The Red Sea International Airport project is a cutting-edge development situated near the Red Sea coast. Serving as a cornerstone for the Saudi leadership’s vision of diversifying the economy through eco-tourism and hospitality, the airport’s strategic location allows for access to around 80% of the global population.

The innovative design of the airport features five dune-like ‘pods’ evoking the desert landscape’s colours and textures. These pods function as separate departures terminals that lend a uniquely intimate experience for both inbound and outbound passenger journeys. The departures pods also enable parts of the airport to close during low-demand periods to conserve energy. Passengers experience a unique level of luxury throughout the journey, more akin to a high-end hotel that any airport. Between the pods, shaded wadi-style gardens greet arriving guests as they descend toward lower level processing facilities and an expansive Welcome Centre.

Pascall+ Watson were commissioned to develop Foster + Partners’ concept, offering the client a facility that would reduce costs and the carbon footprint, develop the structural design, and offer optimised operational facilities to achieve stakeholder buy-in – all whilst maintaining the stunning architectural vision.

Pascall+Watson exceeded client expectations, bringing the project in on budget under a tight programme, achieving an 85% reduction in steel tonnage across the project, as well as gaining approval by the operator and national authorities for this never-before-seen airport typology.