After 43 Years: Farewell to 'This is the Final Call' at King Khalid International Airport as It Becomes Silent
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh begins implementing the 'silent airport' project, reducing audio announcements and relying on digital means for flight information.
After more than four decades since the opening of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh in 1983, the travel experience within it is entering a new phase with the gradual implementation of the 'silent airport' project. This project reduces traditional audio announcements and relies more on screens and digital channels to convey flight information to travelers. The airport's official website confirms it was opened in 1983.
The first phase of the project began in International Terminal 5 by reducing public announcements and limiting some to the vicinity of departure gates, while enhancing the use of flight information screens and digital means.
The term 'silent airport' does not mean the complete absence of sound but rather the reduction of repeated announcements heard by everyone in the terminal, even though they pertain to a specific flight or a limited group of passengers. Necessary, security, and emergency announcements will continue.
The system aims to provide a quieter and more comfortable environment, reduce noise and confusion within the terminals, and increase travelers' reliance on digital information, making important announcements clearer when used.
This initiative is part of a global trend previously adopted by several international airports. In 2010, Dubai International Airport announced its 'silent airport' project, successfully reducing the number of daily announcements from over 2,000 to less than 700 without affecting flight departure performance, according to Dubai Airports.
In Saudi Arabia, Abha International Airport was the first to implement the silent airport concept in 2024. The introduction of this experience at King Khalid Airport is a significant step given the volume of air traffic and passengers at the capital's airport.
This new transformation coincides with King Khalid Airport's global advancement, having been awarded the title of 'World's Most Improved Airport' at the Skytrax Airport Awards 2026, reflecting the development in the airport, its services, and the traveler experience.
As a result, the famous phrase 'final call for passengers...' may become less frequent in Riyadh Airport's terminals, having been a familiar part of the travel experience for decades, with information gradually transitioning from loudspeakers to screens, phones, and digital notifications.