The incredible £23bn airport that's one of the world's biggest with six massive runways

In six years time, a £23billion airport will be one of the world's biggest with six huge runways to its name. When it opens in 2030, King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is expected to become the biggest airport in the world.

Spanning over 57 square kilometres (22 square miles), this huge new airport will offer world-class facilities. Approximately 12 square kilometres will be designated for recreational amenities and retail outlets, it has been reported.

The Saudi Press Agency hopes that the new airport will become an "aerotropolis centred around a seamless customer journey, world-class efficient operations, and innovation".

Riyadh is currently witnessing steady growth in business movement and attracting the headquarters of the largest regional companies.

The massive airport is likely to accommodate 120 million passengers and it is believed that the number may increase to 185 million passengers by 2050.

The airport's design is being handled by the British architecture firm Foster + Partners, with UK construction firm Mace serving as the delivery partner for this ambitious project.

Once operational, King Salman International Airport (KSIA) is anticipated to create approximately 150,000 jobs. The airlines that will operate from the new airport have not been determined yet.

This giant upcoming airport will integrate the current terminals at King Khalid International Airport, which initially opened in 1983.

Dr. Abdullah bin Ahmed Al-Maghlouth, member of the Saudi Economic Association, told that the establishment of KSIA will be Riyadh's gateway to the world.

He said: "It is an economic project with a double economic value, which will resonate in all cities of the Kingdom, as many research studies have confirmed the close interdependence between the services airports provide and regional development.

"The more passengers, flights and cargo transport, the higher the gross domestic product, wages and incomes become.

"They encourage the growth of the city, build more hotels and restaurants, provide more services and express transportation to accommodate visitors and tourists."