Madinah Airport (MED): Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport
HP37+QR, Madinah
Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) in Madinah: about 15 km from the city, a terminal opened in 2015, passenger services, ways to reach hotels near the Prophet’s Mosque and tips for pilgrims.
In short
- Opening hours
- 24/7
- Address
- HP37+QR, Madinah
- City
- Madinah
Overview
Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (IATA: MED) is the airport of Madinah and the main air gateway for pilgrims and visitors to the city. Its current terminal was opened in 2015, with a design capacity of about 8 million passengers a year; Wikipedia reports about 10.9 million passengers in 2024. The airport is run by Tibah Airports, a concession led by TAV Airports. The designer, Scott Brownrigg, describes the terminal as the first commercial airport terminal in the MENA region with LEED Gold certification; we have not checked the certificate itself.
Plans for a new domestic terminal and more capacity have been announced, but the opening dates are not confirmed, so check the airport’s website before you travel.
Location
The airport lies about 15 km from the city centre; according to Arabic Wikipedia it is to the north-east. The airport states a journey of about 30 minutes to the city centre, and longer around prayer times. Its coordinates are approximately 24.553 N, 39.705 E. The Haramain high-speed railway station is a separate site, about 13 km from the airport, and there is no rail link between the two.
Getting to your hotel
- The official airport page lists car rental, taxis and limousines, the Careem app and a shuttle bus between the airport and the Prophet’s Mosque.
- Fares are not published on the official page. Agree the price before you set off or order through an app, and allow extra time during Hajj and Umrah seasons.
- The Haramain station and the city bus network are not directly connected to the terminal; plan a taxi or shuttle for the transfer.
Services at the airport
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.
- Banks, ATMs and currency exchange, and local SIM cards from telecom operators.
- Lounges that are open around the clock, shops and restaurants.
- A luggage services office for lost baggage and baggage wrapping, and help for passengers with special needs.
- Zamzam water on sale at fixed prices in front of the Hajj terminal.
The official pages do not list prayer rooms, left-luggage lockers or eSIM sales, so ask at the information desk if you need them.
Airlines
Saudia has its hub here. According to Wikipedia, flights also include flynas, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Etihad, Malaysia Airlines, IndiGo and Air Astana, many of them seasonal. Schedules change, so check your airline.
Hajj and Umrah arrivals
- In the Hajj season Madinah is one of the airports that receive pilgrims, and the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has assigned a separate Hajj terminal. For pilgrims under the Makkah Route initiative, entry formalities are completed at the departure airport.
- Passport control for Umrah visitors works at the airport; follow the airport staff and the signs.
- Zamzam water cannot be carried in checked baggage when leaving Saudi Arabia, according to a GACA circular of May 2022; it is allowed in hand luggage. Ask your airline about liquids rules.
Tips
- Arrive early in the Hajj and Umrah seasons: check-in and passport control take longer.
- Check current entry and permit requirements on the official sites, for example nusuk.sa, before the flight.
- Keep the address of your hotel in Arabic for the driver.
Frequently asked
Which terminal does Madinah airport use?
The airport’s current terminal opened in 2015 and was designed for about 8 million passengers a year. In the Hajj season a separate Hajj terminal, assigned by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), receives arriving pilgrims. A new domestic terminal has been announced, but its opening date is not confirmed.
How far is Madinah airport from the city centre, and how do I get there?
The airport is about 15 km from the city centre; it states a journey of roughly 30 minutes, longer around prayer times. Its official page lists car rental, taxis and limousines, the Careem app and a shuttle to the Prophet’s Mosque. Fares are not published, so agree the price first. The Haramain railway station is a separate site about 13 km away, with no rail link.
What services does Madinah airport offer?
Free Wi-Fi, banks, ATMs and currency exchange, local SIM cards, lounges open around the clock, shops and restaurants, a luggage services office and help for passengers with special needs. Zamzam water is sold in front of the Hajj terminal. The official pages do not list prayer rooms or left-luggage lockers.
Which airlines fly to Madinah?
Saudia has its hub here. According to Wikipedia, flights also include flynas, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Etihad, Malaysia Airlines, IndiGo and Air Astana, many of them seasonal. Schedules change, so check your airline, and arrive early in the Hajj and Umrah seasons.