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Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport

Qassim, Saudi Arabia

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ELQlarge airport

Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport

Qassim, Saudi Arabia
Explore Qassim city guide Navigate to this airport
12
Routes out
9
Destinations
OEGS
ICAO
2126 ft
Elevation
TravelerPulse profile

Gateway to the Qassim region of central Saudi Arabia.

Location
Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport, coded ELQ/OEGS, serves the Qassim region in the Najd plateau of central Saudi Arabia. It is the primary commercial airport for the city of Buraydah and the broader Al-Qassim Province, one of the most populous inland regions of the kingdom. The airport handles domestic routes primarily connecting Qassim to Riyadh, Jeddah, and other Saudi cities, with some international services. It is managed under the Saudi Airports Authority (GAA) and has undergone capacity improvements as part of Saudi Arabia's broader aviation expansion strategy under Vision 2030. The airport is named after Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, a former Crown Prince and longtime Interior Minister of Saudi Arabia. Its location in the agricultural heartland of the country makes it an important link for the region's economic activity.
Terminals
The airport operates a single terminal handling both domestic and limited international passenger traffic.
Getting to & from
Ground transport to Buraydah and surrounding Qassim cities is available primarily via taxis and private vehicles, as public transit infrastructure remains limited.
Airlines here
Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines) and flynas are among the primary carriers serving the airport with domestic routes.
Notable facts
  • ›Named after Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, former Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.
  • ›Serves Al-Qassim Province, one of Saudi Arabia's most populous inland regions.
  • ›The airport supports both domestic and limited international routes.
  • ›Located near Buraydah, the capital of Al-Qassim Province.
  • ›Part of Saudi Arabia's expanding regional airport network under Vision 2030.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
Gateway to the heart of Saudi Arabia's agricultural heartland

Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport serves Qassim Region, one of Saudi Arabia's most agriculturally productive areas known for its dates and wheat. Located near Buraydah, the regional capital, the airport connects central Saudi Arabia to major domestic hubs and select international destinations. It plays a key role in supporting the region's growing economy and Vision 2030-driven development.

Terminals
  • Main Terminal — A single integrated terminal handling both domestic and international arrivals and departures with standard passenger facilities.
Ground Transport
  • Taxis available outside the arrivals hall
  • Private hire and ride-hailing apps (Uber, Careem) operational in Buraydah
  • Car rental desks inside the terminal (local and international agencies)
  • Hotel shuttle services available from select properties
Nearby Hotels
  • Marriott Buraydah
  • Millennium Hotel Qassim
  • Al Massa Hotel Buraydah
  • Ramada by Wyndham Buraydah
Dining

The terminal offers a modest selection of cafes and light-meal outlets reflecting local tastes, including Arabic coffee and date-based snacks. Outside the airport in Buraydah, a wide range of Saudi and international dining options are available along major commercial streets. Visitors are encouraged to try the region's famous Qassimi dates, widely available at local markets.

Traveller Tips
  • Arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic flights as the terminal can get busy during peak periods.
  • Carry cash as not all local taxis may accept card payments.
  • Buraydah's city centre is approximately 15–20 minutes by road from the airport.
  • The Qassim region observes conservative social norms — dress modestly and be mindful of prayer times affecting services.
Official website

AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.

Route map (9 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Routes

ELQ → CAIEO · 320
ELQ → DXBFZ · 73H
ELQ → SHJG9 · 320
ELQ → CAIMS · 321 E70
ELQ → CAINP · 320
ELQ → DOHQR · 320 319
ELQ → DMMSV · 320 321
ELQ → RUHSV · E70 320 321
ELQ → JEDSV · 320 321
ELQ → MEDSV · E70
ELQ → ISTTK · 319 73W
ELQ → CAIUJ · 320
Hotels near ELQ

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Passport, Visa & Immigration

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Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport
Encyclopaedia

Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport, formerly Qassim International Airport, is an international airport serving Buraidah, Saudi Arabia. Located in Buraidah and named after the former Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz, it primarily serves the northern provinces of the kingdom. International routes are limited to 9 countries: the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Bahrain, Azerbaijan (seasonal), Bosnia and Herzegovina (seasonal), Qatar, Kuwait, Pakistan, and Turkey. Established in 1964, the airport is owned and operated by the Matarat Holding Company. It was renamed Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport by royal decree by King Abdullah on 5 July 2012 in memory of former Crown Prince Naif who died in June 2012.

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