At daa International, we believe that the future of sustainable and standardized aviation is being set today. As a subsidiary of the daa Group, we are driven by a singular mission: to deliver world-class airport management, advisory and investment services that transform airports into global benchmarks of excellence.

With our headquarters at Dublin Airport, Ireland, and a commercial branch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, our influence spans continents, reflecting our commitment to advancing the aviation industry on a global scale.

Our global footprint and local expertise

Our journey is one of continuous growth and expansion. Leveraging the extensive experience of the wider daa Group, we have successfully extended our services across the globe, from the Middle East to Asia–Pacific, and from Europe to North America.

The establishment of a full commercial branch in Saudi Arabia underscores the strategic importance of the Middle East to our business. This move not only strengthens our ability to serve clients in the region but also positions us to lead in one of the world’s most dynamic aviation markets.

At daa International, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Our offerings include operational and maintenance consultancy, IT diagnostics, strategic procurement and peer reviews, among others.

Whether it’s advising on day-to-day operations or developing long-term strategic plans, we bring a deep understanding of local market dynamics combined with global best practices.

Leading through knowledge sharing and development

One of the core pillars of our success is our unwavering commitment to knowledge sharing and leadership development. We understand that the future of aviation depends on nurturing the next generation of leaders. That’s why we have developed bespoke training programs designed to equip aviation professionals with the skills and insights they need to excel.

These programs often include immersive visits to our two European international airports in Dublin and Cork, offering participants a unique opportunity to learn from over 85 years of operational expertise.

Through these initiatives, we are not just transferring knowledge; we are growing a sustainable global community of aviation leaders who are equipped to drive innovation and excellence in their respective regions and, most importantly, develop a culture of knowledge sharing within their airports.

Our passion and dedication to leadership development positions us at the forefront of shaping the future of aviation, particularly in the Gulf region and beyond.

Expanding our reach: A growing global presence

In 2019, we continued to expand our global footprint, forging new partnerships in Australia, Singapore, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia. These projects span a wide array of critical airport management functions, from operational consultancy to strategic oversight, reflecting the trust that leading airports around the world place in our expertise.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the opportunities emerging in regions such as the Gulf, Asia–Pacific, North America and the Caribbean. We see each new partnership as a step forward in our mission to set new standards of excellence in airport management.

Milestones in Saudi Arabia, landmark projects

Our impact is perhaps most evident in Saudi Arabia, where we have been entrusted with several high-profile projects that underscore our expertise and reliability. Our journey in Saudi Arabia began in 2015, when we won our first airport management contract for Terminal 5 at King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) in Riyadh.

Operating on behalf of Riyadh Airports Company, we developed a passenger-centric operating model for T5 that has since become a benchmark. Our role at KKIA has extended beyond terminal management to include HR consultancy, talent development, concessions procurement and business continuity planning, among other critical functions.

Today, we remain actively involved supporting our partner, Riyadh Airports Company, as they continue to set new standards in airport excellence. In 2020, we were honored to be appointed by Red Sea Global to manage, maintain and operate the Red Sea International Airport (RSI).

This project is particularly significant as it reflects our commitment to sustainability and innovation in airport development. RSI, currently in the first stage of development, welcomed its first passengers in September 2023.

As we move toward the completion of the main terminal by 2025, RSI is set to accommodate one million guests annually, balancing capacity with a deep commitment to minimizing environmental impact. The airport is enjoying continued average seat factor increases month on month, with July seeing a 74 percent increase for Riyadh, 63 percent increase for Jeddah and 29 percent increase for Dubai.

Expanding our role at King Abdulaziz International Airport

Our success in Saudi Arabia was further solidified in 2022 when we were awarded a five-year management contract by Jedco at King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah. As the gateway to Jeddah and the principal entry point for pilgrims traveling to Mecca, KAIA plays a critical role in the Kingdom’s aviation landscape.

Our responsibilities at KAIA and in partnership with Jedco, include operations, commercial activities and facilities management, underscoring our capability to manage large-scale, complex projects in high-stakes environments.

Looking ahead: A vision for the future

At daa International, we are more than just a service provider; we are a trusted partner in progress. As we continue to expand our global presence, we remain committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the aviation industry and always tailored with the flexibility and customization to suit our clients and partner’s needs.

Our vision is to shape the future of global aviation by setting new benchmarks of excellence, developing airport leadership and driving sustainable growth.

As the world navigates an era of continuous change, we at daa International are ready to lead, innovate and inspire. The future of aviation is bright, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this exciting journey.