The airport’s undulating roof echoes the surrounding desert landscape while creating a striking arrival experience © Foster + Partners
Curated by ArchiRev Editorial | Published September 3rd, 2026 | Source: Foster + Partners
Project Details
Architect: Foster + Partners
Location: Red Sea Coast, Saudi Arabia
Typologies: Airport, Transport Infrastructure, Aviation
Themes: Airport Design, Sustainable Architecture, Passenger Experience, Climate-Responsive Design, Infrastructure
Status: Completed
Client: Red Sea Global
Airports today are supposed not only to connect places but also to represent the identity of the destination and at the same time address various ecological issues. One of the examples of such airports is the Red Sea International Airport by Foster + Partners, whose terminal reflects the uniqueness of the environment in Saudi Arabia. The Red Sea destination is served by this airport, which is not only efficient in handling passengers but also responds to the changing climate in the area.
Five modular pods form the airport’s terminal, and the shape of the roof above them echoes the forms of desert dunes. Such a layout enables the addition of new facilities to the airport later as passenger traffic increases. The design also includes several courtyards between the enclosed pods. They allow for natural ventilation, the introduction of daylight, and the creation of calm spaces. In this way, the process of passing the airport becomes the experience of walking in light-filled spaces that are connected with nature. Wide glazing allows enjoying panoramic views of mountains and the coastline from inside the airport.
Modular terminal pods, landscaped courtyards, and naturally lit interiors create a sustainable airport experience. © Foster + Partners
The wellness of passengers has been an essential consideration in the design process. Clear and intuitive circulation paths provide ease of passage from entry to exit, and the ample waiting spaces, light-filled courtyards, and well-thought-out landscape design make the airport feel like a hospitality destination, not a traditional transport facility. The modularity of the airport terminal enables efficient functioning of each functional zone within the overall human scale.
Performance and sustainability have been integrated into all aspects of this project. The roof creates shade, thus minimizing solar gain, while the landscaping improves the microclimate conditions and makes it possible to passively cool the building. The orientation of the building, natural ventilation strategies, and efficient environmental systems help minimize the energy consumption of the building in this difficult climate. Designed to facilitate future expansion while still achieving the environmental objectives, the airport shows the way forward for large-scale transportation facilities.
Red Sea International Airport creates a novel example of air transportation architecture through flexible planning, climate-driven design, and local context awareness. With its modular structure, desert-inspired design, natural lighting of common areas, and sustainability techniques, Foster + Partners have designed an airport that would represent the identity of the Red Sea region and provide passengers with a high level of comfort. Rather than being just a transportation facility, Red Sea International Airport is the architectural starting point for one of the biggest tourism projects in Saudi Arabia.