Abha International Airport has been designated as Saudi Arabia’s first silent airport, as announced by airport authorities on Thursday. This transformation means there will no longer be announcements regarding takeoffs, passenger boarding, last calls, and similar notifications.

Enhancing the Travel Environment

The airport management has decided to eliminate loudspeakers for general announcements to foster a quieter environment. This decision aligns with global best practices seen at international airports such as Singapore Changi, Zurich, Dubai, Amsterdam, and London City. The goal is to enhance the passenger experience by reducing noise pollution within the terminal.

Information Dissemination

Flight details will now be communicated through flight display screens and information boards at boarding gates. To ensure passengers are well-informed, the airport will launch an awareness campaign featuring multilingual information boards and electronic notices, explaining the silent airport concept and alerting travelers to the absence of voice calls.

Emergency Announcements

While general announcements will cease, a voice call system will be installed for emergencies, such as flight cancellations, delays, or other critical information. This system will only be used in specific situations to ensure passenger safety and awareness.

Preparing Travelers

The airport administration urges relevant authorities to support this initiative and encourages travelers to stay updated via airline communication channels and flight information display screens. This preparation aims to provide a seamless, stress-free travel experience free from the usual noise disruptions.

Concept of Silent Airports

Silent airports aim to minimize background noise in terminals, creating a more peaceful environment. Unlike typical airports with frequent announcements, silent airports restrict announcements to emergencies, such as lost children or flight delays. In main waiting areas, all non-essential announcements are banned, focusing passenger attention on critical information and enhancing the overall travel experience.

Abha International Airport’s adoption of this practice marks a significant step towards modernizing passenger services and aligning with international standards for a quieter, more serene travel environment.