{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Airport",
  "address": {
    "@type": "PostalAddress",
    "addressCountry": "Saudi Arabia",
    "addressLocality": "Buraidah"
  },
  "airlines": [
    "Various regional carriers"
  ],
  "amenityFeature": [
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "45 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to International Connection Time",
      "value": "90 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "90 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to International Connection Time",
      "value": "120 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Interline Connection Time",
      "value": "0 minutes"
    }
  ],
  "city": "Buraidah",
  "code": "ELQ",
  "comparison_tool_link": "/compare/ELQ",
  "connection_tips": "Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz International Airport (ELQ), commonly known as Gassim Airport, serves as the premier aviation gateway to the Al-Qassim Province, the agricultural heartland of Saudi Arabia. For travelers, a major advantage of ELQ is its modern, unified terminal building, which seamlessly handles both domestic and expanding international operations\u2014meaning no inter-terminal shuttles are required for transfers. If you are connecting between domestic flights on Saudia or flyadeal and international services to regional hubs like Cairo, Dubai, or Doha, it is highly recommended to allow a minimum of 2.5 to 3 hours to comfortably clear immigration and security.\n\nThe airport is located approximately 30 kilometers west of the Buraidah city center, and the most reliable ground transportation is via authorized taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem, which are active in the region. For premium travelers, ELQ features a dedicated VIP Terminal and 'Meet & Greet' services that provide expedited processing and private lounges. Within the main terminal, passengers have access to various dining options, including local Arabian coffee shops and international fast-food brands, alongside prayer rooms and high-speed Wi-Fi.\n\nIt is important to note that the airport can become exceptionally busy during the Hajj and Umrah seasons, so arriving early during these windows is essential. Always monitor your flight status via official airline apps, as the airport is a critical node for regional business and religious tourism. ELQ remains a professional and high-quality entry point into the culturally rich Najd region.",
  "country": "Saudi Arabia",
  "flag_url": "https://flagcdn.com/w320/sa.png",
  "flight_search_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=SAR",
  "frequent_traveler_tip": [
    "Use the Hayyak Lounge if your ticket or status includes lounge access.",
    "Careem or Uber are the easiest rides into Buraidah from ELQ.",
    "Allow three hours for international flights during Hajj and Umrah peaks.",
    "Self-check-in kiosks can save time on busy domestic departures.",
    "Try local dates and Arabic coffee if you have time before departure."
  ],
  "global_map_link": "https://www.google.com/maps?q=Gassim+Airport",
  "google_maps_reviews": {
    "rating": 0.0,
    "recent_reviews": [],
    "total_reviews": 0
  },
  "hotel_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=SAR",
  "iataCode": "ELQ",
  "icao": "OEGS",
  "international": true,
  "last_modified": "May 2026",
  "last_updated": "2026-03-29",
  "latitude": 26.3027992249,
  "layover_planner_info": "Consider local transport options for layovers.",
  "longitude": 43.7743988037,
  "mct_domestic_to_domestic": 45,
  "mct_domestic_to_international": 90,
  "mct_interline": 110,
  "mct_international_to_domestic": 90,
  "mct_international_to_international": 120,
  "missed_connection_help": "Contact your airline's service desk for assistance.",
  "name": "Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz International Airport",
  "region": "Asia",
  "related_airports": [
    {
      "code": "DWD",
      "name": "King Salman Abdulaziz Airport"
    },
    {
      "code": "HAS",
      "name": "Ha'il Airport"
    }
  ],
  "terminal_info": "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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nTechnological 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.",
  "terminal_map_url": "https://skyvector.com/airport/OEGS/Gassim-Airport"
}