Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz International Airport (ELQ)

Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz International Airport (ELQ), also known as Gassim Airport, serves as the primary aviation gateway for the Al-Qassim Province in central Saudi Arabia. Located approximately 30 kilometers west of Buraidah and serving the nearby city of Unaizah, the airport is a critical hub for the region's agricultural heartland. Its strategic position in the Najd region makes it an essential node for government officials, business travelers, and religious pilgrims visiting the province's historic mosques and Islamic heritage sites, while supporting the area's significant date palm and agricultural export economy.

The airport features a modern, single terminal building designed to handle both domestic and an expanding range of international flight operations. One of the standout amenities is the Hayyak Lounge, which provides a premium environment for business and first-class passengers, offering comfortable seating, refreshments, and business facilities. The terminal is well-equipped with essential services including spacious prayer rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a variety of dining options that range from traditional Arabian coffee shops to international fast-food brands, ensuring a comfortable experience for all travelers passing through the Al-Qassim region.

Technological integration and logistical efficiency are hallmarks of the operations at ELQ. The terminal has recently been upgraded with advanced self-check-in kiosks and a sophisticated automated baggage handling system to streamline passenger processing. Beyond passenger travel, the airport plays a significant role in regional logistics, featuring dedicated facilities for cargo operations that support the export of Al-Qassim's famous agricultural products. The well-maintained 3,000-meter runway (15/33) is capable of handling a wide variety of aircraft, from regional jets to large international wide-body planes, connecting the heart of Saudi Arabia to major hubs across the Middle East and beyond.