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Updated March 2024
While Saudi Arabia boasts larger and busier airports, Taif Regional Airport (TIF) carries profound historical significance within the country’s aviation landscape. It notably commemorates the inaugural landing of Ibn Saud’s aircraft, the founder of the Kingdom. Despite its classification as a regional airport, TIF caters to international flight routes, extending its reach beyond the borders of Saudi Arabia to serve several countries.
In this article, Wego provides the necessary information on Taif Regional Airport’s facilities, terminals and transport options.
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Taif Regional Airport overview
Taif Regional Airport (TIF), situated 30 km east of Taif and 70 km from Mecca, commenced operations in 1976, emerging as a crucial transportation center owing to its strategic location. Serving as the second closest airport to Mecca after Jeddah Airport, it holds significance as a pivotal access point to one of Saudi Arabia’s foremost tourist and religious destinations.
While its inception dates back to 1976, Taif Regional Airport attained regional airport status in 2009 under the authorization of The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). This pivotal decision came amidst the burgeoning population of the city and the necessity to alleviate congestion at the primary airports, marking a significant milestone in its evolution.
Over time, the Taif Regional Airport became a significant airport in the region, facilitating the travel of numerous passengers and offering convenient and comfortable experiences for visitors from various countries. Furthermore, the airport has a capacity to accommodate 550,000 passengers annually.
Taif Regional Airport code
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) code for Taif Regional Airport is TIF, while that of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is OETF.
Taif Regional Airport location
Taif Regional Airport, located in Taif, Saudi Arabia, stands 30 km east of Taif and 70 km from Mecca. Serving as a convenient transportation hub, it facilitates travel to and from these prominent cities, offering connectivity for travelers.
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Taif Regional Airport airlines and destinations
Currently, the following 9 airlines are flying from Taif Regional Airport to various domestic and international destinations:
- Air Arabia – Cairo, Sharjah
- Flyadeal – Dammam, Riyadh
- Flydubai – Dubai-International
- Flynas – Dammam, Kuwait City, Muscat, Riyadh
- Nesma Airlines – Cairo
- Nile Air – Cairo
- Qatar Airways – Doha
- Saudia – Abha, Dammam, Jeddah, Jizan, Medina, Riyadh, Sharurah
- Turkish Airlines – Istanbul
Taif Regional Airport terminals
The Taif Regional Airport consists of only one terminal used for domestic and international travel.
Taif Regional Airport services and facilities
Lounges
Al-Tanfeethi Lounge and Hayyak Lounge are the two lounges available at Taif Regional Airport. The lounges offer a range of amenities, allowing travelers to indulge in delicious snacks and beverages while enjoying conversations with friends and family.
Moreover, complimentary Wi-Fi services are available throughout all lounges and areas within the airport, ensuring travelers can stay connected at all times. Simply log in to the Wi-Fi network and start surfing, perhaps even planning your next vacation to Taif right from the comfort of the lounge.
Airport shops
At Taif Regional Airport, travelers have the opportunity to explore several shops before boarding their flights. These shops offer a diverse range of products, including perfume, aftershave, cosmetics, sunglasses, confectionery, fashion accessories, jewelry, and watches, catering to various tastes and preferences.
Airport cafe
Taif Regional Airport features a small and cozy café that provides a selection of light meals, including pastries, sandwiches, and cakes, along with a range of beverages such as teas, coffees, sodas, and juices. Additionally, vending machines situated outside the airport offer convenient access for passengers to purchase drinks and snacks.
How to get to and from Taif Regional Airport?
Travelers can get to and from the Taif Regional Airport by availing any of the following transportation options:
Bus – SAPTCO
Buses offer a budget-friendly option for travel from Taif Regional Airport, with SAPTCO, a government-funded company, operating services for local, inter-city, and international travel, as well as offering bus rentals.
The journey from the airport to Taif’s city center by bus typically takes around 1 hour, covering a distance of 30 km, at a cost of approximately SAR 15. The tickets can be reserved on the official SAPTCO website or at the respective stops.
Taxi
Taxis are a comfortable way of travel and intermediate in terms of cost. Uber and many other websites offer cozy rides that may cost from SAR 50 to SAR 85 to the city center of Taif.
Please note that the prices may vary depending on the time and distance.
Car rentals
Car Rentals are the most expensive way to travel from the airport but also the most comfortable. The price of renting a car can start from SAR 350 for the trip to the city center of Taif.
Please note that the prices may vary depending on the time and distance.
