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It’s no surprise that business travelers in KSA are rethinking their airport experiences and think it’s challenging traveling for conferences and more these days. But what’s really interesting, though, is the growing number of them turning to airssist, a VIP concierge provider at airports for a better quality, quicker, and more efficient airport journey in KSA. With Saudi airports welcoming a staggering 128 million travelers in 2024 a 15% jump from last year and 25% getting through terminals like Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), and Dammam (DMM) has turned into quite the challenge for executives and professionals. Challenges you might ask? (1) Of course the long lines, language barriers, and tight schedules mean that even a minor delay can result in missed meetings or lost opportunities.
Today, we’re thoughtfully curating this blog with abundant information on why services like concierge are becoming essential for business travelers in KSA, and especially how airssist is the best choice among Business Travelers traveling through KSA. We’ll explore the increasing pressures professionals face, the common airport obstacles they encounter, and the tangible benefits of using airssist, from expedited immigration to personalized meet-and-greet assistance, and more. Keep reading to find out how smart business travelers today are transforming the much expected airport chaos into absolute convenience, and why you might want to join them.
The High Stakes for Business Travelers in KSA Airports
Saudi Arabia’s primary airports, Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), and Dammam (DMM), are operating at high intensity. With increasing transit traffic connecting flights across Europe, Asia, and Africa, and a steady flow of international conferences, corporate forums, and mega‑projects being held in the Kingdom, (2) these hubs are nearly always busy. For business travelers, delays in immigration, baggage mishandling, and confusing terminal layouts are not just annoyances they carry real risks such as missing critical meetings, arriving fatigued, or losing productive hours that could’ve been spent preparing or networking.
These challenges are playing out in a region where business travel is already growing rapidly. According to Gulf Base, the MENA market reached US$18.1 billion in 2025. (3) The wider MENA region is projected to reach a market value of $270.8 billion by 2030, driven by rapid advancements in infrastructure projects and digital transformation initiatives. Saudi Arabia is the most travelled destination in the region, accounting for roughly 20% of all business travel in MENA. Meanwhile, travelers are increasingly demanding more off‑airport solutions. In recent surveys by IATA on Airports International, 45% identified immigration as the top process they’d like to complete before arriving at the airport (up from 32% in 2022), followed by check‑in (33%) and baggage drop‑off (19%). (4) And a striking 91% express interest in trusted traveler programs to speed up security. These numbers make clear: time saved isn’t just convenience, it’s a necessity. (5)
Impact & Trends on/in KSA
It’s expected whether arriving, transiting, or departing to often face unavoidable challenges. The good news is that effective solutions are readily available to meet their needs. In the rest of the blog we’ll focus on what luxury travel at airports look like, comparisons, and why airssist is an ideal solution for business travelers through KSA.
What “Luxury” Looks Like in Saudi Airports Today – The ALTANFEETHI by airssist Benchmark
For those travelers who are familiar with what Altanfeethi by airssist offers at KSA airports, or for those who might have heard about it but aren’t quite sure about the services available and where to find them, we’ve put together a handy breakdown of the services along with their locations for your convenience. Additionally, we’ve provided a brief yet comprehensive overview of the services that Altanfeethi by airssist offers at KSA airports to ensure you have a clear understanding.
Defining Altanfeethi Services
As you book your Alanfeethi VIP services via airssist, travelers get to enjoy the below VIP services and amenities for extreme convenience and comfort.
Altanfeethi services typically include:
- Private terminals / VIP & executive terminals
- Fast‑track security & immigration
- Meet & greet from arrival through departure
- Baggage assistance & fast baggage transfer
- Private transport within the airport (e.g. from terminal to aircraft)
- Luxury hospitality & catering
- A “personal assistant” to handle any special needs
- Nearby private / reserved parking
- Business centre facilities
Recent Upgrades
Altanfeethi Lounge in Madinah was opened by Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz (Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport)
- Size: 1,200 sq. meters
- Capacity: 240,000 passengers annually
- Features: modern check‑in platforms, facilities for people with disabilities, eco‑friendly design elements (natural plant displays, etc.)
Major Altanfeethi Terminal Locations
- Riyadh
- Jeddah
- Dammam
- Madinah
- Abha
- Al-Ula
- Al-Jouf
- Qassim
- Tabuk
- Bisha Governorate
- Al-Ahsa Governorate
- Al-Dawadmi Governorate
- Wadi Al-Dawasir Governorate
- Arar
- Turaif Governorate
If you’d like to plan your business travel with confidence through Saudi airports, you can check out our blog post “Exploring Saudi Arabia Airports’ Luxury at 27 Altanfeethi Hubs by airssist” for full details on all VIP terminals and what services you can expect.
How Business Travelers Are Supported with Altanfeethi
For business travelers, the Altanfeethi benchmark is about so much more than just comfort — it’s all about boosting efficiency, productivity, and ensuring peace of mind. Here’s what they can look forward to:
- Time savings with fast-track lanes and private immigration and security processing.
- Privacy and discretion through private terminals, exclusive entrances, and reserved lounges.
- Extraordinary transitions thanks to a dedicated personal assistant, concierge-style service, and private transport to and from the aircraft or between different airport zones.
- A well-prepared workspace featuring business centers, quiet lounges, high-speed internet, and meeting rooms.
- Stress reduction with baggage handling, convenient parking, and minimized formalities like passport, visa, and security checks.
airssist vs. Traditional Travel Pain Points: What You Gain
Business travelers in Saudi Arabia often face hurdles that can really throw a wrench in their travel plans. Saudi gazette brought to light some significant pain points: (7)
- 39% of travelers feel frustrated when they can’t access their booking information on all their devices.
- 80% are open to sharing biometric data if it means cutting down on wait times at security and immigration.
These findings highlight the growing need for smooth, tech-savvy solutions. So, how does airssist tackle these issues?
| Travel Frustration | Without Concierge / VIP Support | With airssist’s Support |
| Long immigration / security queues | Unpredictable delays, risk of missed connections, pre‑flight anxiety | Fast‑track lanes, dedicated greeters, time saved and calmer arrival |
| Baggage delays or searching | Time wasted, stress, sometimes lost or mishandled luggage | Dedicated baggage handling, guidance from ground staff, tracked luggage service |
| Navigating terminals, unfamiliar layout | Getting lost, delays, wasted energy, mis‑connections | Meet & greet, personal assistant, private / shortcut routes inside airport |
| Lack of quiet space or privacy | Crowded lounges, noise, low productivity, poor rest during layovers | Access to exclusive lounges & business‑centres, private terminals, calm environment |
| Cultural, language, or assistance gaps | Miscommunication, discomfort, extra waiting, inefficiency | Multilingual concierge, personalized assistance, smoother interactions at every touchpoint |
An airssist customer reviewed on trustpilot at Riyadh Airport;
“Thank you airssist Team for providing great assistance to my sister and my father, who is a senior citizen, during their arrival at Riyadh Airport. It was their first time in Saudi Arabia, and they were quite anxious, but the service made it easier and smoother for my family. I will surely recommend your service to my colleagues and friends.”
Why airssist Is a Smart Choice for Business Travelers in KSA
In January 2025, severe weather conditions, including heavy rains, hail, and thunderstorms, led to significant disruptions at airports across Saudi Arabia. Notably, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah experienced substantial delays, with 22 departing flights delayed by an average of 45 minutes. (8) In contrast, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh reported minimal disruptions, with only five flights delayed by an average of five minutes.
Such weather-related challenges can pose significant obstacles for business travelers, especially those with tight schedules. This is where airssist’s premium services come into play.
Comprehensive Services for Business Travelers
At airssist, a range of services are crafted to make your travel experience as exceptional as possible:
- Meet & Greet: Business travelers get to enjoy personalized assistance from the moment you arrive until you depart, ensuring you glide effortlessly through the airport.
- Fast-Track Immigration: Get through immigration and security in a flash, saving you precious time.
- Baggage Assistance: Our dedicated team is here to take care of your luggage, so you can concentrate on what really matters, your business.
- Concierge Services: With multilingual support, we cater to a variety of needs and preferences.
Collaboration with ALTANFEETHI Terminals
airssist has teamed up with Altanfeethi to give you access to over 27 executive terminals throughout Saudi Arabia. These exclusive terminals feature private check-in counters, luxurious lounges, and direct transportation to your aircraft, all designed to elevate your airport experience.
Cost vs. Benefit
While premium services come at an additional cost, the benefits far outweigh the expenses. For instance, a business traveler utilizing airssist’s services at airssist could save a significant amount of time in immigration processing. This time savings can be crucial for attending important meetings, catching connecting flights, or simply relaxing at a VIP terminal of preference.
Comparison
| Service Option | Time Saved | Stress Level | Cost Implication |
| airssist + Altanfeethi | High | Low | Moderate |
| Premium Lounge Access Only | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| Regular Airport Procedures | Low | High | Low |
How to Make a Business Trip Through Saudi Arabia Airports Worthwhile
- Book VIP Concierge Services Early – Reserve services like airssist’s meet & greet, fast‑track immigration, and private lounge access 2‑4 weeks ahead, especially during busy seasons (Hajj, Ramadan, major conferences).
- Choose Airports with Premium Terminals / ALTANFEETHI Lounges – Opt to fly via airports where Altanfeethi terminals by airssist for a polished airport experience.
- Use Travel Tech & Apps Proactively – Keep airssist app handy for emergency planning.
- Build Buffer Time Into Your Itinerary – Always allow extra time for transit, security, customs. In Saudi airports during events or bad weather, delays are likely. If you have meetings right after landing, plan to land at least 1‑2 hours earlier than absolutely necessary.
- Pack Light, Travel Smart
– Use carry‑on when possible to skip baggage claims.
– Keep essential documents (passport, visa, ID) in a dedicated, accessible folder.
– Place electronics and chargers in easy‑reach spots.
Maximize Lounge Benefits – Access premium lounges with airssist not just for rest but for productivity as taking calls, planning your next steps, adjust to changing schedules or time zones. Moreover, you can take advantage of fast WiFi and quiet zones to catch up on work.
What’s Coming for Business Travelers in KSA?
- More VIP / ALTANFEETHI terminals are being added at airports like Hail and Taif.
- Stronger partnerships: airlines and global operators teaming up (for example, ALTANFEETHI working with Universal Weather & Aviation on general aviation / FBO services).
- More digital options: concierge via phone/app, faster check‑ins, biometric screening, real‑time airport updates.
- Push in line with Vision 2030: bigger investments in airport infrastructure, boosting tourism, making premium travel smoother.
FAQs
What are VIP concierge services at Saudi airports?
VIP concierge services include fast-track immigration, meet-and-greet assistance, baggage handling, luxury transportation, and access to private lounges, designed to make business travel faster, smoother, and more comfortable.
Which airports in Saudi Arabia offer premium terminals for business travelers?
Airports like Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport (Madinah), Hail, and Taif feature Altanfeethi VIP terminals, offering luxury services such as private check-in, executive lounges, and personalized service.
How can I book a concierge service for my business trip?
You can easily book through platforms like airssist, which provides VIP airport services at all major Saudi airports. For direct inquiries or bookings, contact: [email protected].
Are VIP concierge services only for first-class passengers?
No. Concierge services are available to any traveler, regardless of class, who wishes to elevate their airport experience. They’re especially useful for busy business travelers with tight schedules.
Do concierge services help with delays or missed connections?
Yes, concierge teams can assist with rebooking, lounge access during delays, and fast-tracking you through procedures to catch tight connections, minimizing disruption to your business travel plans.
References
1- https://www.saudigazette.com.sa/article/649574
2 – https://news.daleel.gov.sa/industry/saudi-mega-projects-leading-global-growth-in-large-developments
3 – https://www.gulfbase.com/news/business-travel-in-mena-reaches-18-billion-in-h1-2025/208483
4 – https://www.airportsinternational.com/article/passengers-prioritise-speed-and-convenience
5 – https://www.travelindustrywire.com/article128817.html
6 – https://gulfbase.com/news/business-travel-in-mena-reaches-18-billion-in-h1-2025/208483
7 – https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/563888
8- https://gulfnews.com/business/aviation/saudi-arabia-issues-flight-delays-advisory-amid-heavy-rains-1.500011363
Note: Please note that the information on this page is generic & subject to change due to fluctuations in airport services. Kindly confirm service availability with our team, as offerings may vary daily.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
