King Abdulaziz Airport activates cross-take: 6 operational advantages

In a first for Saudi Arabian airports, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah announced the activation of "cross-flight" operations on its three runways, following the fulfillment of all stringent standards and the receipt of official approval from the General Authority of Civil Aviation . This measure represents a significant leap forward in the operational capabilities of the airport, which serves as the main gateway to the Two Holy Mosques and one of the most important air hubs in the region.

A qualitative leap in operational processes

This step followed a series of rigorous tests to ensure the readiness of the infrastructure and navigation systems, demonstrating the airport's ability to manage this complex type of operation according to the highest aviation safety . Cross take-off refers to the optimal use of available runways and their intersections, allowing for greater flexibility in scheduling departures, thus reducing time losses and increasing the airport's capacity.

Supporting the objectives of the National Transport Strategy

This measure is not just a technical update, but comes within a broader context that serves the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to increase the capacity of Saudi airports to reach 330 million passengers annually by 2030. Given the strategic position of King Abdulaziz Airport as a pivotal center for the movement of pilgrims and Umrah performers, raising operational efficiency is an urgent necessity to deal with the expected high density during religious seasons and peak times.

6 strategic advantages of the cross-start system

Activating this system contributes to achieving a range of direct and indirect benefits, most notably:

• Improving the efficiency of air traffic: by utilizing runways simultaneously or sequentially with high flexibility.
• Reducing waiting time: Reducing the time that aircraft spend in taxiways before takeoff (Taxi time).
• Enhancing operational efficiency: especially during peak seasonal periods, thus reducing the likelihood of flight delays.
• Improving the traveler experience: Adhering to departure times positively impacts traveler satisfaction.
• Environmental sustainability: Reducing engine operating times on land contributes to lower fuel consumption.
• Reducing carbon emissions: This is in line with the Saudi Green Initiative and the international commitments of the aviation sector to reduce its carbon footprint.

This achievement confirms King Abdulaziz International Airport’s commitment to adopting the latest innovative solutions in the world of aviation, to ensure a safe, seamless and environmentally friendly travel experience, thereby enhancing the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub connecting the three continents.