Riyadh airport’s new travel rule: What ‘Silent Airport’ means

Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport has launched the first phase of its ‘Silent Airport’ project, reducing general public announcements and directing passengers to digital screens, mobile services and targeted announcements at boarding gates.

The first phase of the initiative is now operational at International Terminal 5. The project is aimed at reducing background noise inside the terminal and creating a quieter and more comfortable environment for passengers.

Under the new system, general flight-related announcements will be significantly reduced. Important information will instead be displayed on digital screens and made available through electronic services.

Announcements will continue at departure gates when necessary, particularly for information that requires passengers’ immediate attention.

Digital screens replace routine announcements

Passengers can check flight timings and other travel information through the airport’s digital display boards and official website.

The airport is also providing updates through its WhatsApp service at 920020090. Travellers can additionally seek assistance from the airport’s ‘Ask Me’ customer service team.

The system is designed to give passengers access to flight information without relying on continuous loudspeaker announcements throughout the terminal.

Project introduced in phases

The ‘Silent Airport’ project is being introduced gradually, beginning with Terminal 5. The airport is expected to announce details of further phases at a later stage.

The phased approach allows the airport to increase its use of digital communication while retaining targeted announcements where they are considered necessary.

Accessibility for visually impaired passengers

The available information does not specify how flight updates will be provided to visually impaired passengers or others who may not be able to rely on digital screens and mobile apps. The airport says its ‘Ask Me’ team will continue to assist passengers, while essential announcements will still be made at departure gates.

Part of Riyadh’s aviation ambitions

The initiative forms part of wider efforts to improve passenger services and expand digital systems at King Khalid International Airport.

Reducing non-essential announcements is also becoming more common at airports internationally, with digital displays and mobile services increasingly used to provide flight information while limiting unnecessary background noise.

For passengers, the change means paying closer attention to display boards, mobile updates and gate information rather than relying on announcements heard throughout the terminal.