Jeddah Airport Terminals Explained: Terminal 1, T4, North and Hajj Terminals

King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah currently uses Terminal 1 for Saudia, flynas, flyadeal and most major international airlines, Terminal 4 (the redeveloped former South Terminal) for a growing list of foreign carriers moved from the North Terminal since 27 September 2026, and the Hajj and Umrah terminals for seasonal and some relocated flights. Terminals are separate buildings, so always confirm yours with your airline before you travel and plan your ride and your stay around it. Last checked: 6 November 2026.

Getting the terminal wrong at Jeddah airport costs time. The buildings are far apart, and moving between them means a shuttle or a car, not a short walk. That matters even more right now, because KAIA has moved airlines from the North Terminal to Terminal 4 and the Hajj and Umrah terminals.

This guide explains each terminal, lists which airlines use which building with the dates our information was checked, and shows how to plan your arrival, departure and stay around your terminal. It is written by the team at Best Trip Hotels. Our Best Trip City Zone property sits about 8 minutes from the airport, so terminal questions are something our reception team answers for guests every week.

KAIA’s Terminals at a Glance

Terminal 1: The Main Terminal

Terminal 1 is where most travellers arrive and depart. It handles Saudia, flynas and flyadeal, along with most large international airlines. The Haramain High Speed Railway station sits inside Terminal 1, linking the airport with Makkah, Madinah and King Abdullah Economic City.

Terminal 1 sections and airlines

KSA Expats, in its December 2025 update, lists Terminal 1 by section:

• Section A: Saudia domestic flights.
• Section B: Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Etihad Airways, Malaysia Airlines and Royal Jordanian.
• Section C: Saudia international flights.
• Section D: Saudia flights to the US and UK, flynas, Oman Air, Royal Brunei Airlines and Scoot.
• Section E: flydubai, flyadeal, Kuwait Airways, Emirates, Royal Air Maroc, Aegean Airlines and ITA Airways.

Sections can change for operational reasons, so check the departure hall on your boarding pass or airline app on the day.

Arriving at Terminal 1

Terminal 1 has the widest choice of onward transport: ride apps, licensed taxis, car hire desks, the airport express bus and the train. Ride-app pick-up is in the designated rideshare area in the multi-storey car park (Level 1). Our guide on Jeddah airport to city center explains how long it takes to reach each district from here.

Terminal 4: The Former South Terminal

Terminal 4 is the redeveloped South Terminal. Jeddah Airports Company began a phased opening on 27 September 2026, moving foreign airlines in stages.

Airlines moved to Terminal 4

According to Wego’s update of 2 November 2026, the first phase moved these airlines on these dates:

Khaleej Times reported on 17 October 2026 that the move was completed that day, with all North Terminal flights transferred to Terminal 4 and the Hajj and Umrah terminals. Some carriers from Terminal 1 may also be reassigned depending on operational needs.

Why this matters for your trip

If your airline used the North Terminal in the past, do not assume it still does. Older airline web pages may still show the North Terminal. Check your booking, your airline’s latest notice or its app before you head to the airport.

Terminal changes are also a good reason to think about location when you book your stay. Our guide on where to stay in Jeddah compares each district by trip type, including how far it is from KAIA.

The North Terminal

The North Terminal has long served foreign airlines, particularly low-cost and regional carriers. KSA Expats’ December 2025 list included airlines such as Air Arabia, EgyptAir, Air India, IndiGo, Jazeera Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Cairo, Nile Air and SriLankan Airlines, among many others.

The transfer was completed on Saturday 17 October 2026: all North Terminal flights moved to Terminal 4 and the Hajj and Umrah Terminal Complex, and no scheduled flights remain at the North Terminal. For any airline that previously used the North Terminal and is not on the confirmed lists in this guide, check directly with the airline. We have deliberately not guessed at current assignments.

A free shuttle bus links Terminal 1 with the North Terminal; allow at least 20 extra minutes for the transfer.

The Hajj and Umrah Terminals

The Hajj and Umrah terminals mainly handle seasonal pilgrimage traffic and charter flights. In Hajj and the busiest Umrah periods, access is restricted, and pick-ups may need to meet you at outer parking areas.

Airlines moving to the Hajj terminal

Wego reported on 2 November 2026, based on an airport announcement dated 30 September 2026, that seven airlines were moving from the North Terminal to the Hajj Terminal: Tarco Aviation, Yemenia, SCAT Airlines, Uzbekistan Airways, Daallo Airlines, Somon Air and Sudan Airways.

Pilgrimage flights

Many Umrah charter flights from South Asia, Southeast Asia and Africa use these terminals seasonally. If you are travelling for Umrah, your agent or airline should confirm the terminal. Our guide to staying in Jeddah for Umrah helps you decide whether to base yourself in Jeddah or go straight to Makkah.

How to Check Your Terminal

The surest source is your airline, not a general list. Before you travel:

1. Check your e-ticket or booking confirmation for a terminal.
2. Open your airline’s app or check-in page on the day of travel.
3. Look for any passenger advisory from your airline about Jeddah terminal changes.
4. If unsure, message the airline and ask which terminal your flight number uses.
5. Tell your driver or ride app the terminal name, not just “Jeddah airport”.

When you book with us, sharing your flight number and terminal helps our reception plan your arrival. That is easiest when you book direct, and our guide on book hotel direct vs Booking.com explains why.

Moving Between Terminals

The terminals are separate buildings spread across a large airport. Moving between them is not like walking between gates.

For connections between Terminal 1 and the North Terminal, use the free shuttle bus and allow at least 20 extra minutes. For Terminal 4 and the Hajj and Umrah terminals, follow airport signs and staff instructions, and allow generous time, as procedures are still settling after the recent moves. A ride app or taxi between terminals is another option.

If you have a separate-ticket connection that involves changing terminals, build in plenty of buffer. Missing a connection because of a terminal change is one of the most common problems we hear about from guests. For long gaps between flights, many travellers prefer to rest overnight nearby, and our An Nuzhah, Jeddah guide covers the district closest to the airport.

Planning Your Stay Around Your Terminal

Your terminal affects more than the drive to the airport. It shapes your check-out time, your luggage plans and even which district makes the most sense.

For early departures and late arrivals

If you are flying early in the morning or landing late at night, staying close to the airport saves the most stress. An Nuzhah is one of the closest districts, around 8 to 10 minutes from KAIA.

Best Trip Paris, also in An Nuzhah, is about 15 minutes from the airport and within walking distance of Mall of Arabia. It suits short stopovers and families who want a quick transfer.

For pilgrims using the train

The Haramain station is inside Terminal 1. Many pilgrims take the train straight to Makkah, then return to Jeddah afterwards. If you plan to use the airport station again later, a base in north Jeddah keeps the trip back to Terminal 1 short.

For visitors exploring the old town

If your plans centre on Al Balad and the Corniche, a central base such as Al Andalus Tolen in Al Baghdadiyah makes more sense, even though the airport transfer is longer.

For monthly stays

If you are in Jeddah for work, treatment or a long family visit, location matters every day, not just on travel days. City Zone in An Nuzhah is our dedicated monthly property near the airport. Our guide on how monthly apartment stays work in Saudi Arabia explains pricing, deposits and what is included.

Departure Day: Timing It Right

On departure day, work backwards from your flight time.

Allow time for the drive, the terminal, check-in and security. From An Nuzhah, leaving 30 to 45 minutes before your target airport arrival time is usually enough. From central and southern districts, allow at least an hour, and more in evening traffic. If your airline has just moved terminals, add a little extra, as signage and procedures may still be new.

At Best Trip Hotels, check-out is by 2 PM. If your flight is later, you can leave luggage at reception and collect it on the way to the airport, so you do not spend the afternoon carrying bags. Our Best Trip services page lists everything included at each branch.

Arrival Day: From Terminal to Check-In

On arrival, the terminal decides where you will find your ride. At Terminal 1, ride-app pick-up is in the designated rideshare area in the multi-storey car park (Level 1). At other terminals, step outside arrivals and give your driver a clear landmark.

Have every adult’s ID ready for check-in. Saudi rules require reception to verify an original ID for each adult. Our guide to hotel check-in requirements in Saudi Arabia explains what to bring.

Standard check-in at Best Trip Hotels is from 3 PM. If you land in the morning, ask about early check-in, which depends on availability and may carry a charge, or leave your bags at reception and come back later.

Stay Close to KAIA With Best Trip Hotels

Terminal changes are easier to handle when your base is close by and your hosts know the airport. At Best Trip Hotels, our 24-hour reception teams deal with arrivals and departures at every hour, and we help guests confirm their timings before they set off.

• Best Trip City Zone, An Nuzhah: About 8 minutes from KAIA and around 14 minutes from the airport Haramain station, with full kitchens. Our dedicated monthly property, with terms agreed directly with reception.
• Best Trip Paris, An Nuzhah: About 15 minutes from KAIA, with one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, a rooftop pool and Mall of Arabia within walking distance.
• Al Andalus Tolen, Al Baghdadiyah: Our hotel near Al Balad and the central Corniche, on the airport express bus route.

Every branch includes free Wi-Fi, free parking and luggage storage, with check-in from 3 PM and check-out by 2 PM. Rates for our daily properties change with the season, demand and length of stay, and they rise and fall during Ramadan, school holidays and the Umrah peak, so check the property page or our booking engine for your dates.

Booking direct makes it easy to share your flight details and arrange early check-in or luggage storage in one conversation. Browse all our serviced apartments in Jeddah and book direct.

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