Kandara Airport

Jeddah International Airport, also known as Abbas Ibn Firnas Airport or Kandara Airport (IATA: XZF ICAO: OEJD) was the first airport of Saudi Arabia located within Al-Kandara and Al-Sharafiya, Jeddah. It was the original airport serving the cities Jeddah and Mecca in the kingdom before the construction of King Abdulaziz International Airport. It operated as a major gateway into Mecca, mainly serving pilgrims during Haji seasons, while also serving scheduled regular flights.

History

Al-Kandara, where the airport was located, was considered the capital of Jeddah. It was a popular place to live, because of its proximity to the airport and a seaport. It also has various facilities like hospitals, administrations and accommodations.

The first aviation events in Jeddah could be traced back to 1936, when there was only a temporary airstrip being used at the time.
On March 18, 1936, an aviation school was first established in Jeddah under the supervision of Italian instructor Captain Chico. Later on in April 19, his Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz visited the school to inspect its activities. In 1937, the Saudi Arabian Aviation Administration was established in Jeddah to oversee aviation operations. It was equipped with six aircraft and a group of military officers.

Early Establishment

Jeddah International Airport's early history roots back in 1939 as a military airstrip, which was known at the time as Jeddah Airport. In 1937, the Saudi government concluded a contract with Britain for the establishment of Jeddah Airport, and the airstrip opened in 1939.

In 1945, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt gifted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a Douglas DC-3, which landed on the airstrip.
Following the donation, several earthen airstrips were established around Saudi Arabia. These airstrips were constructed in Jeddah, Riyadh, Dhahran and Hawiyah in Taif, Hofuf, Buraidah, Jizan, Al-Kharj and Afif. This event marked the first civil aviation event in Saudi Arabia.

A significant moment was marked, when on June 1945, the first international flight was made from Jeddah to Damascus. On September 1945, Saudi Arabian Airlines (now known as Saudia) was established, and by 1946, became a fully government agency of the Ministry of Defense. Its operating base was located in Jeddah Airport. In 1947, an airport business school was opened, and by 1949, a group of aviation students were sent to study in England after training at Al-Houba on English de Havilland Tiger Moths. Jeddah Airport also participated in the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. A year later in 1950, more students were sent to England, and other defenses sent to the United States of America. In 1951, the students graduated and returned to the kingdom to form the Saudi Air Force.

Beginnings of Civil and Military Aviation

By the 1950s, air travel to Mecca quickly became popular, because of how it was time sufficient and required less walking. On average, Jeddah Airport would see 250,000 pilgrims commute through the airport, and the usage of ox-carts, walking, and camels quickly loss popularity.
On October 14, 1952, Jeddah Airport and its facilities was officially inaugurated and opened under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Saud Bin Abdulaziz. Following the inauguration on November 5, the flag of the Air Force was raised over the first flight hangar in the airport, which was reserved for Air Force usage. The ceremony was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense and Aviation. In 1953, the Aéroport De Paris operator begun the construction of infrastructure upgrades and also administered the airport. Afterwards, Air Force schools begun opening in the kingdom, especially the Aviation School which opened in 1953. In the same year, the first civilian air traffic control tower was also built. On January 6, 1954, the Air Force School was opened at the airport.

In 1957, the Saudi Air Force begun major developments in the airport. The first squadrons were established, including the transportation squadron which was equipped with Douglas C-54 Skymasters and Fokker S-13s. The No. 3 Squadron RSAF was also formed with Douglas A-26 Invaders, which was a major component to modernizing the Air Force. The No. 5 Squadron RSAF was also formed, equipped with 20 de Havilland Vampires. In a US report from 1958, Jeddah Airport served as the headquarters for the Royal Saudi Air Force. Jeddah Airport also operated four steel hangars, various shops and could store approximately 65,400 gallons of Avgas. If in an emergency, American McDonnell F-101 Voodoo Fighter jets and the Martin B-57C Canberra were to operate at the airport alongside the Douglas C-54 Skymaster and Douglas C-124 Globemaster II aircraft for military cargo operations.

Accommodations for the Haji

Before the 1950s, arriving Hajj pilgrims stayed in rented residential houses. In 1950, a 5,000 person facility near the seaport was built, and in 1953-54, a 2,000 person facility was constructed south of the city.
In 1958, the Al Ain Azizia administration rushed the construction of the third city, which was made to accommodate the rising number of African hajj pilgrims. The third city was located in the airport, beside the air traffic control tower and hangars. Following the decision, five buildings with three floors at an estimated area of 9652 square metres were built, which could accommodate 2000 pilgrims. This project also included the construction of Pilgrim's Town Square, the entrance to the accommodations and airport. From day and night, hundreds of pilgrims of diverse ethnicities passed through these accommodations.

The dormitories housed 10-36 people per room, accommodated with communal bathrooms. These buildings were designed to minimize social distinctions, and open-air latticework allowed airflow and sound circulation. Large undivided balconies were also built, which encouraged social interaction. There also was a simple, repetitive architecture which reflected the unity of the Haji, which emphasized the egalitarian spirit of pilgrimage. These pilgrims could stay days within the accommodations until departure to Mecca, which had offices for pilgrimage guides, health, and passport services. Shops, restaurants, banks, a mosque, and government agencies were also serviced within the compound.

Rising Congestion

In 1959, the Aircraft Maintenance Department was established by Saudi Arabian Airlines. It operated an aircraft engine maintenance center in the airport.
In the 1960s, the construction of Al Hagon Bridge of the Jeddah Internal Ways Project was awarded to The Arab Contractors, Osman Ahmed Osman & Co. The bridge was completed in 1963 and connected Mekka to Jeddah Airport via a series of internal roads, having cost 10,500,000 million Saudi Arabian riyals. By 1964, the control tower had received significant upgrades with 2 floors, including additional tower height.
During the 1970s, squadrons No. 4 Squadron RSAF, No. 16 Squadron RSAF, and No. 20 under the 8 Wing were established and based at Jeddah Airport. By the 1970s, runway 15L/33R was constructed parallel to the pre-existing runway. By this time, the old E/W cross-runway had closed. In 1973, these international airlines served Kandara Airport: Air Algérie, Balkan Bulgarian Airlines, JAT Yugoslav Airlines, Ceskoslovenske Aerolinie (CSA), Ariana Afghan Airlines, Air Afrique, Air Guinée, Afghan Airlines, and Iraqi Airways. In the same year, the administration realized the numbers were increasing, so they rushed the construction of an additional 8 new buildings with an area of 65,935 square metres, able to accommodate 10,000 pilgrims in total. The construction also included an additional transit hall to the airport.

Downfall

By the 1970s, the rapid growth in air transportation, especially with the increase of pilgrims and Umrah performers had exceeded the capacity of the airport. In 1974, Saudi Arabian authorities begun the construction of a new airport north of Jeddah, which had more room for expansion.
In 1975, the first approach radar was also installed on the runways. In 1979, the third city was upgraded to accommodate 30,000 pilgrims arriving from the airport, including sped up arrival procedures and measures. On 16 January 1979, the airport and the city faced 3 inches of rain in an hour, which led to flooding. On 17 January, the weather report was canceled due to the weather conditions of the airport, and that forecasts were obtained through offices there. Air France had a facility at Jeddah International Airport for its international operations.

Closure

Jeddah International Airport was located in the neighborhood of Al-Kandara, close to the city center of Jeddah. This proximity hindered the airport's capabilities to expand infrastructure. Due to the airport's deficient capacity, it experienced heavy congestion during Hajj seasons peaking 600 aircraft movements daily by 1978.

On 18 July, 1980, the King Abdulaziz University announced the construction of a new 800-bed hospital on the airport land to begin in 1985, expected to cost $845 million.
On 1 April, 1981, King Abdulaziz International Airport was inaugurated, and opened in May 31, and Jeddah International Airport was shortly closed afterwards. It was given the ICAO code OEJN, which stood for “Jeddah New”. All operations were relocated to the airport, and the Aircraft Maintenance Department moved to the new airport’s hangars and workshops. The site of the former airport was to be redeveloped into housing.

Aftermath

Shortly after closure, a highway was quickly built across the former runways, with its tarmac laid through the old aircraft boneyard. Declassified satellite imagery dated to 1983 depicts that the runways were not demolished. According to Google Earth imagery from 2000, faded runway markings of runway 15R/33L remained. The markings showed the runway’s length was 9,848ft. Also, the original markings of runway 15/33, which by the time the airport closed was part of the apron, was also found.

In 2006, a proposal was made to construct an aviation museum in the former main headquarters building of the airport near the Al-Sharafiah district. The museum would chronicle the history of the Kingdom’s aviation, along with old photos, documents and models to display. On 7 February, 2006, the initiative was approved by Mayor Adel Faqeeh, and initial studies were completed. The area of the museum was to be fenced for construction. Before the planning of the museum, the former control tower was demolished, which could’ve been more authentic if preserved for the museum according to head of the General Administration of Tourism, Sami Nawwar. However, a recreation of the control tower was to be built using the same architecture aspects according to the mayor.

According to Google Earth imagery from 2008-2009, Jeddah International Airport’s two original hangars, dating from the airport’s establishment had been demolished. There was a mass deportation center for overstaying pilgrims, which was located adjacent to the Haji accommodations. In 2014, it was moved to Shumaisi near Mecca and subsequently demolished. In the same year, the old Saudia ticket sales office was demolished, showing that the once busy past was gone.
Currently on imagery dating 2024, only three hangars and smaller support facilities are still remaining, with all of the runways being demolished.

Jeddah Air Base

Jeddah Air Base was opened on November 5, 1952, after the flag of the RSAF was raised. Two steel hangars at the time were reserved for the Air Force. In 1981, the 8th Wing of the RSAF was stationed in Jeddah Air Base, and operated their C-130 Hercules aircraft. The Pakistan Air Force’s Dassault Mirage III aircraft transited through the airfield on delivery flights, and Republic of Singapore Air Force Lockheed T-33 aircraft also passed through for delivery flights. The facility also saw frequent French Air Force Transall C-160 flights from Djibouti. It also operated the 8 wing of the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) and its Lockheed C-130 Hercules.

Units

The following units based at Jeddah Air Base.
* No. 1 Squadron RSAF, 1954, equipped with Douglas C-54 Skymasters and Fokker S-13s
* No. 2 Squadron RSAF, 1954
* No. 3 Squadron RSAF, 1955 - 1964, equipped with B-26 bombers and 8 Douglas A-26B Invaders
* No. 4 Squadron RSAF, 1957
* No. 5 Squadron RSAF, 1957, equipped with 20 de Havilland Vampires
* No. 4 Squadron RSAF, 8th Wing, 1970s, equipped with C-130s
* No. 16 Squadron RSAF, 8th Wing, 1970s, equipped with C-130s
* No. 20 Squadron RSAF, 8th Wing, 1970s, equipped with C-130s

Aircraft boneyard

Located just outside of Jeddah International Airport was an aircraft boneyard, established shortly before the airport closed. Aircraft such as the Douglas A-26 Invader, North American T-28 Trojan, Douglas C-54 Skymaster and the Beechcraft T-34 Mentor have been decommissioned and dumped here. In 1953, ten Temco T-35 Buckaroos armed with rockets and machine guns were delivered to Jeddah Air Base. After retirement, they were stored to the edge of the airport facing deterioration. In the 1980s, these T-35 Buckaroos were dug out and salvaged to be restored, and a C-130 was donated to fly the parts to Dobbins Air Reserve Base.

Accidents & incidents

* On 25 September, 1959, a Saudi Arabian Airlines DC-4 registered as HZ-AAF departed from Jeddah International Airport and was headed to Riyadh International Airport. After taking off, the plane climbed abnormally high. Flight crew attempted to push the control column forward, so full forward trim and a power reduction were used to avert a stall, however, the aircraft stalled at a 90 degree angle. Unable to return to the runway, the DC-4 belly-landed near the airport. There were no fatalities out of its 72 occupants.

* On 7 January 1972, a Saudi Arabian Airlines Convair CV-340-68B registered as HZ-AAU departed from Jeddah International Airport. However, its 1st engine suffered from engine failure, prompting an emergency approach to runway 33L. On final approach, its flaps were stuck on 17 degrees. It’s 1st engine was on reverse, and the aircraft skid off the left side of the runway during a rollout. The nosegear struck an asphalt mound and collapsed. The cause was that the pilot was unaware of hydraulic system failure. No fatalities were reported out of its 15 occupants. HZ-AAU was written off due to the extent of the damages.

* On 9 December, 1974, an Ilyushin Il-18D registered as YR-IMK was leased by EgyptAir and departed from Jeddah International Airport at 19:05 on a repositioning flight to Cairo. Shortly after takeoff, the plane lost radar and radio contact with the airport. Jeddah continued attempts to make radio contact with YR-IMK, and asked nearby planes in the area to also contact YR-IMK. However, it disappeared into the Red Sea. It killed all 6 occupants. A search conducted by the Coast Guard and Royal Saudi Air Force commenced. Three witnesses were found by a helicopter crew, and reported that the plane turned sharply whilst in flames, before plunging into the sea. After search operations on 11 December 1974, only a cooler door, an oxygen mask, scraps of cloth and a sponge from a seat were found in the Red Sea. Authorities were unable to precisely locate the aircraft. On 23 November, 1990, it was concluded the cause of crash was likely caused either by an on-board explosion or a mid-air collision with debris.

Layout

Before the 1960s, the airport originally had two asphalt runways 15/33 9,200 feet long and 150 feet wide (1048 and 46 m) E/W 6,000 feet long and 150 feet wide (1828 and 46 m). In the 1970s, a second runway was constructed alongside runway 15/33, and a third runway in 1979. The original runway of 15/33 was merged into the apron to expand space.

Etymology

The nickname was derived from the neighbourhood of Al-Kandara. Experts claim that it was named after Sheikh Muhammad Bin Omrah Al-Kenaidri, the tribal chief of Al-Kandarah tribe who lived in the area during the 1940s. Other claims included that the word comes from the Turkish word for shoes, or the Turkish word for bloodbath.

In popular culture

* In 1980, British Docudrama Death of a Princess was filmed here to re-enact the airport scene.

Further reading

Video of Kandara Airport, 1973.

See also

* Darin Airport, Saudi Arabia’s first military airstrip.
* King Abdulaziz International Airport

References

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1952 establishments in Saudi Arabia
Airports in Saudi Arabia
Airports established in 1939
Defunct airports
Airports disestablished in 1981