construction of an additional 8 new buildings with an area of 65,935 square metres, able to accommodate 10,000 pilgrims in total. The construction also included an additional transit hall to the airport.[20] Sometime during the 1970s, squadrons No. 4 Squadron RSAF, No. 16 Squadron RSAF, and No. 20 under the 8 Wing were either established and reorganized and based at Jeddah Airport.[28][12]
Rising congestion
A Saudia Boeing 747 parked in Jeddah Airport, 1977.
By the mid-1970s, the rapid growth in air transportation, especially with the increase of pilgrims and Umrah performers had exceeded the capacity of the airport. The logistical impact of the steadily multiplying influx of pilgrims became immense, as air traffic control, ramp space, and ground transportation were not adequately equipped and prepared for each period. Due to the city's encroachment, it was considered impossible to expand infrastructure.[29] In 1974, as part of the government-led Airports Development Program, Saudi Arabian authorities selected contractors for a new airport north of Jeddah, which had more room for expansion. In 1975, construction of the new airport began. By 1975, the apron was extended, and the first approach radar was installed on the runways.[10] In 1976, airborne pilgrims arrived in the airport at a rate of 400 flights a day from the usual 120 flights during the rest of the year. In the same year, Jeddah International Airport handled 361,891 Hajj pilgrims.[30] Although airport and pilgrimage fees of the airport were levied, the Saudi government shifted towards prioritizing and encouraging pilgrimage traffic. This led to the abolishment of such fees in 1976, subsidizing airport operations and removing financial barriers for pilgrims.[31]
In order to meet the demands, Jeddah International Airport was significantly expanded by authorities to cater the increasing traffic and Haji seasons. Subsequently, Lockheed Martin was awarded a US $650 million contract in 1976 for the installation of a new air traffic control system, which included navigation aids supplied by ITT Federal Electric, instrument landing systems installations by Standard Elektrik Lorenz AG, and high-frequency communications equipment by Rockwell Collins. In September 1976, International Aeradio was awarded a US $60 million contract for the construction of a Flight Operations Training Centre for Saudi Arabian Airlines based at Jeddah International Airport.[29] Further improvements included the installation of large transient centers, from which pilgrims would be able to travel faster to Mecca from Jeddah. These facilties consisted of a new terminal, which had a Saudi Arabian Airlines ticket office, and two buildings for arrivals and departures completed by spring of 1978. This would serve the last three Hajj seasons. Following this, the old terminal was requisitioned into Hajj accommodations. In 1978, 36 airlines served Jeddah Airport.[9][32] By 1978, Jeddah International Airport handled aircraft arriving at a rate of 17 aircraft an hour, which increased to 78 aircraft an hour during Hajj seasons.[33]
In 1979, the third city was upgraded to accommodate 30,000 pilgrims arriving from the airport, including sped up arrival procedures and measures.[20] An asphalt runway numbered 15L/33R was constructed to alleviate traffic on the two existing runways. Subsequently, the original 15/33 runway was merged within the apron. The airport was also expanded towards the Al-Sharafiya neighbourhood, with an additional eastern apron being built. Gradually, Jeddah International Airport became the busiest communications centre in the Middle East.[34] On 16 January, 1979, the airport and the city faced 3 inches of rain in an hour, which led to flooding and minor disruptions. On 17 January, the weather report was canceled due to the weather conditions of the airport, and that forecasts were obtained through offices there.[35]Air France had a facility at Jeddah International Airport for its international operations.[36][37] On 12 April, 1979, the Flight Operations Training Centre was inaugurated in the Kandara district, based in the airport. It was operated under the Prince Sultan Aviation Academy. The school provided courses on telecommunications, radio navigation, radio and radar engineering, and airfield lighting. It had a capacity of 230 students to be trained in accordance to international standards at the time.[29] The school was equipped with 4 simulators and 12 classrooms, training many of the airline's staff of the era.[38][39]
A U.S. Consulate map in Jeddah depicting Jeddah Airport, c1970s.
Reason for Closure
Jeddah International Airport was located in the neighbourhood of Al-Kandara and Al-Sharafiya, close to the city center of Jeddah. This proximity hindered the airport's capabilities to expand infrastructure. Due to the airport's deficient capacity, it experienced heavy congestion during Hajj seasons peaking 600 aircraft movements daily by 1978. Additionally, with facilities at the airport incapable of handling cargo, it had to be brought ashore by helicopters.[36][40]
Every year, Jeddah International Airport would have to prepare for the Hajj season, which saw a one-month increase of approximately 50,000 passengers per day. However, the airport’s facilities were far too small to accommodate the growing city’s needs and the Haji pilgrimage. Staffing were also inadequate for immigration and customs checks during the peak arrival times, especially in the 10 days before Hajj. The airport also had limited space to house the pilgrims awaiting transportation to Mecca, and many were elderly, non-Arabic-speaking, and inexperienced travelers, which caused delays and confusion in processing.[32]
Closure
On 18 July, 1980, the King Abdulaziz University announced the construction of a new 800-bed hospital on the airport land to begin in 1985, expected to cost $845 million.[41] On 1 April, 1981, King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) was inaugurated, and opened in 31 May, and Jeddah International Airport ceased commercial operations shortly thereafter. It received the ICAO code OEJN, which stood for “Jeddah New”. Additionally, a temporary transitional IATA code was assigned, being "XZF", while "JED" was adopted by KAIA. All operations were relocated to the airport, and the Aircraft Maintenance Department moved to the new airport's hangars and workshops.[23] By 1982, operations and equipment were still being transferred to the new airport.[42] The airport completed the transfer of equipment in 1983, 2 years after the inauguration of the new airport. The site of the former airport was to be redeveloped into housing.[43][10]
Aftermath
Aerial photo of the former airport. The large white flat building in the top right corner is the former terminal building, one of three that was built in 1978. In the center of the left side is a portion of the once 5-story Hajj accommodations complex.
Shortly after closure, a highway was quickly built across the former runways, with its tarmac laid through the old aircraft boneyard. Declassified satellite imagery dated to 1983 depicts that the runways were not demolished.[44] According to Google Earth imagery from 2000, faded runway markings of runway 15R/33L remained. The markings showed the runway’s length was 9,843ft. Also, the original markings of runway 15/33, which by the time the airport closed was part of the apron, was also found.[45]
In 2006, a proposal was made to construct an aviation museum in the former main headquarters building of the airport near the Al-Sharafiah district. The museum would chronicle the history of the Kingdom’s aviation, along with old photos, documents and models to display. On 7 February, 2006, the initiative was approved by Mayor Adel Faqeeh, and initial studies were completed. The area of the museum was to be fenced for construction. Before the planning of the museum, the former control tower was demolished, which could’ve been more authentic if preserved for the museum according to head of the General Administration of Tourism Sami Nawwar. However, a recreation of the control tower was to be built using the same architecture aspects according to the mayor.[46]
According to Google Earth imagery from 2008-2009, Jeddah International Airport’s two original hangars, dating from the airport’s establishment had been demolished. There was a mass deportation center for overstaying pilgrims, which was located adjacent to the Haji accommodations. In 2014, it was moved to Shumaisi near Mecca and subsequently demolished. In the same year, the old Saudia ticket sales office was demolished, showing that the once busy past was gone.[47] Currently on imagery dating 2024, only three hangars and smaller support facilities are still remaining, with all of the runways being demolished.[48] King Khalid Road, the original airport road remains, along with another road called Al-Matar nearby the old airport, which was also used to access the airport. Majority of the eastern apron still exist but as a cricket ground. The southern parts of the main apron also survives as of 2025.[49]
Jeddah Air Base
One of ten M.D.A.P. supplied Temco TE-1A Buckaroo trainers which was in service with the RSAF since 1953.
Jeddah Air Base was opened on November 5, 1952, after the flag of the Royal Saudi Air Force was raised. Two steel hangars at the time were reserved for the Air Force. In 1981, the 8th Wing of the RSAF was stationed in Jeddah Air Base, and operated their Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft. The Pakistan Air Force’s Dassault Mirage III aircraft transited through the airfield on delivery flights, and Republic of Singapore Air ForceLockheed T-33 aircraft also passed through for delivery flights. Due to the presence of Air France’s international facility, the base often saw frequent French Air ForceTransall C-160 flights from Djibouti.[44]
Units
The following units based at Jeddah Air Base:
No. 1 Squadron RSAF, 1954, equipped with Douglas C-54 Skymasters and Fokker S-13s
Located just outside of Jeddah International Airport was an aircraft boneyard, established shortly before the airport closed. Aircraft such as the Douglas A-26 Invader, North American T-28 Trojan, Douglas C-54 Skymaster and the Beechcraft T-34 Mentor have been decommissioned and dumped here.[44] In 1953, ten Temco T-35 Buckaroos armed with rockets and machine guns were delivered to Jeddah Air Base. After retirement, they were stored to the edge of the airport facing deterioration. In the 1980s, these T-35 Buckaroos were dug out and salvaged to be restored, and a C-130 was donated to fly the parts to Dobbins Air Reserve Base. By the late 1980s, many of the aircraft were removed.[52]
Facilities
At the time of its decommissioning, Jeddah International Airport's land totaled approximately 2,387 acres (9.66 km²), however the full site was approximately 4,828 acres (19.55 km²). The runway capacity was suitable for wide body aircraft (LCN 90). Full CAT I lighting on 33R, while other runways had standard lighting. There were passenger and cargo terminals, and accommodations for the pilgrims. At the hottest month of the year, the airport would reach 33°C at maximum. Shortly before the closure of the airport, the first area control centre in the country was put into operation there. The tower frequency was 118.1 MHz, while the approach frequency was 124.0 MHz, which were in standard VHF aviation band.[53]
In 1958, the airport had two asphalt runways, 15/33 measuring 9,200 feet long and 150 feet wide (1,048 and 46 m), and crosswind runway 09/27 measuring 4,600 feet long (1,402 m). In the 1960s, a second runway was constructed alongside runway 15/33, which was numbered 15R/33L. In 1979, a concrete runway numbered 15L/33R was built parallel to runway 15R/33L, measuring 9,842 feet long (3,000 m). It was equipped with modest lighting technology at the time. Following this, the original runway of 15/33 was merged into the main apron to expand space. By 1980, runway 09/27 was primarily used by local light training aircraft.[19][53]
Jeddah International Airport was served by multiple nearby hotels, which included Kandara Palace, Jedda Palace, and Red Sea Palace.[54] These hotels helped ease the congestion of accommodations at Mecca, especially for wealthy pilgrims who could afford the 75 km journey between Jeddah and Mecca.[30]
Etymology
The nickname was derived from the neighbourhood of Al-Kandara. Experts claim that it was named after Sheikh Muhammad Bin Omrah Al-Kenaidri, the tribal chief of Al-Kandarah tribe who lived in the area during the 1940s. Other claims included that the word comes from the Turkish word for shoes, or the Turkish word for bloodbath.[22]
Statistics
Jeddah International Airport was a popular airport in the Middle East for its time.
On 25 September, 1959, a Saudi Arabian Airlines DC-4 registered as HZ-AAF departed from Jeddah International Airport and was headed to Riyadh International Airport. After taking off, the plane climbed abnormally high. Flight crew attempted to push the control column forward, so full forward trim and a power reduction were used to avert a stall, however, the aircraft stalled at a 90 degree angle. Unable to return to the runway, the DC-4 belly-landed near the airport. There were no fatalities out of its 72 occupants.[56]
On 13 June, 1964, a Saudi Arabian Airlines Douglas DC-3/C-47A-20-DK registered as HZ-AAN departed Jeddah International Airport on a training flight. However, the aircraft lost control and plunged into the Red Sea about 100 kilometers south of the airport. Both pilots, the only occupants, were killed.[57]
On 24 June 1967, a Saudi Arabian Airlines Douglas C-47 registered as HZ-AAM suffered an electrical shortage during a sand storm, which caused the aircraft to crash at Khamis Mushait between Jeddah and Nejran, catching aflame in the process. It was en route to Jeddah International Airport from Nejran Airport, and 13 passengers and 3 crew of the 17 passengers onboard were killed.[58] An American pilot named Robert Gardner was killed, while a Swiss passenger had escaped the flaming wreckage as a sole survivor, and was subsequently hospitalised.[59]
On 7 January 1972, a Saudi Arabian Airlines Convair CV-340-68B registered as HZ-AAU departed from Jeddah International Airport. However, its 1st engine suffered from engine failure, prompting an emergency approach to runway 33L. On final approach, its flaps were stuck on 17 degrees. Its 1st engine was on reverse, and the aircraft skidded off the left side of the runway during a rollout. The nosegear struck an asphalt mound and collapsed. The cause was that the pilot was unaware of hydraulic system failure. No fatalities were reported out of its 15 occupants. HZ-AAU was written off due to the extent of the damages.[60]
On 9 December, 1974, an Ilyushin Il-18D registered as YR-IMK was leased by EgyptAir and departed from Jeddah International Airport at 19:05 on a repositioning flight to Cairo. Shortly after takeoff, the plane lost radar and radio contact with the airport. Jeddah continued attempts to make radio contact with YR-IMK, and asked nearby planes in the area to also contact YR-IMK. However, it disappeared into the Red Sea. It killed all 6 occupants. A search conducted by the Coast Guard and Royal Saudi Air Force commenced. Three witnesses were found by a helicopter crew, and reported that the plane turned sharply whilst in flames, before plunging into the sea. After search operations on 11 December 1974, only a cooler door, an oxygen mask, scraps of cloth and a sponge from a seat were found in the Red Sea. Authorities were unable to precisely locate the aircraft. On 23 November, 1990, it was concluded the cause of crash was likely caused either by an on-board explosion or a mid-air collision with debris.[61]
On 30 November 1979, a Saudi Arabian Airlines Boeing 707-373C registered as HZ-ACE suffered substantial damage to the fuselage after heavily landing short of the threshold at Jeddah International Airport. The aircraft was written off due to the extent of the damages, and was subsequently scrapped for spare parts.[62]
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