Medina Airport (MED), also known as the Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, is the primary airport serving the city of Medina in Saudi Arabia. It is located a roughly 30-minute drive away from the Medina city centre. At this airport, you can catch regional flights connecting you to many major cities across Saudi Arabia, as well as international flights to Egypt, UAE, Turkey and more.
During the Umrah and Hajj seasons, more international charter flights become available to this airport. Medina Airport, as well as Jeddah Airport, are the two airports that are most frequently used by pilgrims travelling to Umrah and Hajj. Medina Airport is a hub airport for Saudia, Saudi Arabia's flag carrier, who are primarily based in Jeddah.
If you're departing from Medina Airport, your check-in options are online, at the airport or via the self-service check-in kiosks.
For convenience, we recommend checking in online. Most airlines allow online check-in anywhere from 24 to 48 hours before departure. You can select your seat, print your boarding pass and even check-in baggage if your airline allows you to do so. If you've checked in online and only have carry-on baggage, you can head straight through to Medina Airport's security area.
Medina Airport has traditional airport check-in desks operated by your airline. The desks are clearly marked within each terminal. Check-in deadlines will vary depending on your destination, however, as a general rule we recommend arriving at least 2-3 hours before departure you allow yourself enough time to check in at these desks, especially if you have baggage.
Several airlines at Medina Airport offer self-service check-in kiosks. These are handy because you can quickly check-in for your flight, choose your seats, print your boarding passes and print offer baggage tags without having to interact with any of the airport staff.
Medina Airport follows standard security procedures to ensure passenger safety. When you get to security, prepare to walk through metal detectors and have your belongings screened by X-ray machines. Make sure you pack liquids, aerosols and gels into 100 ml containers and place them in a clear, resealable plastic bag. Also, ensure you remove laptops and large electronic devices from your bag for separate screening.
If you'd like tips on how to get through airport security smoothly, check out our blog - Guide to Airport Security.
Once you land at Medina Airport, follow the signs that direct you to baggage claim. Your flight number should be displayed on screens that will indicate which carousel you need to collect your baggage from. After you've collected your baggage, proceed through customs if required.
Once you've landed at Medina Airport, you've got several transportation options to get you to your final destination. Here's a breakdown:
A convenient mode of transport is the SAPTCO Shuttle Bus, provided by the Medina Development Authority as a dedicated shuttle service between Medina Airport and the Prophet's Mosque in the city centre. This bus comes every 30 minutes with a journey time of around 35 minutes. Tickets generally cost around SAR 11.50 per person, making it a budget-friendly option to get around, especially if you're staying near the mosque.
There are plenty of taxis available at the airport. The fares are usually fixed with a standard rate of around SAR 60 for up to 4 people to central Medina locations. Keep in mind that this is a more expensive option and that not all taxi drivers will speak English.
Several car rental companies operate out of Medina Airport, including major international brands like Enterprise and Alamo. You get more flexibility and freedom to explore Medina with a rental car, however, traffic can get congested in the city centre and if you're not familiar with driving in Saudi Arabia, this may be a challenging option.
Depending on the hotel you're staying at, many hotels do offer complimentary shuttle services to/from Medina Airport for guests. It's a convenient option, especially if you have baggage with you. Make sure to check with your hotel in advance to confirm if this service is offered.
You can book private car services online or through your hotel. This gives you a comfortable and personalised experience, with a driver meeting you just as you arrive at the airport!
Medina Airport has one terminal:
Primeclass Lounge is a 'cross between privilege and comfort'. It has air conditioning, a business centre, a prayer room, a kids' room, disabled access, flight information, a meeting room, newspapers and magazines, games and PlayStations, refreshments and free Wi-Fi. You can find this lounge after Passport Control, on the Ground Floor, near Gate 112 in Medina Airport.
Did you know? You can add access to airport lounges when booking flights through Alternative Airlines! Take a look at our handy guide on how to add lounges to your booking right here.
Hub airport for:
Saudia
Major airlines:
Saudia, Flynas, Turkish Airlines, Egyptair, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Pakistan International Airlines, Gulf Air and Air Algerie.
International airlines:
Air Algerie, Air Arabia, Air Cairo, AJet, Azerbaijan Airlines, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Batik Air Malaysia, Citilink, Egyptair, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Flydubai, Freebird Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Gulf Air, Iran Air, Iraqi Airways, Jazeera Airways, Kma Air, Kuwait Airways, Lion Air, Malaysia Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Nemsa Airlines Oman Air, Pakistan International Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, Salam Air, Serene Air, Thai Airways International, Tunisair, Turkish Airlines, Utair, Uzbekistan Airways and Wizz Air
Domestic airlines:
Flyadeal, Flynas and Saudia
If you or a passenger on your booking require a special service to make the journey easier (such as wheelchair assistance or special medical equipment), we're here to help. Contact us today to discuss adding special services to your booking.
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The official name of Medina Airport is Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, and its code is MED.
No, Medina Airport only has one main passenger terminal that handles both domestic and international flights. During Hajj season, the airport may use additional facilities for Hajj flights.
The airport offers passengers a range of amenities for a comfortable travel experience. These include:
Several transportation options are available:
Yes, Medina Airport features dedicated prayer rooms within the terminal for both men and women.
