Makkah, April 2 -- Saudi Arabia has approved plans to develop an airport in Makkah, marking a significant step in expanding transport infrastructure and improving access for millions of pilgrims.

Saleh Al-Rasheed, chief executive of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, said strategic and economic directions for the project have been finalised, with the aim of building a facility to global standards.

As reported by Saudi Gazette, Al-Rasheed said in remarks to Harvard Business Review that the airport will be developed through private sector partnerships, without compromising the feasibility of nearby airports such as King Abdulaziz International Airport.

Early-stage project under Vision 2030

The airport remains in th...